Registration is now open for individuals, businesses and organizations interested in participating in the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa program, which connects people in need with those willing to help make their holiday wishes come true.

According to a news release, prospective adopters can visit USPSOperationSanta.com, select the registration option and complete the required steps. Before participating, all adopters must complete a registration and identity verification process for security purposes. Those who have participated in previous years must complete the verification process again.

The program encourages businesses and organizations to consider forming teams to adopt letters from entire households, helping ensure everyone in a family can experience the joy of the holiday season.

“Every year we receive thousands of letters filled with holiday wishes — often outnumbering available adopters — many letters come from entire households,” Sheila Holman, vice president of marketing for the Postal Service, said in the release. “To help these families, we encourage companies and organizations to form teams to adopt a household together, ensuring everyone in the home can share in the joy of the holidays.”

Approved adopters can begin selecting letters and shopping for gifts Monday, Nov. 16. All gifts must be shipped by Saturday, Dec. 12.

Participation begins with creating an account and completing identity verification through the USPS Operation Santa website. Adopters can then browse available letters and select one or more from individuals or families. Gifts can be purchased independently or through Santa’s Gift Shoppe, an online catalog powered by Toys“R”Us.

The Postal Service is again partnering with Toys“R”Us to offer the online shopping option, which allows adopters to purchase gifts and have them shipped directly to recipients. Those who prefer to shop in person can still send their gifts from participating Post Office locations.

The Postal Service began accepting letters for the 114-year-old holiday tradition Sept. 14. Letters are available to read and adopt at USPSOperationSanta.com, although not every letter is guaranteed to be posted or adopted and fulfilled.

“USPS Operation Santa has been an enduring holiday program for more than a century. Through the generosity of others, the holiday season has been made extra special for thousands of children and families in need,” Holman said.