WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Williamson County officials said Friday “Brown Santa” made Christmas brighter for more than 500 families and approximately 1,600 children in 2011.

Brown Santa collects toys and donations for children who live at or less than the U.S. poverty level in unincorporated areas of the county or in cities that do not have a similar program.

“We were very thankful to have had enough donations that we were able to give at least two toys, a book and stuffed animal to each child, along with a gift card to purchase food for each family’s Christmas dinner,” said Capt. Fred Thomas, chairman of the Williamson County Brown Santa Board of Directors.

In 2010, Williamson County’s Brown Santa program helped 800 families, and while the numbers for 2011 were less, spokeswoman Connie Watson said they were more normal at 500, as in 2010, the program had a 30 percent increase of those in need compared to 2009.

In 2010, Travis County’s Brown Santa helped 1,828 families. Numbers were not yet available for 2011.