Ready to accept letters to Santa is the special North Pole mailbox outside Winona Lake Town Hall. Kids may receive handwritten replies when they submit a letter through Dec. 7. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — COVID-19 may have spoiled some Christmas events this year, but area kids still have a chance to connect with Santa.

Winona Lake is having a Letters To Santa event this year. That’s due to COVID-19 restrictions causing KringleFest to be canceled.

Winona Lake Park Director Holly Hummitch said park board member Kristie Maiers came up with the idea.

“We want to definitely keep the community involved,” Hummitch said of the alternate event. “Anything we can do to spread joy.”

Parents may find forms for the letters outside Winona Lake Town Hall or at the town’s website www.winonalake.net. Letters don’t have to actually be submitted on the forms, but should utilize the information on them.

Letters may mailed back to the address provided or dropped off in the special North Pole mailbox outside town hall. The mailbox will be outside town hall 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be outside town hall from noon-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28.

The deadline for letter submission is Dec. 7. That allows for all letters to get a handwritten response. Kids don’t have to live in Winona Lake to participate.

Hummitch added she could see this continuing in coming years even when KringleFest is able to happen.

For more information, people may email Hummitch at [email protected].