Donate to Holy Childhood Now

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To give by credit card over the phone, call Rose Marie Pape at 585.359.3710 ext. 131.
To give by check or credit card through first class mail, download this form and mail it to Holy Childhood.

Support our End of the Year Friendship Campaign

Your generosity provides the resources, our dedicated team makes success possible!  The success of students and adults at Holy Childhood is our priority.  We are able to weather the post-COVID long-term challenges because of YOU, our loyal donors – and because of the exceptional staff who work so hard every day to make sure the people we serve get the education and support they need. Your support is helping everyone reach their goals!  Please consider investing in the future of our students and adults to ensure that everyone we serve is prepared for lifelong success. We sincerely thank you for your gift, your support is greatly appreciated. Click here make an online donation to our End of the Year Friendship Campaign.

Why Support Holy Childhood?
Founded in 1946 by Sister St. Mark McMahon, SSJ, Holy Childhood has become one of the leading providers of individualized, educational programs and supported employment opportunities to students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Monroe County.

From a humble beginning as a single craft class for 30 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to a vibrant school and adult program that serves more than 220 people, Holy Childhood has maintained its commitment to deliver person centered, individualized services that meet the many needs of our students and the families that we serve.

Holy Childhood enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are a non-denominational, non-profit agency. Our mission is to prepare children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for maximum independence and integration in the community. We do this through our many innovative programs and vocational/employment services, that is in keeping with the philosophy and vision of our founders. We are dedicated to serving our people in an atmosphere of dignity and compassion.

Work of this importance requires substantial and ongoing support.  Gifts to Holy Childhood empower us to hire the finest teachers and support staff, build and maintain the most up-to-date facilities and offer a wide range of other educational advantages that give Holy Childhood its distinguished edge.  Ultimately, the gifts we receive represent not only confidence in the work of our agency, but also the belief in our collective future—one in which both the students and adults we serve, grow and contribute to the community in meaningful and fulfilling ways.

It seems every year there are more people and organizations in need of our time, attention and resources. We understand that you can’t always give to all the organizations that you’d like. Please consider Holy Childhood because:

  • Holy Childhood is a non-denominational, non-profit agency that enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Holy Childhood is the leader in providing person centered services and support.
  • Families of children and adults living in the Greater Rochester area have the knowledge that their loved one is receiving the best possible education and care.
Leadership Giving Levels:

We honor and appreciate all of the gifts we receive, no matter how large or small.  Your gift supports our mission to prepare children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for maximum independence and integration in the community.  We sincerely thank you for your continued support of Holy Childhood.  Below are our levels of Leadership Giving:

St. Mark’s Circle:  This honor is reserved for individuals or couples that make an annual cumulative gift of $1,000-$2,499 within one fiscal year between July 1st and June 30th.  Benefits of membership include an invitation for two to an annual donor recognition event, a personal invitation for two to the Holy Childhood Graduation ceremony held each June, and a lapel pin recognizing your commitment as a St. Mark’s Circle member.

Benefactor:  This honor is reserved for individuals or couples that make an annual cumulative gift of $2,500-$9,999 within one fiscal year between July 1st and June 30th.  Benefits of membership include an invitation for two to an annual donor recognition event, a personal invitation for two to the Holy Childhood Graduation ceremony held each June, a lapel pin recognizing your commitment as a Benefactor member, and special offers and benefits for Holy Childhood fundraising and social events.

President’s Council: This honor is reserved for individuals or couples that make an annual cumulative gift of $10,000+ within one fiscal year between July 1st and June 30th.  Benefits of membership include an invitation for two to an annual donor recognition event, a personal invitation for two to the Holy Childhood Graduation ceremony held each June, a lapel pin recognizing your commitment as a President’s Council member, special offers and benefits for Holy Childhood fundraising and social events and a framed certificate recognizing your commitment as a President’s Council member.

