Brown Santa kicks off collection drive

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Travis County Sheriff Department's Brown Santa program has kicked off efforts to help fulfill the holiday wishes of about 2,000 families in Travis County.

Vice Chair Mary Rodriguez was in studio on Sunday morning to talk about the efforts to help families in the county that live outside the city limits. Brown Santa attempts to provide both gifts and a holiday meal.

Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse is sponsoring a Dine & Donate lunch at the location at the intersection of Interstate 35 and US Highway 290. The restaurant will donate 15 percent of any receipt to Brown Santa.

Brown Santa will host a run and toy run on Dec. 9. The run, both 5K and kid's K, will be at the Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, on Sunday morning. Then at noon, the 13th annual toy run will take off from Cowboy Harley Davidson on South Interstate 35 at noon and travel to Cindy's Gone Hog Wild.

The toy run will go on, rain or shine, according to the flyer on the vent. All motorcycles and vehicles are welcome. Participants are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy, gift card or cash.

Rodriguez said cash donations to the program will help underwrite holiday meals. Those who want to donate or volunteer can go to the Brown Santa website.