The Belton Police Department has kicked off its 12th annual Silver Santa program, a holiday initiative that delivers Christmas gift bags to senior residents enrolled in the city’s RU OK program. The department is currently collecting donations, with collection boxes available through December 1 at several locations across the city: the Belton Police Department, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, Belton CVS, and Planet Fitness.

The Silver Santa program aims to bring holiday cheer and essential items to older adults who may otherwise spend the season alone. “Delivering these gift bags is more than just a gesture; it’s a reminder to our seniors that they are valued and remembered,” said Anita Wyatt, coordinator of the RU OK program.

Belton Police officers will personally deliver the gift bags to participants’ homes later in December. Many recipients look forward to the annual visit, which has become a meaningful tradition in the community. “Our Silver Santa program reflects our commitment to serving every individual in our community,” said Belton Police Chief Larry Berg. “We aim to strengthen the bonds that make Belton a caring place to live so no one feels forgotten during the holidays.”

Requested donation items include practical supplies such as Band-Aids, calendars, lip balm, small notepads, pens, boxed tissues, small flashlights with batteries, magnifying glasses, jar openers, compact mirrors, and eyeglass cleaning cloths. Warm clothing items like new socks, blankets, scarves, and gloves are also needed, along with large-piece jigsaw puzzles and large-print puzzle books.

The RU OK program provides daily or weekly wellness calls from volunteers to check on the safety and well-being of participants. Currently, 91 Belton residents are enrolled in the program, which has been credited with helping to prevent 17 potentially life-threatening situations since its inception in 2013.

The program is open to Belton residents aged 60 and older who live alone, do not have a caretaker, and are cognitively able to participate. Those interested in enrolling or learning more can visit http://www.beltontexas.gov/ruok or call 254-933-5840.