Hundreds of volunteers decked out in Santa Claus costumes will collect toy donations in downtown Buffalo Saturday. The fourth annual SantaCon Buffalo will take place at participating businesses along Chippewa Street from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration will be held at 1:30 p.m. at 67 West.
The toy drive will benefit non-profits including Black Rock Boys and Girls Club, Riverside Boys and Girls Club, and Hertel Academy. Liberty/Yellow Cab is sponsoring the event. They will be handing out $10 gift cards to registered participants. Liberty/Yellow Cab President Bill Yuhnke says he believes the donations will spread holiday cheer to children in need.
“There are a lot of non-profits that are all hurting for money, of course, but here’s something tangible that the kids of our area can physically get in their hands,” said Yuhnke.
Yuhnke says the festivities will include singing Christmas carols in city neighborhoods. He says the event encourages goodwill.
“I was born and raised here, and I travel a lot, and I don’t know of any other city that reaches out like this. We are the city of good neighbors and we are truly, truly that,” said Yuhnke.
Liberty/Yellow Cab has also designated a van to pick up toy donations if people cannot make it to the downtown festivities. People are asked to schedule a pick up by calling: (716) 877-7111.