SAN MARCOS KIWANIS CLUB NEWSLETTER, Dec. 18, 2025
San Marcos Kiwanis Club
 
President of San Marcos Kiwanis Club----- Jennifer Richmond
 
 
San Marcos Kiwanis Club Newsletter, Dec. 18, 2025
Happy Holidays!
 
REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
1.  A big thank you, goes out to Sunflower Bank, one of our sponsors for the wonderful Christmas card!  Thank you for all your support!
 
2.  Pancake Day was a great success!   It was estimated that we served around 200 guests, and everyone seemed to have a great time! Fundraising total, after expenses came out to almost $3000.  Credits to Willie Garza, Rick Pickering, Lon Shell, and Penny Slavik for their work in the kitchen, and to Kaycee White for being a terrific elf for Santa!  So many members brought family members to volunteer, Kristin Wingard kept order in the dining area, Jesse Ramos and Steven Hernandez added a fun environment with their 3-D photo equipment, and Chase Dame ran himself ragged, making sure there was a fresh supply of sausages and pancakes on the serving line!  Not every name is mentioned here, but without your presence, the Pancake Day would not have been a success!  Credit goes out to each and every one of you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Thanks also goes out to Santa Claus, for taking time out of his busy toy making schedule, and Sights and Sounds of Christmas appearances, to help us out!  He will be back next year!
 
3.  Committee for Community Support:  Jennifer Richmond explained that there is a need for several more members to be a part of the decision-making committee that reviews applications for community support funding, before sending it to the board for approval.  Jennifer stated that all business is taken care of via e-mail. Cheryl Petre volunteered to be on the committee, and Jessica Rodriguez will be approached.  Rona Watson stated that she can be an alternate, if needed.  Lon Shell, chairman of the committee, is hoping to have one more member volunteer for this committee.
 
4.  Kiwanis International Monthly Report:  Jennifer was notified by Kiwanis International that our club was the only club, in our district, that has submitted the last 2 monthly reports.  Rick Pickering stated that he will be going out to the other clubs, in our district, to investigate the absence of the reports.  The monthly reports help Kiwanis International keep up with club activities, attendance, and how they are helping the community.
 
5.  Kyle Kiwanis Club closed:  Jesse Ramos stated that he has a possible member that is coming from the Kyle Club, who is looking for another club to join.  Penny Slavik suggested that our club plan a social for after the new year and formally invite the other members from the Kyle Club.  Hopefully, we can increase our membership by helping former Kiwanis members find a new club.
Mark Andrews and Brown Santa presented information on the
Brown Santa program.
 
Brown Santa Program
 
Mark Andrews began his presentation with the question, "Why are we called the Brown Santa program?'  After several answers were given, he explained that the program is run by the Sheriff's department, and originally, their uniforms were brown.  Several years ago, their uniforms changed to blue, but there was already a Blue Santa program, run by the police department, so it was decided to just keep the name "Brown Santa".  
 
This year, Mark stated that the Brown Santa program is serving 664 families, and 2038 children from those families, all located in the Hays County area (except for a couple families on the outskirts of Hays, due to special circumstances).  Each child receives 2 gifts, and a couple stocking stuffers, and this year, the Sheriff's department has partnered with the Hays County Food Bank, so each family receives a bag of food, as well.
 
To distribute these gifts and food, approximately 150-200 volunteers gather together, are divided into 39 teams, load up cars and trailers, and go to specified homes within the Hays County area.  Definitely takes a lot of planning and organization!
 
The Brown Santa program depends mainly on donations, but they have a fundraiser that is held on the 1st Friday in December.  This fundraiser is called the "Hays County Lock-up".  Hays County residents make prior arrangements, with the Sheriff's office, to have someone arrested, and put in "Lock Up" at the Government Center, and "bail must be posted " to get the person released.  During the bidding to get that person released, a "Family Meal" is provided for the community.  
 
Great program with lots of interesting information!
 
 
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
 
Jan. 8, 2026:  Southside Community Center with Jessica Cain
 
Jan. 15, 2026:  Need a program
 
Jan. 22, 2026:  Service Dogs.org with Sheri Soltes
 
Jan. 29, 2026:  Marketing and Outreach with Christie Murillo
 
 
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
 
Jan. 18, 2026- Gary Nelson's birthday
 
Jan. 20, 2026- Erica Simmons's birthday
 
Jan. 24, 2026- Randy Cook's birthday
 
 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
 
Dec. 25, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026- No Kiwanis meetings
 
REMINDERS:  
 
Jan. 8, 2026, will be our first meeting after the holidays.  Bring a friend!  Remember to like and share any social media that mentions Kiwanis events!
 
 
HUMOR AND MUSINGS:
 
How much did Santa's sleigh cost?  Nothing.  It was on the house.
 
What did Santa name his pet frog?  Mistle toad
 
Don't get caught up in all the commercialism!
Remember the reason for the season!
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
 
 
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