Hays County Brown Santa looking for Christmas elves
The Hays County Brown Santa program has started its annual drive for money, food, and toys to assist families in need in Hays County. The program consists of volunteers from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and members of the community. Brown Santa seeks donations from citizens and local businesses for toys, canned goods, and money. Last year over 650 families were given assistance in food and/or toys throughout Hays County.
Due to COVID, Brown Santa had to cancel many of its fundraising events so monetary funds are going to be extremely low this year. Brown Santa will still be 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 “Hays County Brown Santa” can be mailed to:
Hays County Brown Santa P.O. Box 1475
San Marcos, TX 78667
Payments can also be made on Venmo or the Square. Please go to the Hays County Brown Santa Facebook page to make the donation on the site.
The deadline for accepting unwrapped toys will be December 11, 2020 and for wrapped toys December 14, 2020. All toys will be wrapped on December 14, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and on December 14th & 15th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Children are welcome in the warehouse to help out! Social distancing and masks will be required.
The San Marcos and Kyle Police Departments have Blue Santa programs so any families residing within those city limits must apply with them for assistance. All other families residing within Hays County can pick up applications at one of the following locations listed below. The deadline for accepting applications will be December 8, 2020 at 5:00 pm.
San Marcos: Kyle:
Buda: Wimberley: Dripping Springs:
Hays County Sheriff’s Office (1307 Uhland Road)
Pct 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith (5458 FM 2770)
Pct 5 Justice of the Peace Scott Cary (500 Jack C. Hays Trail)
Pct 3 Justice of the Peace Andy Cable (200 Stillwater Rd Ste 104) Pct 4 Hays County Office (195 Roger Hanks Parkway)
This year, families seeking assistance will need to pick up their food and toys on a designated day, time, and location. When signing up, they will be given that information. In the past, deputies and helpers delivered the toys and food directly to the family’s homes.
Those interested in assisting in the Brown Santa program or making a cash donation may contact Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez at 512-393-7877. Hays County Brown Santa would like to wish the citizens of Hays County a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.