S.A.L.T. Annual Christmas Party to be Dec. 7

Lieutenant Rick Schmidt with the Cape Girardeau Police Department speaks on the importance of getting law enforcement and seniors together during the holidays, “It gets everybody out of the house, out of the office for us, not doing the same thing every single day, whether that be sitting at home wondering how you’re going to pay for Christmas, do you have enough food to eat, and us doing the same thing we did yesterday and doing the same thing tomorrow? It’s something different and we need that right now.”

S.A.L.T. serves as an advisory board regarding senior citizen issues to local law enforcement including the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s office, and the Jackson Police Department.

Officer Bobby Newton is the police information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, he says that the program really helps with getting information to seniors in the community,

“It’s a great opportunity for the older population to come out and involve themselves with law enforcement and let us interact with them, and maybe share some tips on how to protect themselves as well.”

Newton says holidays are usually when thefts and scams really present themselves, and their favorite target can often be senior citizens.

Newton adds, “A lot of folks are out shopping during the Christmas season, so we want to make sure they’re watching their credit card statements, bank statements make sure there is no fraud that could go on there, then also just be aware of their surroundings, and then also make sure they’re watching where they put their purses at, don’t leave it in a cart or car seat or something like that.”

The party will be hosted at the Eagles lodge in Cape Girardeau, and all seniors are encouraged to come.