Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14 will see events dedicated to helping those needing a little assistance this year, and other festive events.
Santa Cop and Children’s Christmas Fund to Distribute Gifts Saturday
From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, those who filled out applications for the Santa Cop Program are invited to pick up gifts at the Broken Bow Municipal Building on December 13. The Santa Cop project is sponsored by the Custer County Salvation Army.
Santa’s Helpers at the Broken Bow Public Library have been crafting and packing goodies to include in the Santa Cop packages. The Santa’s Helpers program gives students in 3rd through 5th grade the opportunity to use the Library’s Glowforge laser cutter and other STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) equipment to design and create toys.
The Children’s Christmas Fund will also be distributing packages of holiday cheer on Saturday Morning. Starting at 9:00 AM through 11:30 AM, recipients will be able to collected baskets of gifts and food at the 4-H Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds.
Christmas Fund leader Deb McCaslin noted that although the Santa Cop and Christmas Fund program run concurrently, they look to give back in slightly different ways.
Broken Bow Elks Play Host to Santa Claus Sunday
Santa will be making another stop in Broken Bow on Sunday, December 14 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. The Jolly Old Elf will be at the Broken Bow Elks Lodge at 625 South 10th Ave, in the same building as Fiesta Brava.
The Elks Cookies with Santa event is designed to be a relaxed time with families and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Kids can take the time to decorate Christmas cookies while waiting for a photo with Santa against a festive backdrop.
Litchfield Hosting Soup and Santa on Sunday
The Litchfield Community Club will be joining with their friends, hosting the annual Santa and Soup event Sunday, December 14.
Soup will be served by the Litchfield FBLA at the Winters Building in Litchfield from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A free-will donation will be collected at the event.
Santa Clause will be also be taking time from his jam-packed holiday schedule to make an appearance at Litchfield for the event. After having lunch, photos with the big man himself are also on the menu.
Ansley and Litchfield JAG Hold Toy Drive Shopping Day Saturday and Sunday
On Saturday December 13th the Ansley Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Chapter will be hosting their Toy Drive at the Ansley Municipal Building from 2:00 – 5:00 PM
On Sunday December 14th the Litchfield JAG Chapter will be hosting their Toy Drive at the Elementary Building in Litchfield from 11:30 AM -2:00 PM.
After learning last year that thrift stores are flooded with toys after Christmas, both JAG chapters decided to host events to provide free gifts before the holiday. The JAG chapters have been collecting new and gently used toys for the past few weeks and will set up “Shopping Days” on Saturday and Sunday.
Anyone is welcome to come and get gifts for their kids – the JAG students want ANY community member to feel free to get gifts for their family.
Ansley and Litchfield JAG Sponsor Dr. Brenda Petersen said, “It is just our way of giving back to our local communities. No one has to pay anything for the toys, they are all just available for people to take home and gift to someone who will love them. We like the idea and we hope to expand it next year.”
