Updated 11/28/2008 05:43 PM
Santa Clauses March Up Fifth Avenue For Holiday Charity
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Shoppers weren't the only people getting a jump start on the Christmas season Friday.
About 75 bell-ringing Santa Clauses made their way up Manhattan's Fifth Avenue for the 106th Annual "Sidewalk Santa Parade." The event kicked off a Volunteers of America fundraising drive, which raises money for food vouchers to help feed hungry New Yorkers for the holidays.
"Some people who have typically been very supportive and generous in the past are not able to do as much this year. On the other hand, New Yorkers are incredibly generous and we see others compensating for what we've lost," said Volunteers of America's Director of Communications Rachel Weinstein. "So we hope not to cut back on the program and indeed, send even more vouchers out this year. It's really critically important this year more than ever."
"To feed the needy, feed the hungry. Everybody needs help," said a marcher. "And right now, we're in a recession so we could really use the extra help."
The Sidewalk Santa campaign runs until January 3.
For more information or to donate money, visit SidewalkSantaNYC.org