Williamson County hosts summer Christmas event for charity

Williamson County hosts summer Christmas event for charity

By Community Impact Newspaper Staff Friday, 26 June 2009

The Williamson County Sherriff’s Brown Santa Program, a 19-year-old community outreach program that aims to bring Christmas to children whose families are at or below the poverty level, is hosting the fourth annual Christmas in July Kids and Family Fun Run July 11.

Last year, Brown Santa raised $32,000 at the event, but the total was not enough to cover the $41,000 required to help 750 families, which included approximately 2,200 children. Program officials are hoping to make up for the shortfall at this year’s event.

“A decrease in donations combined with an increase in requests caused the shortfall,” stated Captain Fred Thomas, president of the Brown Santa Board of Directors in a press release statement. “We had sufficient funds in reserve to fill all the requests in 2008, but at this rate we might not be able to assist everyone who requests help for Christmas in 2009.”

The event starts at 8 a.m. with a Kids’ 1K run for children 12 and younger. The Family Fun 5K Run/ Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. All events, including law enforcement exhibits and fun family activities, will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Southwest Regional Park located at 3005 C.R. 175, Leander. The Family Fun Fair is a free event and will include rock climbing, a cakewalk, face painting, and special law enforcement exhibits.

For registration information visit www.wilcobrownsanta.com.