Jasper, the roving Eastsound Associated Press reporter interviews Ruby the Elf on the new Santa Mailbox in Eastsound.

Jasper: Hi, Ruby. We’ve gotten wind about a new Christmas activity that the kids can get involved in. We hear that there is a mailbox that is taking letters written for Santa. Can you tell us about it?

Ruby: Sure! We were concerned about such a tough year and we wanted to make it easy for the kids of Orcas Island to reach Santa and Mrs. Claus! It’s simple: the children need to write a letter to Santa asking for 1 or 2 things. They put their note in an envelope, tape the envelope shut and clearly write their return address on the upper left corner. It may help if an adult does this part. They don’t need a stamp. Just drop the letter in the bright red mailbox marked LETTERS FOR SANTA in the middle of the labyrinth next to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Eastsound next to the water, 242 Main Street. The mailbox will be available during the day and early evenings unless the weather isn’t cooperative. Each letter will receive a written response from the North Pole by the holiday!

Jasper: Tell us a little bit about what you do and a little bit about the behind-the-scenes action.

Ruby: I’ve been the chief logistics elf for Santa’s letters for 43 years now and I’ve never lost of child’s letter! My nickname is Rosy the Riveter because I turned the letter operation into a tight assembly process many years ago to ensure a tight ship. We elves are trained in a high tech operation!

Jasper: Just in time, SAP, blockchain methods?

Ruby: Well, sure … we have the best software elves around and nothing can penetrate our NorthStar systems. That’s easy! As elves, we get trained from a young age in the high-tech world of the heart, the head, and the hands. When we listen to one another-or read letters from the children-we feel through our hearts first before thinking it through our minds. Only then do we decide upon the best course of action-using our hands. This is a top secret process.

Jasper: Wow. That sounds terrific! What was different about this year?

Ruby: In March we begin the ramp up of the new season. Santa always gives us a speech and overview of what is coming down the lane. He said this was going to be a challenging year, and that our hearts would need work harder this year. And then he gave us this year’s motto.

Jasper: And what was that?

Ruby: He said, “Expect the Unexpected.” Boy, was he right! Santa never steers us wrong.

Jasper: He sure was spot on. Where can people ask questions or get more information on this?

Ruby: They can call Emmanuel Episcopal Church who are our land sponsors. Their number is 360-376-2352. I’m on the road a lot but they can get a message to me and I’ll be sure to follow up.

Jasper: One last question, Ruby. Can kids from the other island participate too?

Ruby: Of course! No child is left behind. Just drop the letter in over the new few weeks. Jingle bells all the way!