WiiConnect24

WiiConnect24 is a Wii-only feature that allows the Wii console to be connected to the internet (and Nintendo) all the time, even in stand-by mode. It is what allows Distributed Items in to be downloaded and given to the player in-game, by Pete, Wendell, or other Special residents.

Activating WiiConnect24
WiiConnect24 needs activating on both the Nintendo Console and the Animal Crossing: City Folk game. This is done by doing the following:

Wii System Settings
Firstly, choose Wii Options which is located at the bottom-left of the Wii Menu screen.

Once in the Wii Options menu, go to Wii Settings. Once in the Wii Settings menu, go to page two which has WiiConect24 at the bottom.

You may be asked to enter a 4-digit password, which either you or the Wii owner knows.

Once you have entered the password and have entered the menu, go to WiiConnect24 and select On.

You are now connected to the internet, and will receive messages from Nintendo on the Message Board. You will not get letters in City Folk quite yet though, the settings still need to be applied in-game.

In-Game
Once you have loaded the game, go to the phone in the attic of your house and pick it up. Rover will start talking to you. Select WiiConnect24. He will then tell you the settings. If it isn't already on, select Turn it on. If not, then select Keep them on! Nintendo can now send you Distributed Items.