Travis County Sheriff’s Brown Santa Program
“Brown Santa started in 1981 when a few deputies out of their own pockets decided to help out 25 families in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. Still today this program provides assistance to underprivileged children and their families as well as senior residents of local retirement centers in Travis County. The program has continued to grow throughout the years… now serving around 2,000 families annually.”
Learn more at BrownSanta.org
The name “Brown Santa” comes from the color of the sheriff’s department uniform—symbolizing decades of service and generosity to Travis County families.
🎁 Gifts Needed for 2024
Ages 10 and up: 500–1000 piece puzzles, inexpensive earbuds
Girls
- Makeup sets
- Flat irons & curling irons
- Books
- Volleyballs
- Hair accessories
Boys
- Footballs, basketballs, soccer balls
- Books
- Challenging puzzles
- Board games
- Electronics
Younger Children
- Books
- Puzzles
- Toys and dolls
Senior Citizens
- Nightgowns
- Trinkets
- History books
- Small, meaningful gifts—something your grandparents would love
📦 Donation Details
Donations are accepted through December 12th. All gifts must be unwrapped, and food items must be non-perishable.
📍 Drop-Off Locations
- Any Pedernales Fire Department Station
- McCoys Building Supply
- Angels Icehouse
- Security State Bank and Trust
- Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge
- It’s All Good Bar-B-Q
Donations are also accepted through Venmo, PayPal, and the Brown Santa Amazon Wish List. Visit BrownSanta.org or call 512-247-2682 for volunteer opportunities, ways to give, and upcoming events.
💙 About Blue Santa
In the early 1970s, the Austin Police Department created “Blue Santa,” a similar program supporting children and families in need.
Learn more about the origins of this charitable tradition and watch an interview with Ret. APD Lt. Ernie Hinkle at:
BlueSanta.org/about
Cristal Kordzik
