Salvation Army ‘really needs bell ringers’

BROKEN BOW - Carol Allen with the Custer County Unit of the Salvation Army spoke at the Rotary lunch Dec. 4 about the Santa Cop program, the Red Kettle Campaign and other Salvation Army programs.

Through Santa Cop, funds are raised to purchase toys and other items for Custer County children. The gifts are delivered by law enforcement officers before Christmas. “It helps make a Merry Christmas for children in need,” Allen said. “It also provides a positive connection between the children and law enforcement.”

As of last week, the Salvation Army was planning to arrange gifts for more than 200 children with 74 families. “We try to get items locally and we try to get them (the children) what they want, within reason,” Allen said. Of note, applications are no longer being accepted for this year.

With Christmas only two weeks away, hats, mittens and gloves are needed and financial donations are always welcome. And the Red Kettle campaign continues to look for volunteers.

“We really need bell ringers,” Allen said.

To sign up, go to Facebook and search for Salvation Army Custer County. or call Allen at 308-8704397 or Cheryl Smith at 308-872-0044.

Ninety percent of the funds raised remain in Custer County and goes towards programs like Santa Cop, school supplies, the backpack food program and emergency assitance.