BROWN SANTA
Santa was wearing brown this year and locking up local officials and business leaders … for a good cause.
The Holiday Lock-Up Fundraiser was held by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 5, where many well-known faces were placed in a temporary jail structure at the Hays County Government Center.
Sergeant Jeffrey Jordan is the chairman of the Hays County Brown Santa Program, of which the lockup is just one of its associated events.
“This was the 14th year we have conducted the Lock-Up, where we have had public officials and business leaders ‘arrested,’ and they helped raise ‘bail’ money to purchase food and toys for families in need,” Jordan said.
Several people arrested to raise money this year, including: - Sheriff Anthony Hipolito - Fire Chief Christopher Robbins - District Clerk Amanda Calvert - Wimberley EMS Director Ken Strange - Hays County Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe - Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen - Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer - Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith - Hays County Assistant District Attorney Landon Campbell - Hays County Assistant District Attorney Neil Kucera - Hays County Assistant District Attorney Allie Buess - Hays County Judicial Services Director Jason Facundo - Hays CISD School Board Trustee Johnny Flores - Kyle City Councilman Marc McKinney - SMCISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona - Hays County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Saenz - Hays County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Mark Opiela - Hays County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jeffrey Jordan - Hays County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mark Andrews - Krista Melton - Crystal Dixon, Edward Jones in San Marcos - Chris Shoopman, The Lucky Heifer in Buda - Christy Degenhart, manager of Wimberley Ace Hardware - Bob von Rosenberg Jordan said $24,000 was raised at this year’s lockup and that will purchase toys and food for the annual delivery day.
The fundraiser is a part of the Brown Santa program, which is a nonprofit run solely by employees of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our mission is dedicated to serving our community by supporting families in need during the holiday season,” Jordan said. “Through acts of kindness, volunteerism and community partnerships, we deliver food, toys and holiday cheer to ensure every family in Hays County feels remembered and cared for.”
Jordan said Brown Santa was started in 1983 by a group of deputies who had a desire to help children in need around Christmas time.
“Initially, deputies purchased stuffed animals to give away,” Jordan said. “The program expanded to accepting toy donations, and by 1988 or 1989, the program also collected food donations and delivered food and toys to families and children in need throughout Hays County.”
In addition to Sheriff’s Office employees, Jordan said Brown Santa is made possible by the help of community and local business volunteers and donations.
“This program means so much to those in need during the holiday season,” Jordan said. “While the holiday season is a joyful time for many, some families continue to face challenges such as low income, unstable housing and limited access to essential resources. Your generosity helps ensure these families feel supported, remembered, and cared for during the holidays. This year, our program anticipates assisting approximately 750 families and 2,500 children in Hays County.”
There are several volunteer opportunities for those wishing to help out: - Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Food Bag making at the Hays County Food Bank, 1612 S IH-35, San Marcos.
- Dec. 17 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Brown Santa Gift Wrapping and Sorting Day 1 at the Sheriff’s Office warehouse, 198 HP Business Drive, San Marcos.
- Dec. 18 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Brown Santa Gift Wrapping and Sorting Day 2 on at the Sheriff’s Office warehouse - Dec. 20 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Brown Santa Delivery Day (meets at the warehouse)
