Liberty’s police officers and firefighters are working together this month to make the Christmas season a little brighter for residents who need a helping hand.
The Liberty Police Department is now accepting donations for its annual Silver Santa program, which provides non-perishable foods, warm socks, blankets, puzzle books with large print and other comfort items for elderly residents in the city. Most of the baskets go to participants in the department’s R U OK? program, a welfare-check system for seniors who live alone. Officers will deliver the items just before Christmas.
Police Chief Rick Ashe said donations can be dropped off in the collection bins inside the police station lobby on Lakeland Drive any time before Dec. 15.
“If they want to leave items or make a financial donation, we would be happy to have the help,” Ashe said.
When asked how many seniors they hope to serve this year, Ashe explained that the number will depend entirely on the donations that come in. While the department is asking for contributions by Dec. 15, he noted that they will likely still accept items on Dec. 16–17 for anyone who misses the initial deadline. Anyone with questions can stop by the station for details.
In the same lobby at the police station, Liberty Police Department is collecting donations for Liberty Fire Department’s Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts to children in need. Fire Chief Brian Hurst said the response so far has been strong. One donor last week selected the names of 20 children from the tree and is purchasing gifts for every one of them.
“Amazingly enough, we don’t have any more kids on our tree,” Hurst said. “Everyone is buying gifts for the ones we had on it, but if there are still more kids within the city of Liberty who need help, please call the fire department or stop by and we will try to help.”
For the Angel Tree program, time is critical. Any child who receives assistance must live within the city limits and meet the program’s criteria for need. Families seeking help should visit the fire station on the 1900 block of Lakeland Drive, adjacent to the police station, and ask for office manager Misty Dulaney. A short form will be required with the child’s name, age, clothing sizes and a few Christmas wishes.
“The closer we get to Christmas, the more difficult it will be to help children, so they need to reach out immediately if they need help,” Hurst said.