Estate and Planned Gifts, Leaving a Legacy

By choosing to leave a legacy gift to Holy Childhood you will be supporting our mission well into the future and you will automatically be enrolled in the Sister Seraphine Society.  Gifts made to the Sister Seraphine Society will be deposited in our Board Designated Fund, an unrestricted fund that is directed by the Board of Holy Childhood.

View the Legacy Giving brochure


Why support our Board Designated Fund?

Through our individualized, person centered approach we help children and adults reach their maximum independence.  By helping us to build our board designated fund now, you will help to ensure that we will be able to continue to be here for future generations born with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to help them reach their full potential and integration into the community.


Why Holy Childhood?

It seems every year there are more people and organizations in need of our time, attention and resources. We understand that you can’t always give to all the organizations that you’d like. Please consider Holy Childhood because:

Holy Childhood is a non-denominational, non-profit agency that enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Childhood is the leader in providing person centered services and support.  Families of children and adults living in the Rochester area have the knowledge that their loved one is receiving the best possible education and care.

For more than 75 Years Holy Childhood has been helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

Obtain a first-class, quality education Work toward reaching maximum independence Identify their dreams and goals for the future Obtain employment earning a competitive wage


What options are available if you want to make a charitable gift?

There are many ways you can make a gift to Holy Childhood. Some options include:

  • Outright gifts
  • Will or trust bequests
  • Beneficiary designation gifts
  • Life insurance gifts
  • Investment gifts
  • Gift annuity
  • Traditional IRA gift
  • Zero estate tax gift
  • Charitable remainder trust
  • Wealth replacement
  • Wealth replacement trust, also called an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT)

What tax benefits can I receive from giving to an endowment?

Specific tax and financial benefits that you can receive as a result of your gift depend on what type of asset you give and how you transfer it to Holy Childhood. You may be able to receive federal and state income tax benefits, avoid or reduce capital gains tax liability and qualify for estate or gift tax deductions. Several types of gifts can provide tax benefits while offering a lifetime income to you and your heirs. We recommend you consult with your attorney or accountant for advice on the legal and tax implications of any gift you might make.


Investment principles:

  • The Holy Childhood Board Designated Fund has the following investment strategy:
  • Preservation of Capital
  • Preservation of Purchasing Power after Spending
  • Income & Growth
  • Long-Term Growth of Capital

The investment portfolio performance is reviewed regularly for performance and goal attainment by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. Results are reported to the full Board by the Investment Committee Chair.


Sister Seraphine Society:Sister Seraphine

Named after Sister Seraphine Herbst, SSJ whose vision and leadership helped Holy Childhood become what it is today.  Sister Seraphine was a teacher and administrator, helping to guide the agency in its mission for 50 years.

How can I become a member of the Sister Seraphine Society?

If you have included Holy Childhood in your estate, retirement or life insurance plans, or have made Holy Childhood a beneficiary of an irrevocable life income gift you may become a member of the Sister Seraphine Society. There is no need for you to transfer your legacy gift today.  Simply let us know that you have included Holy Childhood in your estate plan.

Why is it important to let Holy Childhood know if I have made long-range plans?

Your gift will help to strengthen Holy Childhood by insuring that a funding stream for programs and services will be available long into the future. It is important to let us know your plans so we have an opportunity to thank you now for caring about the future of Holy Childhood.

If you choose, your name will be listed with others that have made similar gifts. Or, if you prefer, Holy Childhood will keep all information you share with us confidential, and maintain your anonymity.

Would you like to make a legacy gift to Holy Childhood?

Just download this letter of intent to let us know that you have remembered Holy Childhood in your estate planning.


If you are considering a planned gift or have already made a legacy gift to the Board Directed Fund and have not notified us of your plans, please contact Brian Wirth, Director of Development or by phone at 585.359.3710 ext. 140.

Other Ways to Give to Holy Childhood

Call us

We accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express and Discover Card. To make a donation by phone call Rose Marie Pape at 585-359-3710 ext. 131.


