BROKEN BOW–The local Salvation Army’s annual Back-to-School Giveaway will be a drive-up event this year on Wednesday, August 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the old Carquest building in Broken Bow, according to Chairman Julie Toline.
Carol Allen and Adrienne Walz spoke to KCNI/KBBN and said the annual giveaway is the longest running project for the Custer County Unit of the Salvation Army.
“The book bag giveaway program has been going on since 2002. It’s our longest running project actually and we’re really proud of it,” Allen said. “The object is to help families who might not otherwise be able to afford the back-to-school expenses.”
To provide for social distancing due to Covid 19, the Custer County Unit of the Salvation Army will meet recipients outside the building on 6th and South D Street across from the Broken Bow Public Library. Participants are asked to stay in their cars while Salvation Army members check in students and provide new backpacks and school supplies. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all items will be distributed while supplies last.
“This year since we can’t have so many people–or we’re hesitant to have so many people gathered in one spot–we’re just going to pre-pack, whether it’s an elementary bag or junior high or a high school bag, with appropriate items and it’s going to be really close to what each of the schools in the area and the county would request for each of those grade levels,” Walz said.
Families with students grades K-12 are invited to the giveaway while supplies last and the students must attend school in Custer County.
Most of the backpacks are supplied at no cost from the Omaha Salvation Army office. Funds for additional backpacks and supplies come from the Cliff Luther Endowment, from bell ringing donations, and community contributions.
Carol Allen said she enjoys helping kids and families with this project and told KCNI/KBBN the Salvation Army appreciates people who donate in the red kettles during the holiday season.
“Any time you give to Salvation Army in our county 90% of those funds stay right here in Custer County. They help your friends and neighbors. So we really appreciate the help and support we get because it helps us do projects like this,” Allen said.
Anyone wishing to support the project can contact Julie Toline at the Broken Bow Police Department, 872-6424.