Operation Santa Claus shops for each child size specific with a team of shoppers. 32 school districts in Upstate New York are covered each year by Operation Santa Claus. Operation Santa Claus also provides food for each child/family as well. Throughout the year, Operation Santa Claus also provides emergency aid to families affected by fire, storms and other emergencies.

The Small Business Challenge to benefit Operation Santa Claus began in 2012 by local restaurant owner, Peter Brock, the owner of Sam’s Diner. The 1st year, Peter raised $1,600. That amount has risen each year to $55,000 in 2020. When Peter passed away in the Summer of 2021, his friends Dan Miner & Mike Sullivan stepped up and took over The Small Business Challenge. Joining Dan & Mike were their friends Pete Cloutier, Hank Pelton, Jack Celeste & Herb Cloutier. In 2021, the 6 of them raised over $101,000. In 2022, they jumped up to over $105,000 And in 2023, they raised over $106,000. They raise money in many different ways. Charity concerts. Go-Cart Races. Holiday Auctions. Pizza Eating Contests and by donations gathered by the 6 with The Small Business Challenge.