Hundreds of kids in Chico have been writing letters to Santa, and he’s been writing them back. That’s thanks to a little help from some downtown businesses.
The letters are dropped off in mailboxes at six businesses downtown. From there, the letters get picked up and delivered by one of Santa’s elves, directly to the big guy himself.
Anika Burke, the owner of a clothing store by the same name and one of the participating businesses, said the idea behind the mailboxes was to create community spirit during the holidays.
“It wasn't to drive traffic,” Burke said. “It was literally just to have something to give back to the kids that cost parents absolutely no money and that they could experience a little bit of magic this Christmas.”
The project was started by the founder of Chico Children’s Museum to bring a little magic downtown.
The museum’s creative director, Jessica Melear D Amico, said the goal was to bring the community together.
“If we're all collaborating — these small businesses — to make something special for the community and our kids, I mean, that's exactly what we need,” Mealar D Amico said.
Kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the following locations until Tuesday, Dec. 19.
Anika Burke
211 Main St.
Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Chico Children’s Museum
325 Main St.
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chico Paper Company
345 Broadway St.
Monday, noon to 4 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Collier Hardware
105 Broadway St.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Magna Carta
113 W. 2nd St.
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Pedder’s Closest
177 E 3rd St.
Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.