ELF-HELP SECTION POSTAL WORKERS ANSWER SANTA'S MAIL.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

VALENCIA - The temperatures dip occasionally, but the U.S. Postal Service's processing and distribution center in Valencia could hardly be called frigid. There's simply too many warm feelings inside, especially at this time of the year.

It's not the climbing volume of packages and letters that lifts the spirit; it's the chance to answer one of 10,000 letters received at the hillside facility, addressed simply Santa Claus, North Pole. Here, there's no question that Santa really exists. But a little-known fact is that many times, he wears the uniform of a postal worker.

Stacia Crane, who manages the consumer affairs and claims department for the center, could be called the head elf. Prominently displayed in her office is a sign that reads: ``Dear Santa - Define Good.'' For the past 16 years, she's made sure that all the letters received get answered - some of them with gifts requested, all of them with notes of hope and belief.

The majority of letters are the standard wish lists with some pre- emptive defenses thrown in ``just in case.''

``I hope that you grant my wish because I've been really nice and I'll try really hard to do better at school,'' one child wrote. ``You're the best.''

But about 3 percent are heart-wrenching tomes of selflessness from children wise beyond their years.

``My mom takes care of us, my dad does not want us no more, so my mom loves us twice. She is working two jobs and my grandma takes care of us, if you could get my mom something, she needs it more than me,'' wrote an 8-year-old girl.

Crane is getting help from postal workers who have transferred north for the winter and from dozens of volunteers who come in and take boxes of the letters home to answer. Some volunteers choose to send children gifts or help provide some of the items requested in the letters as well. Deliveries are made anonymously, to preserve the Santa mystique.

``Sometimes you are received with tears and open arms,'' reads a suggestion list for volunteers. ``However you are greeted, just remember why you are doing this, say 'Merry Christmas' and walk away. The joy a child feels when they open a gift from Santa Claus is a feeling that will stay with them forever.''

Most of the 6,000 carriers and clerks assigned to the area craft an answer to a letter or two and several buy gifts with their own money to surprise the writers.

Sylmar letter carrier Elsa Huizar, assigned to the center until January, was surprised to see the other end of the process.

``I've seen the letters come in, but never knew how they got answered,'' she said as she sorted tray after tray of letters by area, pulling out hardship letters and those with no return address. ``It's sad and fun at the same time.''

Huizar also translates letters written in Spanish; language students at College of the Canyons and local high school students offer help as well with the interpretations.

Gloria Henry, who regularly sells postal products at a Sherman Oaks post office, was matching groups or volunteers with letters.

``This is rewarding and touching,'' she said. ``You laugh because they're cute and because they've touched your heart.''

``Ever since the postmaster general gave permission in 1920 for postal workers to help out by answering letters to Santa, we've been answering letters and adopting some of the writers,'' Crane said. ``The big thing is that every child gets a letter back.''

Crane has spent her own money on everything from food to clothing to toys and furniture for needy families who write. She remembered one year when she delivered a futon bed to a family that was sleeping on the floor.

``The little boy had written and the mom was so shocked,'' she said. ``She cried; she just couldn't believe anyone would do this. But it involves everyone from every walk of life.

``I know how it feels inside,'' Crane said, when asked why she does this year after year. ``No one can ever take that away.''

Carol Rock, [phone]

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

HOW TO HELP

Individuals and groups of volunteers are needed to answer letters to Santa Claus received by the U.S. Postal Service distribution center in Valencia. Call Stacia Crane at [phone] to get involved.

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1 -- color) Mail carrier Elsa Huizar opens and sorts letters to Santa Claus at the postal distribution center in Santa Clarita, where postal workers receive thousands of letters each year.

(2) USPS consumer affairs manager Stacia Crane shows one of the letters to Santa received at the Santa Clarita distribution center.

(3 -- 4) Many of the letters arriving at the center, such as those above, are simply addressed to ``Santa Claus, North Pole.'' At right, a worker holds one of the smallest letters ever received.

David Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) HOW TO HELP (see text)

(2) LETTERS TO SANTA