The Hillside Special Santas Program of Hillside Family of Agencies (HFA), benefits children and families served by Crestwood Children’s Center, Hillside Children's Center, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection and Snell Farms Children’s Center.

Some children and their families served by HFA do not have the resources for gifts at holiday time. The goal of Hillside Special Santas is to try to give each child in the family three gifts, and the family a modest gift food card to help make ends meet.

This is done child by child, family by family thanks to very generous families in the community who add a child to their shopping list, take on a family at their office or church, or contact us to find the greatest needs of the families. Families, office groups, churches, student groups and classes come together to become “Special Santas” as part of their own holiday celebration.

This year, we expect to have more than 4,000 families referred to Hillside Special Santas, necessitating that we serve approximately 5,900 individuals. Many, if not most of these are adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age.

The greatest joys of Hillside Special Santas are in the hearts of children and families who awaken on their special holiday to their very own gifts. Donors tell us that nothing makes them feel the true joy of the holidays more than being a Hillside Special Santa. This is a fun project for families, office and church groups as well as teens and children who find helping another person their own age most meaningful.

Follow our reindeer to our virtual headquarters where you can learn much more. Our list of gifts most needed is a great resource for letting you know our most current areas of need. Those of you who would prefer not to shop can make a cash donation to be used for family food cards or gifts still needed in our final days, particularly for children coming to us at holiday time.

Another option is gift cards, which we all know is one of the most popular gifts for all ages, particularly for popular stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and teen stores such as the Gap.

If you prefer to call, our Hillside Special Santas at (585).256.7543, (315) 258-2191 or (716) 848-6416.

There are so many ways to be a Hillside Special Santa. You can choose how.

Giving is unbelievably easy!

Select a gift from our list of most needed requests then check out our many locations to drop off gifts

Click "Donate Online" to make a cash donation on our secure online donation form. Designate Hillside Special Santas as your giving option.

You can both shop and make a cash donation with our Virtual Hillside Special Santa Store. Choose one or more of the items we need the most, and we will do the shopping for you.

Click "Donate Online" or try our Special Santa Personal Shopper.

Hillside Special Santas gift requests are included within all Target Stores Gift Registry under the Baby section to assist you with shopping choices.

Target Gift Registry System

Gifts can be purchased at any of the Target stores. The registry can be accessed either online at www.target.com or at the computerized gift registry kiosk located near “Guest Services.” If you cannot find the kiosk, please ask them for assistance.

To use the gift registry in the store, touch the screen (anywhere) to begin. Next, touch the baby picture, then

Touch English

Touch Find Gift List,

Choose Search by Mother

(mom’s name is Special Santas, so)

Touch S then P, then touch Next

Touch S then A, then touch Next

Touch N

Touch New York

Touch Print list on “Special Santas” line

Once you decide what you’d like to purchase

Circle the item on the printed registry
Indicate if more than one of that item is to be purchased
Give the list to the cashier at the checkout counter so that our Special Santa registry can be updated

Buffalo area 716.848.6416

Rochester 585.256.7630

Syracuse 315.258.2191

Where to deliver gifts? Note dates & times open. Please, we can only accept new items in this program. Click on area closest to you for more information about our local supporters, directions, hours, or events.

Mailing a gift? If you are mailing a gift, please send to the Rochester address, clearly marking: