Santa Cop Lunch 2019

BROKEN BOW—The thirteenth annual Santa Cop Lunch is scheduled for this Sunday, November 10 from 12 to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Center (1407 South E Street (west Highway 2) in Broken Bow). Funds raised from the free-will donation lunch go to provide new toys and clothing to Custer County kids in need who might not otherwise receive Christmas gifts.

Applications go out to area families, the Custer County chapter of the Salvation Army purchases and wraps Christmas gifts, and then local law enforcement deliver the gifts.

“With the money we receive we purchase gifts and then the law enforcement delivers them,” Julie Toline told KCNI/KBBN. Carol Allen added that the program is a good way to increase positive connections between law enforcement and kids in the community.

The Nebraska State Patrol helped launch the Santa Cop program in 2004 and Custer County’s Santa Cop Lunch fundraiser will host its thirteenth annual meal this year. Last year, more than $2,300 was raised to help celebrate the holiday season in Custer County.

Salvation Army representatives Carol Allen and Julie Toline appreciate all of the organizations and businesses that contribute to the lunch, and of course the people who attend. The Knights of Columbus puts on the lunch with the help of Grocery Kart, Subway, Broken Bow Police Department, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

“It’s been wonderful for us because it raises a lot of money for the project,” Allen said.

Allen and Toline said–on average–155 kids receive gifts each year and this year they hope to serve as many families in need as they can.

A free-will offering will be taken during the lunch. The menu includes homemade Jambalaya, chicken noodle soup, chili, Subway sandwiches, desserts, and drinks.

Anyone interested in donating to the program can mail checks to Julie Toline at 116 S 11th Ave, Broken Bow, NE 68822. Please make checks payable to “Santa Cop.”

Families needing an application or anyone wanting to learn more about the Santa Cop lunch can call Julie at the police station at 308-872-6424 or Julie’s cell phone at 402-677-9323.

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