Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • December 18, 2013 Allendale Borough post office now accepting letters to Santa Postmaster Melanie Matthews has announced that the Allendale Post Office is participating in the U.S. Postal Service’s 2013 Letters to Santa program for the holi- days. The program matches volunteers with letters written to Santa from needy chil- dren and families. Customers, charitable organizations, postal employees, and local businesspeople can visit the post office at 2 Myrtle Avenue in Allendale through Dec. 20 to adopt a letter and help Santa fulfill some holiday wishes. In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized postmasters to allow individuals or institutions to use letters addressed to “Santa Claus” for philan- thropic purposes. In the 1940s, mail volume for Santa increased so much that the U.S. Postal Service invited charitable organiza- tions and corporations to participate by pro- viding written responses and small gifts. In its 101 st year, many children and families in need have benefited from the kindness of (continued on page 31) A beautiful sight The Allendale Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee recently ‘spruced’ up the borough by adding Alberta spruces, fresh evergreen boughs, and holiday decorations to the planters located around Allendale. The committee is headed by Ed Kalpagian. Bruce Rohsler of Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Mark Borst of Borst Landscape led the planting effort. The Chamber is still looking for sponsors for several of the planters.