Liberty police officers on Friday, Dec. 20, brought smiles and comfort to the community’s elderly residents through the annual Silver Santa program. Now in its 12th year, the initiative provides an opportunity for officers to give back, check on the welfare of seniors, and spread holiday cheer.
This year, 20 baskets filled with shelf-stable foods, snacks, and comfort items were hand-delivered to elderly residents identified by police officers. The baskets included spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, beef stew, canned tuna and meats, crackers, instant mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, jellies, peanut butter, canned soups, and cookies. To add an extra touch of care, each basket also contained puzzle books, cozy throws, and other thoughtful gifts.
The effort began Friday morning in the Liberty Police Department’s training room, where officers and staff worked together to assemble the baskets before heading out to make deliveries. Items for the baskets were donated by the City of Liberty and department employees.
Capt. Elaine Taylor, who helps oversee the project with the help of Donna Smith, the department’s training assistant and chief’s secretary, said officers also added applications for the department’s “Are You Okay?” program in the gift baskets. This voluntary and free service offers periodic welfare checks for elderly or disabled residents after a case-by-case evaluation.
“The elderly folks we picked for Silver Santa are often alone for the holidays,” Taylor explained.
Liberty Police Chief Gary Martin emphasized the personal connection officers build during the visits.
“It’s not only just giving them stuff, but the officers spend time with them,” Martin said.
