The BPOE (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) Elks Lodge #1688, located in Broken Bow, went into the annual 2020 coat drive unsure if they would reach their goal of around 125 coats. Not only did they reach the goal, but the community also helped destroy the goal! According to a report from Elks member Paul Loy, 193 coats were donated to the drive in 2020 to push the five year total to 541 coats.
Loy stated that the Elks Lodge started the drive in 2016 with 63 coats being donated, but it has grown into a community effort of which is a common outcome for Broken Bow. Coats and other winter wear that was donated to the drive were dropped off at the Custer County Chief and then taken to Community Connection where they are available for those who need them.
The Elks Lodge also received help from area businesses and organizations that helped with advertising such as the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce and the Methodist Church. Brookstone View has also been involved in the coat drive with residents making hats, gloves, and scarves for the coat drive at no cost.
Over the past five years, the drive has had eight categories that anyone is able to donate to. 2019 and 2020 were the first years where items have been donated in each category.
2020 Donations
- Scarves: 29
- Coats: 193
- Light Outer: 33
- Caps: 23
- Gloves: 8
- Socks: 11
- Shoe: 6
- Cover/Snow: 7
Total All Five Years (2016-2020):
- Scarves: 58
- Coats: 541
- Light Outer: 49
- Caps: 83
- Gloves: 115
- Socks: 418
- Shoe: 41
- Cover/Snow: 15
