Hillside’s Special Santa toy-and-gift drive has evolved steadily since it was launched 50 years ago, but it remains an “all-hands” effort that unites Hillside employees, families, and countless individual and corporate donors. Three current examples of business support provide a glimpse into the many ways the community can make a difference.
As Special Santa’s Presenting Sponsor, KeyBank provides financial support for the holiday program, and much more: dozens of KeyBank branches throughout greater Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse host donation boxes that allow bank clients to drop off new and unwrapped gifts throughout the holiday season. (Find a donation box location here.) The gifts are picked up regularly and sorted for distribution to the youth served by Hillside in that region.
“It’s been a joy to see the incredible generosity of all of these communities that are supported by Hillside,” said Vince Lecce, KeyBank’s Rochester Market President (pictured above, center). “We really enjoy being a part of this program, and we’re hoping that others will join us as well.”
At the Victor, NY-based offices of REDCOM Laboratories, Inc., staff have been supporting Hillside’s Special Santa program for more than 30 years – a tradition that has generated more than $235,000 in total donations to the toy-and-gift drive. The activity is typically led by a single employee who rallies their colleagues to dig deep and donate cash or toys that correspond with the most-requested gifts in a given year.
“I like to think that REDCOM has set a bar in terms of fundraising and contributions for Special Santa,” said Dinah Gueldenpfennig Weisberg, REDCOM CEO and President. “I challenge everyone out there to do the same – for the sake of the kids.”
For Jenna and Josh Miles, the husband-and-wife owners of Rochester-based SCN Hospitality, supporting Special Santa is a heartwarming way to “spread joy” and encourage the community to do the same.
“There’s something about Special Santa for us,” said SCN co-founder Jenna Miles, whose REVBBQ restaurant holds an annual December event whose proceeds go directly to the Special Santa program. “It’s about making kids feel seen and acknowledged with something as simple as a gift. It gives us a chance to make some magic for kids in this community.”
Hillside is grateful to these donors, as well as other corporate sponsors including CPL, Harris Beach Murtha, Withum and WTW.
The 2025 season of Special Santa runs through December 12 – for details on the many ways you can participate, visit Hillside’s Special Santa web page today.