Special to the Journal
The Belton Police Department is collecting donations for the 11th Annual Silver Santa, which provides Christmas gifts to senior residents of Belton participating in the RU OK Senior Welfare Program. Currently, 97 RU OK participants receive daily or weekly calls from volunteers, and since the program began in 2013, it has helped save 17 people from potentially life-threatening situations.
“Delivering these gift bags is more than just a gesture; it’s a reminder to our seniors that they are valued and remembered,” said RU OK Program Coordinator Anita Wyatt. “If we can make even one person feel less alone during this season, then it’s worth it to us.”
Through Silver Santa, each RU OK participant receives a Christmas gift bag. Donation boxes are located at the Belton Police Department, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Belton CVS. Donations will be accepted through Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“Our Silver Santa program reflects our commitment to serving not just the community, but every individual within it,” said Chief of Police Larry Berg. “We aim to strengthen the bonds that make Belton a caring place to live, ensuring that no one feels forgotten during the holidays.”
In December, Belton PD officers will personally deliver the gift bags to each participant’s door. We are seeking donations of the following items: band-aids, calendars, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small notepads, new socks, new scarves, new blankets, new gloves, boxed tissues, small flashlights, magnifying glasses, hand sanitizer, jar openers, large print crossword books, large print word-find books, large print jigsaw puzzles, small bottles of hand lotion, and large print playing cards.
