Photo by Christina Gonzales
AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Tejano Music Coalition (ATMC) will host its 14th annual Toy Drive and Dance on Sunday, December 14, continuing a beloved community tradition benefiting the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Brown Santa program. The annual collaboration provides toys, food, and hope to families with children 14 and under throughout Travis County during the holiday season.
This year’s Toy Drive and Dance will feature Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz as the headlining performers, with Austin-based Los Marceles opening the event. Fans are especially excited after Tejano Nation recently reported new music from The Iconiczz, which many hope to hear live. Rising young performer Sophia Soto will entertain attendees during band transitions.
Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz will headline the ATCM Toy Drive & Dance. | Courtesy photo
The event will take place at H&H Ballroom, located at 4404 Brandt Rd. in Austin, from 3–7 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 cash per person plus one unwrapped toy. More information can be found at brownsanta.org/events.
Spotlight on a Young Talent: Sophia Soto
At just 13 years old, Austin performer Sophia Soto continues to shine as a multi-instrumentalist and jazz vocalist. A student at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Soto plays drums, violin, piano, guitar, and more, and has spent recent summers at Girls Rock Austin’s Rock & Roll camp.
Soto began singing seriously only within the past year but has already performed at several Austin open mics and major community events. Last month, she appeared at the City of Austin’s Día de los Muertos Festival—headlined by Gary Hobbs—as well as the Asherton Homecoming Ex’s Reunion. She recently performed at the 44th Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll.
A Record Year and a Renewed Goal
In 2024, ATMC’s efforts helped yield 2,000 donated toys, a record confirmed by TCSO Senior Deputy Chairman Louis Moncivais. “We are very grateful to ATMC for continuing this annual drive,” Moncivais shared, noting that the generosity of the community surpassed all previous years.
ATMC board member Christina Gonzales emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of local families. The Brown Santa program provides not only gifts for children but also food for entire families, delivering holiday comfort to households across Travis County. More information is available at brownsanta.org.
Community Support at the Heart of the Event
ATMC—an organization dedicated to promoting, educating, and celebrating Tejano culture—considered the Toy Drive one of its signature events, supported by generous individuals and business owners year after year.
A key partner from the beginning has been KOKE Tejano 1600, Austin’s long-running terrestrial Tejano radio station, which has played a major role in informing listeners and supporting community-focused initiatives. Familiar voices Joe Morales and Bobby Velasquez will once again take on emcee duties, bringing their energy and connection with fans to the H&H Ballroom stage.
With music, community spirit, and the joy of giving, the ATMC Brown Santa Toy Drive continues to be one of Austin’s most meaningful holiday traditions—uniting Tejano musicians, families, and supporters in the true spirit of the season.
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