Two nature centers in Arlington are collecting letters to Santa Claus along with food donations this holiday season.
Both the Gulf Branch Nature Center (3608 Military Road) and the Long Branch Nature Center (625 S. Carlin Springs Road) are collecting Santa letters through Dec. 24.
To receive a reply from Saint Nick himself, letter writers are advised to send postcards by Dec. 14 and include a return address.
The sites are also collecting donations for families in need.
“In the spirit of giving, please also bring any canned food items for the Arlington Food Assistance Center and place them in the labeled box next to the Santa mailbox,” a county webpage says.
The Gulf Branch Nature Center began collecting letters back in 2020 in lieu of an in-person visit from Santa Claus. This year, the county’s two letterboxes have received around 500 postcards, Kacey Roberts, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation, told ARLnow.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see children across the community include us in their holiday celebrations and we’re grateful to help bring a little extra joy to the season,” she said.
