Help Make a Child's Christmas

The Chuy's Children Giving to Children parade may be over, but the season to make a donation to area children has just begun.

For the past 21 years, the Chuy's Christmas-time campaign has given millions of toys to under privileged children in conjunction with the Operation Blue Santa Toy Drive. Chuy's co-owner added the parade in 1989, but the Chuy's toy collection began in 1987.

Operation Blue Santa dates back to 1972. Two police officers saw the need in their own patrol that families would not have food or presents. A collection began for about 20 families, and has grown into a massive effort each year to help the Austin community. Now, nearly 4,000 families receive toys for their children for the holidays.

Partners for the collection include the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Energy, and members of the Austin community. If you would like to make a donation, you may drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Chuy's restaurant, Hula Hut, or Austin Fire Department location.

But the list of toy drives and other collections are underway as well. Many people encourage others to pick an organization or cause and make yourself available, whether it's through volunteerism efforts or donations.

Happy Holidays from The Austin Citysphere.