Santa shows off a hand-made wooden doll cradle (with teddy bear), donated by hobbyist woodworker Ernie Ferro. From left to right: Lt. Dennis Gutierrez (organizer and head-elf for Hays Brown Santa), Kris Kringle, Ernie Ferro, and Sheriff Gary Cutler. CENTURY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO
Precinct 4 hosts Brown Santa event
Precinct 4 offices held an after-business-hours Hays Brown Santa party last week, during which the county offices hosted guests from the Dripping Springs community and collected toys and monetary donation for the Hays Brown Santa.
The program, run by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, collects and distributes toys, money, and food for economically disadvantaged families in Hays County during the Christmas Season.
“The job Precinct 4 does every year in hosting and collecting toys for Brown Santa is incredible,” Brown Santa organizer Lt. Dennis Gutierrez said. “We are very thankful for the time and effort you put into this. Year after year, you have been great supporters of Brown Santa.”
The program consists of volunteers from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and members of the community. Deputies and helpers will be delivering the toys and food on Saturday Dec. 15, from 7 a.m. until approximately noon. Last year, more than 400 Hays County families were given assistance in food and/ or toys.
Those interested in assisting in the Brown Santa program on Saturday, or making a monetary donation, may contact Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez at 512-393-7877. “We always need volunteers, even up to the last minute, when we make the deliveries,” Gutierrez said.
Hosting the event were Pct. 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant, Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Terry Kyle, and Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hood.