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 grocery 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 4500 families referred to Hillside Special Santas, necessitating that we serve approximately 6,000 individuals.   Many, if not most of these are adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age from the Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse areas.

Our loyal donors are the key to making Hillside Special Santas successful, and we at HFA are endlessly thankful for their continuous support. 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 the 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 are grocery cards, which can help a family in need shop for a holiday meal. Wegmans, Tops, Price Rite, and WalMart are all popular options.

If you prefer to call, our Hillside Special Santas at  (585).256.7630, (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.
Click on Target Lists Scroll down to "Find a List" Enter the following: Frist name: Special Last name: Santas State: New York Click on Search Click on View List for Hillside Special Santas gift ideas 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.
Instructions for Target kiosks Touch screen to start Touch: Target Lists Find a List 1st name: Special Continue 2nd name: Santas Continue State: N New York List is called Hillside Special Santas Gift Ideas. Touch either View or Print
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:

  Hillside Special Santas

2075 Scottsville Road

Rochester, NY  14623

Most Wanted Gifts  (see “Where to deliver” for directions near you)

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