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ABOUT US
Mission & Vision
- Yes, that’s correct! The Travis County Sheriff’s Brown Santa program is a long-running community initiative that began in the early 1980s. It’s named after the brown uniforms worn by sheriff’s deputies, and its mission is to bring holiday assistance to families in need across Travis County, Texas.
- Each year, volunteers—including sheriff’s office staff, community members, and local organizations—collect donations of toys, books, and food. These are then distributed to families who might otherwise go without during the holidays.
- This year marks the 45th year our Brown Santa “elves” have brought joy and relief to families in rural Travis County. What began as a small effort has become a vital community program, serving in the following ways:
- • Holiday Support for Families – Each year, with the help of toy drives and financial contributions, we provide Christmas gifts to
- children ages 0–14. On average, we serve 2,700 families with more than 10,000 children. Each child receives two new
- wrapped toys, a puzzle, 2–3 books, and a stuffed animal. Each family also receives a holiday food box. Many of these
- families are facing hardship due to disasters, displacement, military deployment, or foster care situations.
- • Volunteer Opportunities – Over 5,000 volunteers—including families and children—join us each year to sort toys and wrap gifts.
- This provides a meaningful way for people of all ages to give back.
- • Community Engagement with Law Enforcement – Brown Santa creates opportunities for families and children to meet and
- interact with law enforcement officers in a positive, supportive environment, helping build trust and understanding.
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Brown Santa started in 1981 when a few deputies, out of their own pockets, decided to help about 25 families in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. 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 grown throughout the years. We are currently now serving around 2,700 families each year.
Each family receives the following items:
- 5 gifts (2 toys, puzzle, stuffed animal, and books) for every child 14 and younger in the house. All gifts are wrapped individually and labeled to the child's first name from Santa.
- Food box (basic essential non-perishable food items).
- $10 gift card to local grocery store.
MEMBERS & BOARD
- Board of Directors:
- Chairman - Louis Moncivais, TCSO Senior Deputy
- Vice-Chairman - Rebecca Moncivais, LEO spouse
- Treasurer - Gretchen Hemberger, Former TCSO employee
- Secretary - Angie Spinner, LEO spouse
- Board Members:
- Bryan Lee, TCSO Senior Deputy
- Leticia Vallejo, Austin Community College Police
- Maria Chandler, TCSO Deputy
- Michael Spinner, TCSO Senior Deputy
- Terry Thames, TCSO Senior Deputy
- Terry Wilt, TCSO Reserve Sergeant
- Lance Williamson, TCSO Reserve Sergeant
- Debbie Anderson, Officer, Sr. Business Analyst - Financial Service Groups