Write a check

It is still the most common form of giving in the world, it’s simple and direct.  Checks can be made payable to Holy Childhood and mailed to our address, 100 Groton Parkway, Rochester, NY  14623.


Amazon Smile

Make your online Amazon purchases through Amazon Smile and choose Holy Childhood as your charity.  Amazon Smile will donate a portion of your purchase price to Holy Childhood.


Donate online

Using a major credit card or PayPal. Consider a donation to our annual Friendship Campaign or one of our current fundraising campaigns.


Matching Gift:

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Some provide matching funds to support employee volunteer hours. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift! Please check with your company to see if it offers a matching gift program that will match your gift or volunteer hours to Holy Childhood.

If your employer requires an Employer Identification Number (EIN) (i.e. Federal Tax Identification Number), please use 16-0761224.

You may mail your completed matching gift form to:
Holy Childhood
Attn: Development Department
100 Groton Parkway
Rochester, NY 14623

Your personal gift and matched contribution will be credited to the program or event that you designated.

If you have questions about matching gifts please contact the Development Department at Holy Childhood at 585-359-3710.


United Way

  • Holy Childhood’s Donor Designation Number is 487
  • Specify Holy Childhood on your pledge form
  • Write in ID #487
  • Fill in the amount to be donated to Holy Childhood.

For Federal employees CFC: 90183
For State Employees SEFA: 66-0014


Support our events

We have a wide variety of Holy Childhood events taking place throughout the year.  Whether it’s one of our annual golf tournaments, or unique events like Wine at Center Ice, there’s sure to be something of interest to everyone.


Personal Fundraising

Create your own fundraising event to support Holy Childhood.  You may want to do a Facebook Fundraiser, bake sale, garage or household sale or hold a golf or other fundraising event. No event is too small or too large. If you are considering holding an event to support Holy Childhood, please contact our Development Department. We would be happy to help you.


Donate your time

We have a variety of opportunities throughout the year for you to give the gift of your time.  Please visit our website for our current volunteer opportunities.


Is my contribution to Holy Childhood tax deductible?

The IRS encourages support of charitable organizations by allowing an income tax charitable deduction to those who itemize their taxes.

The Holy Childhood Tax Identification Number is 16-0761224. Always consult your tax advisor when filling out your tax return.

Wish List
needslist_2Send a Holy Childhood student or adult program participant to the Rotary Sunshine Camp

Give the gift of camp by donating to our Wish List.  The Rotary Sunshine Camp is designed for campers of all abilities and is a wonderful respite and memorable experience.  Campers enjoy activities like zip lining, swimming, mini golf, tree house, a sensory building and so much more, all fully accessible!


General agency needs:

Staples, Target or Walmart gift cards- any denomination is greatly appreciated!


School Program:

Your donation would help support the purchase of school supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, glue and various craft supplies.


Pool Supplies:

Your donation to our Swimming Program would support the purchase of items such as life jackets, kick boards and swim goggles. For instance, your donation of $50 would cover the cost of swim goggles for 12 of our students.


Technology Supplies:

Your donation for Technology Supplies for our School Program would support the purchase of items such as computer and Smart Board supplies, children’s educational programs and software licensing.


Helen H. Heller Health Center

Your donation would support the purchase of items used in our Health Center such as band-aids, tongue depressors, thermometers and batteries for equipment. Your donation of $100 would help fund the purchase of 35 boxes of band-aids.


Donations in any amount are always welcome. You can donate securely online or by check. Please indicate if your donation has a specific purpose.

We appreciate all donations; however we are only able to accept items that are useable by our agency and are in good condition. We are not able to accept appliances, used computers, furniture or old televisions. If you have those items to donate, perhaps having a garage sale and donating the proceeds to Holy Childhood could be an option for you.

Questions? Contact Rose Marie Pape at 585.359.3710, ext. 131.

Thank you!

For more information or to schedule a tour of Holy Childhood, please call us at 585.359.3710.  We would be honored to have you visit with us.