Very soon, the sound of bells will be heard in Custer County thanks to the Salvation Army bell ringing program. Signups are underway for ringing to start on Saturday (November 23) at several locations in Broken Bow through Christmas Eve.
Local organizer Phil Sloat joined the Get Up & Go Breakfast Show on Wednesday to talk about the spirit of the season. He said the “early jump” to starting ringing this year because of Thanksgiving being so late will allow the group to get an important weekend of ringing accomplished.
“We are very pleased with how this works, because 90% of the money that goes in the kettles stays right here in Custer County. Salvation Army needs a little support, just to keep the infrastructure going, so 10% of the money goes down to Omaha and goes to the larger entity. Salvation Army as a whole is a very good charity, they use their money well, they don’t spend a lot on big CEO salaries and stuff like that,” said Sloat.
Main “big kettle” locations that can be signed up to ring at include Grocery Kart and Tractor Supply in Broken Bow. Smaller kettles will also be able to be found throughout the county on the countertops at many businesses. With the closure of Gary’s Superfoods since last ringing season, the third kettle will be taken to Tumbleweed Cafe and Crackerjacks on Saturdays, Kinkaider Brewing Company on Tuesday nights, and the Arrow Hotel on Friday nights. A couple of other locations are in the works, Sloat said, but nothing has been finalized at the moment.
“We’re going to have one station at the Koubek Gardens in beautiful downtown Arnold, and that will be on Fridays and Saturdays mainly,” Sloat added, “and then we’re going to have another station outside the corner market in Sargent.”
Sloat said a QR code is available for those who don’t carry cash or change often, which takes those who scan it with their smartphone directly to a donation page for Custer County. The page accepts Venmo, Paypal, or card.
Link to sign up to ring bells here.
Link to donate electronically directly to Custer County here.
Listen to our full conversation with Phil Sloat below.
