Hillside’s annual Special Santa program has concluded another successful season, with nearly 7,500 toys and gifts collected for more than 3,200 youth and families served by Hillside.
Following the active phase of community donations that closed December 11, Hillside staff and volunteers have been excitedly distributing new and unwrapped gifts to programs in all Hillside regions; with gifts then shared with families to provide to children according to individual customs and preferences.
“It’s been another wonderful Special Santa season, one that wouldn’t be possible with the generosity and support of countless individuals, businesses and organizations who share our commitment to spreading holiday joy,” said Maria Cristalli, President & CEO, noting in particular Presenting Sponsor KeyBank and Silver Sponsor The Bonadio Group.
Additionally, Hillside would like to extend special thanks to the community partners who collected toys and gifts throughout the season with on-site donation boxes, or held special events to spread the word about Special Santa 2023. These include:
- Greater Rochester Region—American Packaging, Avon Rotary/Avon Inn, Barnes & Noble, Barry’s Yoga, Bitter Honey, Branca Midtown, Brighton Securities, Cognivue, Inc., CountryMax, Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, DRT Aerospace, Economy Products & Solutions, EMCOR Services Betlem, First American Equipment Finance, KeyBank, L3Harris, Nocino Bar & Ristorante, Northwest Bank, Paul Davis Restoration, Prentice Wealth Management, Progressive Machine & Design, Rochester General Motors, The Revelry, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Tipping Point Communications, Velvet Belly and Ziggy’s.
- Greater Syracuse Region—Driver’s Village, EMCOR Services Betlem, Evolve Salon & Spa, KeyBank, NYS Department of Transportation and Onondaga Community College.
- Greater Buffalo Region—Candy Lane Day Care Center, CountryMax, Dollar General, KeyBank, LeRoy Ambulance, LeRoy Police and Studio Café.
- Southern Tier Region—Ahira Hall Memorial Library.
Special Santa will return in 2024, but year-round community is critical to Hillside’s mission. To donate today, visit www.hillside.com/donate.