In South Richmond, an elf husky named Saber has a direct line for letters to Santa
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Saber, the elf/husky. Image: Courtesy of reader John D.
Woodland Heights resident Emily McMillen, the woman behind the South Richmond Tiny Porch Concerts series, is once again bringing joy to her neighborhood — this time through an elf husky named Saber.
Driving the news: McMillen set up a mailbox over the weekend in front of her 29th Street home for letters to Santa, delivered by the goodest elf in all the land, Saber.
Why it matters: At Saber's house, Santa responds — usually within 24 hours, McMillen tells Axios. (But his response time going forward may depend on McMillen's commuting traffic.)
The big picture: Saber, according to the story attached to his statued figure, relocated from the North Pole to Southside this Christmas season to deliver locals' letters directly to the big man himself.
- He asks the kids of Woodland Heights to think about all the good things they did this year, like when they made someone smile or were kind, and then write to Santa with their gift wishlist.
- Saber even has a stock of festive stationary and envelopes so the kids can write to Santa on the spot.
- Once they post their letter, Saber promises to deliver it immediately — and asks kids to check back in a few days for any Santa replies, "with a special treat from the North Pole," McMillen says.
McMillen said she was inspired by a similar setup that The Oregon Hill Christmas House has been doing for over a decade.
- The Southside box setup was first reported by South Richmond News.
What they're saying: "Quiet neighborhoods are dead neighborhoods — walking the streets and connecting with neighbors keeps us vibrant," McMillen tells Axios.