Members of the Rollingwood Police Department and Westlake Fire Department have added a line to their job descriptions this year: Brown Santa’s Helpers.

Those interested in donating may bring nonperishable food, unwrapped gifts and clothing to either location through Dec. 13.

“We have the drop off bins inside City Hall and inside the police station,” Rollingwood Police Chief Dayne Pryor said. “We’ll take the donations 24 hours a day and if we’re not there, they can call our number we can meet them or come by and pick up the donation.”

Rollingwood has been involved in the program for three years.

“I know since the economy took its turn, they’ve had a lot more requests for help,” Pryor said.

This year, Brown Santa will assist more than 1,600 families, including more than 10,000 children and 20,000 people in total.

Brown Santa gives toys to each child in a family, up to the age of 16. Donations of books, puzzles, stuffed animals, and new toys are needed for every age group.

Often the organization finds itself short on toys for infants, toddlers and children aged 10-16. The Brown Santa Web site suggests blankets, bottle sets, teethers, rattlers, stackable rings, diapers and onsies for the youngest aged group, and recommends wallets, electronics, bath gift sets, basketballs, footballs, purses, hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners, ball caps, and scarf sets for the oldest group.

The charity also provides a turkey and a complete Christmas dinner to each family, which costs about $25. Those interested in making a monetary donation may mail it to Travis County Brown Santa, P.O. Box 207, Austin, Texas, 78767.

The Rollingwood Police Department is located at 403 Nixon Drive, Rollingwood, and the Westlake Fire Department is located at 1295 S. Capital of Texas Highway.