The Hays County Brown Santa program has started its annual drive for money, food, and toys to assist families in need in Hays County. Brown Santa seeks donations from local businesses and citizens for toys, canned goods and money.
Last year, more than 850 families were given assistance in food and/or toys in Hays County.
Brown Santa is accepting new toys for children up to the age of 16. Any toy that is already gift-wrapped needs to have a tag that identifies the toy, age group, and if it is for a male or female. Toys can also be picked up from your residence or business if convenient. Money contributions in the form of a check or money order made payable to "Brown Santa" can be mailed to: Brown Santa, P.O. Box 1475, San Marcos, TX 78667.
The deadline for accepting unwrapped toys will be Dec. 11, and for wrapped toys, Dec. 15.
Brown Santa consists of volunteers from the Hays County Sheriff's Office and members of the community who wish to donate their time. All toys will be wrapped on Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Deputies and helpers will be delivering the toys and food on Saturday Dec. 21, from 7 a.m. until approximately noon. Any family requesting assistance from Brown Santa can sign up in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office or at one of the locations below. The deadline for accepting applications will be Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Those interested in assisting in the Brown Santa program or making a cash donation may contact Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez at 393-7877.
Brown Santa would like to wish the citizens of Hays County a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
San Marcos: Hays County Sheriff's Office, Southside Community Center or any Edward Jones Investment office.
Kyle: Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, Wells Fargo Bank or Fox Pizza, 147 Elmhurst Drive.
Buda: Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Lamont Ramage, Buda City Hall or Falcon Bank, 1005 N. Loop 4.
Wimberley: Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Andy Cable.
Dripping Springs: Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Terry Kyle, Hays City Store or Super “S” Grocery Store Dollar General.
