John Duval Gluck

John Duval Gluck Jr. (December 25, 1878 – 1951)[1] was an American philanthropist, customs broker, and con artist who is best known for popularizing the practice of sending and answering letters to Santa Claus in New York City.

[4] The Santa Claus Association, which was founded in December 1913, arose as a result of a policy change by the United States Postal Service.

Volunteers would spend their time reading and organizing letters while donors (often wealthy businesspersons or other members of the social elite) would fund the gift-giving operations.

[7] The organization quickly grew large, receiving thousands of dollars in donations to pay for supplies, postage, and gifts for needy children.

It also collaborated extensively with major politicians like New York Governor Al Smith and United States President Warren Harding as well as celebrities like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.