Brown Santa ready to load up his sleigh

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 residents and local businesses for toys, canned goods and money.

Last year, more than 400 Hays County families were given assistance in food and/ or toys. 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 “Hays County Brown Santa” can be mailed to: Hays County Brown Santa P.O. Box 1475 San Marcos, TX 78667.

The deadline for accepting unwrapped toys will be Dec. 7, and for wrapped toys Dec.

11. All toys will be wrapped Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and on Dec. 11-12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children are welcome in the warehouse to help out.

Deputies and helpers will be delivering the toys and food on Saturday Dec. 15, 2018 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, at 1307 Uhland Road, or at the following locations in Dripping Springs:

· Pct. 4 Hays County Office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway

· Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, 1040 Rob Shelton Blvd

The deadline for accepting applications will be Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Those interested in assisting in the Brown Santa program or making a cash donation may contact Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez at 512-393-7877.

Brown Santa would like to wish the citizens of Hays County a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-Submitted by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office