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.
Toy donations are being accepted for all age groups up to 16 years of age. Donated toys can be dropped off to one of the locations below or arrangements can be made for pickup. Money contributions in the form of a check or money order made payable to “Hays County Brown Santa” can be mailed to their new mailing address at: Hays County Brown Santa, 102 Wonder World Dr #304-564, San Marcos, TX 78667. Payments can also be made on Venmo or the Square. Visit the Hays County Brown Santa Facebook page to make the donation on the site.
The deadline for accepting unwrapped toys will be Dec. 8; wrapped toys will be accepted until Dec. 11. Unwrapped toys will be wrapped on Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and on Dec.11 and 13 from 1 to 8 p.m. Children are welcome in the warehouse to help out.
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 Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Toys may be dropped off at the above locations and the following:
San Marcos
• Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union: 1203 Thorpe Ln & 1210 Wonder World Dr
• Austin Telco Federal Credit Union: 904 Bugg Lane
• Edward Jones Office: 133 W. San Antonio Street Suite 200
Kyle
• Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union: 20613 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd.
Buda
• Falcon International Bank: 1795 Main Street
• Randolph Brooks Credit Union: 5045 E Goforth St
Wimberley
• ACE Hardware: 14307 Ranch Road 12
Dripping Springs
• Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union: 1040 Rob Shelton Blvd
• SouthStar Bank: 10901 W US Hwy 290 @ Fitzhugh Road
• North Hays Fire/Rescue station 71 400 Starplex Drive
• North Hays Fire/Rescue station 74 2450 Belterra Drive Those interested in assisting in the Brown Santa program or making a cash donation may contact Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez at (512) 393-7877.
