A few weeks before Christmas, Santa Claus was at home in the North Pole, where it was really cold. He decided to take a little break from the wintery weather before his big delivery day, so he came to Sarasota to take in some warm weather and hang out on the beach. He also swung by the Manasota P&DC to make sure all of the packages and letters were getting processed.
While in Sarasota, Santa heard rumors the Grinch was coming to town, so he beat him to the punch. "We're not going to allow the Grinch to take away Christmas from us," he said. "These employees are way too dedicated for that to happen."
Santa went onto say he keeps in touch with Postal officials during the holiday season, so he always knows what's going on, even from the North Pole.
Mail Processing Clerk Tim Hendley told Santa (aka Plant Manager John McTigue) all he wanted for Christmas this year was an extra paycheck.
Mail Handler Karla Scarbrough was giddy with delight after receiving a candy cane from Santa Claus.
Mail Processing Clerk Lee Scales accepts a candy cane from Santa.
Mail Processing Clerk John Compos hams it up with Santa for the camera.
Mail Handler Michelle Stewart was overjoyed by the surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Manager, Distribution Operations Donald Waiters told Santa that although it was crunch time at the Post Office, he and his team were holiday ready.
Mail Processing Clerk Helen Hendricks felt like a big kid visiting with Santa.
Mail Handler Cheryl Moore poses for a selfie with Santa.
Network Specialist Rachel Gonzalez was all smiles after being told she stayed off the "naughty" list this year.
Supervisor, Distribution Operations Tracey Dang told Santa it's been a very busy holiday season. Since Thanksgiving, Manasota P&DC employees, including Tour 1 Mail Processing Clerk Dan Fisher (left), have processed over 47 million letters and greeting cards.
In-Plant Support Katrina Brown (left) and Mail Handler Brenda Morris jumped at the chance to have their photo taken with Santa.
Mail Processing Clerk Anna Castillo was all smiles while posing for a photo with Santa Claus.
Mail Handler David Sitte greets Santa Claus, who was making rounds in the Florida 2 District to be sure operations at USPS facilities were on schedule.
Mail Processing Clerk Juana Ochoa gladly accepts a sweet treat from the man in red.
Mail Handler Assistant Samuel Castillo accepts a candy case from Santa.
