Two Christmas bingo benefits this Saturday

Bingo fans have two options for play this week as both Hill City and Keystone host a Christmas Bingo—both for great causes—Dec. 20.

The Hill City Lions Club bingo kicks off at 5 p.m. with a meal of sloppy Joes at the Hill City Center. Play begins at 6 p.m. with cards priced at $1.50 per game. For $15, players can play all 10 games. The bingo is a cash bingo with the exception of blackout games, which will be played for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

The evening is a fundraiser for the Angel Fund.

The Angel Fund was established as a means to help Hill City School District (HCSD) families who are behind on their student breakfast and lunch accounts.

The Angel Fund relies  on the support from the community in order to help.

Stefanie Doaty, Lions Club president, said 100 percent of the proceeds from the Hill City Lions Club Christmas bingo will support the fund.

“We like to choose something that benefits the community,” Doaty said. “Some people in our community are struggling right now.” 

Doaty said for her personally food insecurity was a real threat. 

“This is really near and dear to me,” Doaty said. “For many years, I was dependent on government assistance. I always knew if I was at a stage to give back that is something I’d wanna do. I’m at a point where I can,” 

The first Hill City  Christmas Bingo raised $1,000 for the Angel Fund, and Doaty hopes to top that number this year. The evening features music, an ugly sweater contest for children and adults, an ornament making station for children and an opportunity to visit with neighbors and friends. 

The Keystone Park Board will host its bingo at the Keystone Community Center. Organizers are planning a Christmas- themed potluck dinner, with the park board serving up ham, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. Players are asked to bring appetizers, desserts, sides and salads. The meal is a goodwill donation that will benefit the park board.

People are encouraged to participate in a gift exchange,with inexpensive gifts ($10 and under) given out to those who bring one.

Bingo and potluck people can purchase a raffle ticket for a gas-powered generator, with proceeds also benefiting the Keystone Park Board.

Dinner will be served up at 5 p.m. with bingo play starting at 6 p.m. Cards are $5 per adult and $3 per child, with two blackout games being played.