The Custer County Salvation Army will hold its annual Santa Cop Lunch this Sunday, November 15, raising funds for a project that provides Christmas gifts and other necessities to local children and families in need.
The lunch will be served from noon until 2 PM at the St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Broken Bow. A free will offering will be accepted for soups, sandwiches and homemade desserts, with to-go containers available.
Carol Allen with the Custer County Salvation Army says the lunch is the primary fundraiser for Santa Cop, which helps families who may be struggling financially during the holidays.
“The project is to help families that might be a little short on cash at holiday time, so that their kids have gifts to look forward to at Christmas,” Allen explained.
Along with Christmas gifts, children receive items such as hats, gloves, sweatshirts and hygiene supplies. Families also receive a bag of household necessities.
Julie Toline says the need for the program remains important as the cost of everyday expenses continues to rise. Anyone who needs assistance but has not yet received an application can call Toline at 308-872-6424.
“Everything is very expensive, and once it goes up, it never goes back down, it seems like. So we’re happy to be able to provide this for the families in need,” Toline said.
Applications are also available on the Salvation Army-Custer County, Nebraska Facebook page. This year’s Santa Cop gift distribution is scheduled for December 12th at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
The lunch is supported by the Knights of Columbus, Grocery Kart, the Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Bow Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol.
Those unable to attend the lunch but wishing to contribute can mail donations to Julie Toline at 116 South 11th Avenue in Broken Bow. Checks should be made payable to Santa Cop.
Listen to the full interview with Toline and Allen here:
