Elks Lodge Coat Drive Ends 2021 With Over 200 Coats Donated

The BPOE (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) Elks Lodge #1688, located in Broken Bow, started the coat drive in 2016 but it has become a community effort. According to a letter from Elks Member Paul Loy, it is a common outcome for the Broken Bow community to stand ready to help others any time there is a need.

With a hefty goal of 200 coats, the community had no problem surpassing the goal and finished 2021 with 240 coats. In the six-year period of the coat drive, the Elks have collected 782 coats at the drop-off location of the Custer County Chief. The coats are then taken to Comunity Connection and made available for those who need them.

The Elks Lodge also receives help from area businesses and organizations that help with advertising such as the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, KCNI/KBBN, and the Methodist Church. The Methodist Church also made a cash donation of $334.61 which was used to purchase winter clothing.

Brookstone view has also been involved with the program as the residents have used their knitting talents to knit hats, gloves, and scarves at no cost. A majority of the materials are donated to Brookstone from Community Connection.

Over the past six years, the drive has had eight categories that anyone is able to donate to. 2019, 2020, and 2021 have had at least one donation in each category. The entire drive is completely a volunteer activity from the Elks.

2021 Donations

  • Scarves: 39
  • Coats: 240
  • Light Outer: 18
  • Caps: 173
  • Gloves: 136
  • Socks: 29
  • Shoe: 8
  • Cover/Snow: 19

** 11 Dress Suits were also donated to Govier Bros Mortuary to be used at their discretion**

Total All Six Years (2016-2021):

  • Scarves: 97
  • Coats: 782
  • Light Outer: 67
  • Caps: 287
  • Gloves: 241
  • Socks: 450
  • Shoe: 49
  • Cover/Snow: 34
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