Couple Receives Hundreds Of Mysterious Santa Letters Every Year, Responds To Every Single One

Back in 2010, Jim Glaub and Dylan Parker began to receive mysterious letters addressed to Santa to their apartment on 22nd Street in Manhattan.

Instead of ignoring them, the couple took it upon themselves to answer each one and spread a little Christmas cheer.

Their act of kindness soon turned into a global movement and the pair now receive hundreds of letters from people around the world each December.

To manage the load, they’ve set up the Facebook page Miracle on 22nd Street, asking members of the public to help them answer the letters so no one is forgotten.

People

No one knows why letters began to appear at the Manhattan apartment and Glaub and Parker no longer live there, having moved to London after their wedding four years ago.

But the pair have arranged for the new occupants to store all letters and one of their friends collects them and scans the images to the couple in the UK.

People

The Miracle on 22nd Street Facebook page now has more than 6,000 members and people from all over the world have helped Glaub and Parker make Christmas wishes come true.

“It’s just so strange. It’s caused this global effort. We’ve had people from Hawaii to Alaska, Germany to London, Nicaragua, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, all helping,” Glaub told People magazine.

“I guess that’s the power of social media. Why would a woman from Abu Dhabi care about some family from Corona, Queens? It’s amazing.”

Parker added: “I think that suggests we are all looking for that connection to something bigger.”

Five Ways You Can Help A Food Bank This Christmas

Donate money(01 of05)

Voluntary donations help food banks keep functioning so they can provide those in need with food parcels.

There are a number of ways you can give financially to support the work of food banks.

If you want to do something specifically for Christmas time, you can make a one-off donation. The Trussell Trust provides information here on how to make a one-off contribution to their food banks or you can check with your local food bank.

To support food banks throughout the year, you can set up regular giving through your bank.

It's also possible to donate regularly using payroll giving, also known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE). Anyone whose pay is taxed through PAYE can donate through payroll giving. Speak to your HR department who will be able to help you set this up. (credit:Tony Hutchings via Getty Images)

Donate food(02 of05)

You can give food in a number of ways:

1. Directly to your local foodbank – find your nearest one here.

2. At collection points in supermarkets across the country.

3. By hosting a collection at your school, church or business for your local foodbank.

If you're unsure what's best to donate, have a look at what is included in a typical food parcel here for ideas.

The Trussell Trust also suggests checking with your local foodbank to see if there are any supplies in particular which they are in need of. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Volunteer at a food bank(03 of05)

More than 40,000 people across the UK volunteered with a food bank in 2015/16, according to the Trussell Trust.

Whether you have a few hours spare or a couple of days a week free, you can practically help a food bank by volunteering your time.

There are a number of different things that volunteers can help with:

1. Help in a warehouse withweighing, sorting and storing donated food before it’s made into parcels.

2. Volunteer in a food bank centre, where you can help with meeting clients and giving out food parcels. Having a chat with clients to discuss their situation and signpost to further support is also an important part of the service.

3. Help organise supermarket collections and encourage people to donate and collect items. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Rethink your presents(04 of05)

Are you the sort of person who replies "oh, I don't know" when asked by friends and family what you want for Christmas?

Why not use the occasion to help out a food bank?

Instead of ending up with another box of bath bombs that you'll never use, ask your loved ones to make a donation to a food bank in lieu of giving you a gift.

They could donate to a specific local bank or to the Trussell Trust here, where they can arrange for you to be sent a card acknowledging the gift. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)

Give other items(05 of05)

Remember that food banks also accept essential non-food items such as toiletries and hygiene products, helping people in crisis.

The Trussell Trust also runs charity shops and recycling centres, which help to fund its work.

Here are some of the items they will welcome:

1. Good quality clothes, shoes, bras, bags, hats and jewellery
2. Bric-a-brac
3. Books, DVDs and CDs (although they are unable to accept video tapes)
4. Toys
5. Working electrical goods (all TVs must be digital compatible)
6. Good quality furniture
7. Unwanted furniture for upcycling.

Poor quality clothing can also be donated for recycling, though they ask that it be marked as 'salvage'. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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