A postal worker who gives up her own time at Christmas to answer children's letters addressed to the North Pole was left in tears after reading one nine-year-old boy's wish list.

Melissa Stinsman, who works as a mail carrier for the Bloomsburg Post office in Pennsylvania, spends four hours every night after her shift replying to letters for Father Christmas at home.

"I usually tell the kids to keep up their grades and to listen to their parents," the 26-year-old told Yahoo . "One asked for a science kit so I told him that one day he could become a scientist."

Last week, Melissa opened a Christmas list with eight requests, including a phone, toys and a trampoline.

At the bottom, a note was added to say: "Dear Santa, I am going to star the top three items I really want."

Two of the stars were drawn next to 'food for family' and clothing for family', leaving Melissa broken-hearted.

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The envelop also included two letters; one from the same little boy, which read: "Dear Santa, last year you didn’t notice me, so I hope this year you notice me, and this year I will be good. I pinkie promise."

The other was a list from his five-year-old brother.

Melissa said the note brought her to tears and she immediately decided to try and help.

Using the boy's full name, she asked around to find the postal carrier who recognised him and could point out where they lived.

Having initially planned to gift them a $50 gift card, she appealed for help and the post office was soon swamped in donations of plenty more gift cards, toys and clothing, as well as raising about $500 in cash to help the family.

Before Christmas, Melissa knocked on the family's door and said: "Hi, this sounds weird but I work for the post office and I got your son's letter.

"I'd like to help you guys this year."

The gift cards were handed over to allow them to bring in everything they needed ahead of the big day, and Melissa planned to take over toys and other donations on Christmas Eve so the boys would wake up to see their wishes had been answered.

Melissa is now set on making the brilliant gesture a Christmas tradition in the community.

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