Salvation Army - ‘Many hands make light work’
CUSTER COUNTY - The red kettles of the Salvation Army are a familiar sight during the Christmas season. Funds received through the campaign help the Custer County unit provide many services to Custer County residents.
“We help as many people as we can, especially the elderly and children,” Chairperson Julie Toline said.
Members of the Salvation Army help with the Santa Cop Luncheon which raises funds to purchase toys for Custer County youth. The toys are then distributed by local law enforcement officers in time for Christmas.
The Salvation Army hosts the free school supply giveaway for students in Custer County, proving pens, notebooks, markers, backpacks and more. They also offer assistance with expenses for medical, prescription, dental and eye glasses and can help after a hospital stay. “We also work with Prairie Pioneer Center to get in-home meal delivery after a person gets out of the hospital,” Toline said.
The Salvation Army also donates funds to food pantries in Custer County as well as to swimming lessons to pools across the county.
The Red Kettle Campaign is Custer County Salvation Army’s number one fund raiser. Ninety percent of donations stay in Custer County. The unit also receives funds from the Cliff Luther Foundation. “It allows us to do more,” Toline said.
New members are welcome. “Many hands make light work,” Toline said. “We always take new people. Last year, the public came in and wrapped gifts. It went so much faster.”
One doesn’t have to live in Broken Bow to receive help or join the Custer County unit.
To find out more about the Salvation Army, check out their Facebook page by searching “Salvation Army- Custer County, Nebraska.” To become a member, call Toline at 402-677-9323.