Correios Launches Annual Christmas Charity Campaign for Vulnerable Children
Brazil's postal service aims to fulfill thousands of holiday gift requests nationwide.
1Campaign Momentum and Goals
The Correios Christmas campaign is currently active across Brazil, with over 100,000 letters already submitted for the 2026 season. Following the successful adoption of 305,000 letters in 2025, the organization has set an ambitious target to fulfill 100% of the requests received from children in vulnerable situations this year.
2Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Participation is restricted to children in vulnerable circumstances and students attending public schools up to the 5th grade of elementary education. Each child must submit a handwritten letter detailing their holiday wishes. These letters undergo a formal selection process based on specific campaign criteria before being made available for public adoption.
3Digital and Physical Participation
Donors can browse letters through the official Blog Noel or visit designated physical adoption points. The platform allows users to filter requests by the child's age and the type of gift requested, ranging from toys like bicycles and dolls to essential school supplies, ensuring a personalized approach to the charitable donations.
4Logistics of Gift Delivery
Once a donor selects a letter, they are responsible for purchasing, wrapping, and labeling the gift. The package must then be delivered to a participating Correios branch. Detailed information regarding specific locations, operational hours, and state-by-state deadlines is centralized on the official campaign blog to streamline the logistics for participants.
5Submission Deadlines and Requirements
The general deadline for submitting letters is November 30, though regional variations exist. For instance, the Greater São Paulo area requires submissions by November 13. Applicants must provide the child's CPF number during the registration process, and letters can be submitted either in person at branches or scanned for digital upload.
6Historical Origins of Initiative
The program originated in 1989 when postal employees began responding to letters addressed to Santa Claus that lacked proper postage or destinations. Initially an informal internal effort, the initiative grew significantly as staff members personally funded gifts for children, eventually leading to the formalization of the project as a national campaign.
7Expansion to Public Participation
Recognizing the growing volume of requests, the Correios officially opened the campaign to the general public in 1997. This strategic shift allowed the organization to scale its operations significantly. Since that expansion, the company reports that over 7,000 letters have been successfully adopted by members of the public across the country.
8Social Impact and Legacy
This long-standing tradition serves as a critical bridge between vulnerable communities and the public. By leveraging its extensive logistics network, the postal service transforms simple handwritten notes into tangible holiday support. The campaign remains a cornerstone of the company's social responsibility efforts, maintaining its focus on community engagement and solidarity.