No parading Santas in New York City this year

New York City is on the naughty list this year.

Manhattan won't be receiving a visit from its usual parade of St. Nicks in the annual Sidewalk Santa Parade, the Associated Press reported, after the charity that has organized the event for 100 years deemed the money it raised wasn't worth the cost of all those fake beards.

Since the early 20th century, a string of volunteer Santa Clauses walked up midtown Manhattan's Fifth Ave. each year on the Friday after U.S. thanksgiving to raise money for the local Volunteers of America Hope and Hearth food voucher program, which gives grocery certificates to poor families.

This year, the organization has axed its show of Christmas spirit in favour of — well — actually giving more to those in need.

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Communications Director Rachel Weinstein told Reuters it became expensive to store Santa suits and more difficult to recruit volunteers. The parade wasn't raising enough money to warrant the spending, she said, and so Volunteers of America opted for new ways to fundraise, such as an online campaign and appeals to private donors, according to the Associated Press.

While an online form might be less flashy, the bottom line will benefit — Weinstein told the news wires the Hope and Hearth gave 1,200 vouchers to needy families last year — and this year, she said they'll give more than ever before.