by Journey, age 9 from Hershey, Pennsylvania, asks Santa about the Easter Bunny, the town’s chocolate factory, and its founder’s generosity.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am nine years old. I live in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where my grandpa says the whole town smells like chocolate on certain days of the week.
Dear Journey, a town that smells like chocolate deserves a very delicious, appreciative flyover, your grandpa picked a truly sweet hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa Easter Bunny? My little sister wonders if you two ever team up for a combined holiday.
The Easter Bunny and I do share a friendly wave now and then, Journey, both of us tied to seasons of hope and giving. Tell your little sister we mostly stick to our own holidays, though our spirits often feel quite similar.
My grandpa says Hershey grew up around one big chocolate factory. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, your whole town grew around that famous chocolate factory, shaping its name and identity. I always enjoy that sweet, cheerful landscape flying in to visit you.
My grandpa says the founder of the chocolate company built the whole town for his workers. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the founder built homes, schools, and parks for the workers and their families. That kind of generous, community-minded spirit is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Hershberger
Hershey, Pennsylvania
P.S. Will you tell the Easter Bunny I said hello?
Already passed along, Journey, he sends his warmest wishes right back.
