When last we heard from Florence Kinney, Webster’s “Mrs. Claus,” it was November 2022, when I wrote a blog about how this amazing woman had just achieved her equally amazing goal of delivering 100,000 gifts to children in need.
Florence Kinney is the driving force behind a grassroots ministry which she calls “Santa’s Workshop,” dedicated to bringing presents to children who might not get many gifts, or anything, for Christmas. It began in 2003, with the purchase of just two toy trucks for two brothers who would be spending Christmas in the hospital. The effort grew every year, to the point where, four years ago, she had distributed more than 100,000 gifts. (Click here to read more about Florence and how she got started.)
But there was no way she was going to stop there. Now in her 37th year of ministry, Santa’s Workshop has provided more than 112,000 gifts to local hospitals, Williamson Come-Unity Center, Cure Childhood Cancer, Ronald McDonald House and other Rochester-area organizations.
Right now, Florence is beginning to ramp up her 2026 effort, and she could use our community’s help. As prices go up on pretty much everything, the cost of games has become more and more challenging (and Florence buys almost all of the gifts she distributes). Her elves have set up an Amazon Wish List where you can purchase items directly. Or if you’d like to go out and shop on your own, the games the hospitals request most are Candyland, Count Your Chickens, Four in a Row, Tic-Tac-Toe, Trouble, Hi-Ho Cherryos and Magna Doodle boards, Uno and Bingo.
Also, if anyone knits baby/child hats (any size), scarves or mittens, Florence likes to include these with her gifts. If you’d like to donate some, the hospitals will certainly appreciate them.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Gail Fannis at 585-329-6511.
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(posted 9/23/2026)
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