Hillside learns of fraudulent fundraising being conducted in its name

Hillside Family of Agencies has received numerous calls from concerned citizens reporting that there have been at least two confirmed cases of unidentified community members fraudulently representing themselves as agents of Hillside in door-to-door solicitation efforts within the community.

According to Hillside Children’s Foundation President Tom Hildebrandt, Hillside Family of Agencies does not conduct door-to-door fundraising and has not authorized any member of the community to engage in this type of activity on behalf of the organization.

“We would never approve of this type of fundraising nor grant permission to community members to collect funds in this manner on our behalf. It is very unfortunate that our agency is being misrepresented in this way,” says Hildebrandt.

Hildebrandt is also concerned that these fraudulent fundraising efforts will detract much needed attention from Hillside Family of Agencies’ 26th annual holiday campaign, Hillside Special Santas. This holiday season, Hillside Special Santas is expanding to help more than 5,600 youth served by Hillside Family of Agencies–1,600 more than in previous years, by collecting new gifts, cash, and food certificates. To learn how to become a Hillside Special Santa, follow the reindeer at www.Hillside.com.

“This is a critical time of year for us in terms of community fundraising. Hillside Special Santas has dramatically grown and so too has our need for community support. Hopefully, these fraudulent claims will not have an adverse effect on our Special Santas efforts,” says Hildebrandt.

Hillside Family of Agencies representatives encourage community members to be aware of door-to-door solicitors claiming to be raising funds for the local nonprofit. Incident reports should be filed immediately with local law enforcements officials.