The Rosettes are collecting donations of new toys and non-perishable food items for families in need during homeroom from Oct. 1 to Dec. 9. They are working with the Hays County Brown Santa charity and competing against other dance teams in the county for a trophy to be presented on Dec. 16. 

“We’re hoping that we will just be able to leave a positive effect towards children and just make sure that they have a happy Christmas,” sophomore Rosette social officer Alyssa Huskey said. “Even if they are unfortunate.”

Hays County Brown Santa started 40 years ago by a group of deputies, and is now run by Sergeant Jeffrey Jordan. At first, the program collected only stuffed animals, but as demand and donations grew, it expanded to toys and supplies for infants and kids up to 18-years-old, as well as meals. 

“Seeing the community really step up and try to help take care of the other members in the community means more than anything,” Sergeant Jordan said. “I know it probably sounds corny, but that’s a Christmas present to me.”

Families can apply for aid at https://hayscountybrownsanta.org/index.php until Dec. 6. Donations will be delivered to families by Brown Santa volunteers on Dec. 14. Links for monetary donations and information on volunteering can be found on their website. 

“It’s really something to be able to go out and bring a smile to a family’s face,” Sergeant Jordan said. “Because they don’t know if they’re gonna have a Christmas because of whatever is going on. I’ve been to houses where people have been shocked. Literally they’re in tears and they can’t even talk to us. We’ve actually had the recipient come and chase us down the street when we’re at another house just to come and say ‘thank you’.”

Sergeant Jordan’s daughter is on the San Marcos Diamond Line, which lead him to challenge dance teams in the county to raise donations. The winning team receives a six foot tall trophy featuring Santa on the top. 

“[Hays County Sheriffs] felt like with the competitiveness of the dance teams, it would be great if they could compete against each other to raise toys and canned food for those in need over this holiday season,” dance director Brooke Lowden said. 

The Rosettes urge students to donate. Dancers will collect items during homeroom once a week. The homeroom with the most donations wins a pizza party. 

“Please help us!” Lowden said. “We’re real competitive in everything we do, not just dance. We thought it was great to be a part of something that’s so wonderful for the people in our community that really need it.”