By Greg Ellison

(Sept. 30, 2021) One decade after launching “Letters From Santa,” former Ocean Pines Director Of Aquatics Colby Phillips’ Christmas-greeting campaign soldiers on, with community support sought to expand the mailer to include a storybook this season.

“Last year over 1,000 letters were mailed,” said Phillips, who now serves as senior general manager of the Captains Cove recreational community in Greenbackville, Virginia.

After earlier coordinating with Santa to send letters to her own children, Philips later decided to offer the option to the larger community.

“Ten years ago, I started sending letters to children locally from Santa to try to spread Christmas joy,” she said. “Each year as the distribution list grew, several community members contributed stamps, paper and other needs to help fund this.”

To help fuel the tradition, original characters were developed, including Santa’s latest reindeer Peppermint.

“I heard several times how much the children enjoyed following Peppermint’s journey,” she said.

In 2019, Christmas letters from Santa was broadened to include correspondence for adults. This year, Phillips is looking to add another wrinkle with a 12-page booklet including a Yuletide tale that doubles as a coloring book.

“My hope is to not have to charge anyone for the coloring book being mailed, as the letters have always been free,” she said.

To that end, Phillips is requesting financial support to cover production.

“I am reaching out because there will be a larger cost this year associated with sending the coloring book,” she said.

Phillips worked with Thom Gulyas and Emily Davis at ACE Printing & Mailing on the seasonal book project.

“The coloring book shares the story of Peppermint, along with a personalized message to each child, as well as a few messages received to Santa from local children,” she said.

Phillips said any excess funds would be directed to Worcester County Youth & Family Services.

“Your name or … business will be included in several social media posts unless otherwise specified,” she said.

For more information email Santaphillips@yahoo.com

Donate through Venmo: @santaphillips 410-251-3500 or mail Santa Phillips C/O ACE Printing, 10026 Old Ocean City Blvd. Suite 3 Berlin, Maryland 21811.