Sidewalk Santa Parade Is No More; Group Ends 100-Year Tradition In NYC

After 100 Years, Sidewalk Santa Is No More
Volunteers of America Santas ring their bells as the cross a street in Fifth Ave. during their 110th annual Sidewalk Santa Parade, in New York, Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. The donations they raise are used for a holiday food voucher program for needy residents. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Volunteers of America Santas ring their bells as the cross a street in Fifth Ave. during their 110th annual Sidewalk Santa Parade, in New York, Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. The donations they raise are used for a holiday food voucher program for needy residents. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

"Volunteers of America" has announced it's ending the organization's Sidewalk Santa program after more than 100 years. The program raised money for those in need with a parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City

On Sunday, a statement was posted on the group's website:

We have decided to find other, more effective ways of raising funds for our Hope & Hearth food voucher program that do not rely on placing suited Sidewalk Santas out in the cold. New, exciting collaborations are forming with companies and individuals who see the value of providing holiday meals to people in need including theour families, the frail elderly and others we serve.

The organization's Hope & Hearth program, which the Sidewalk Santa tradition supported, will remain.

Sidewalk Santa arrived in New York in 1902.

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