Family Life

11.13.09 | FL News Team

Some "elves" are prepared to do work on behalf of a man with a white beard this holiday season. But instead of a workshop at the North Pole, these workers are in West Virginia where they labor for Uncle Sam rather than Santa Claus. They are ready to open envelopes from taxpayers containing checks that are gifts to the federal government. The Treasury Department uses the funds to help pay down the nation debt --- really.

If you think Uncle Sam is pulling your leg on this, you're wrong. The U.S. Treasury Department actually accepts gifts, payable to the Bureau of the Public Debt located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Last year, a little over three-million-dollars was collected, and some of the checks included notes. Reasons for the donations include patriotism and immigrants expressing their thanks to the U. S. for giving them an opportunity.