Since the Great Depression, the good people of Central New York have dug into their pockets for coins and bills to provide Hope for the Holidays to their less fortunate neighbors. This year, people can also donate via text message — an innovation that brings the 90-year-old “Old Newsboys” fundraiser firmly into the 21st century.
The moniker harks back to Syracuse.com/The Post-Standard’s long history of sponsoring the drive and supporting it by hawking special-edition newspapers on street corners and at gas stations, coffee shops, taverns and malls. We donate the papers; our employees and teams of community volunteers fan out across Onondaga County to exchange them for donations.
The money we raise helps support the Christmas Bureau, a joint operation of the Salvation Army and the United Way. Roughly 2,000 participating families receive new toys, books and the fixings for holiday meals.
Last year, Covid-19 stopped us from collecting donations in person, even as the pandemic put more families in need. Hope for the Holidays went virtual — and the community’s response was amazing. The drive raised $54,000 via mail and an online portal. That money helped to provide gifts for almost 5,000 children.
This year, we’ll be back on the streets and at retail establishments, exchanging newspapers for donations, this coming Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11. Our goal is to raise $75,000.
If only we had a nickel for every time someone said to an Old Newsboy hawker, “I’d love to give, but I don’t have any cash on me.” This year, that’s no longer a barrier.
Text HFTH2021 to 41444 and you’ll be directed to a secure website where you can donate to the Christmas Bureau using Apple Pay or a credit card. Or go directly to https://www.advancemediany.com/hopeholidays/ to make an online gift.
We’re also accepting donations by mail until Dec. 31. Send a check made out to “The Old Newsboys Sale” to The Post-Standard, 101 N. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202.
Of course, cash is always welcome, in any amount. If you see an Old Newsboys hawker in your travels this coming weekend, please be generous.
Your donations will fill hearts this holiday season – not least your own.
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