Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith announces that the 2016 Putnam Community Action Partnership (“CAP”) Annual Toy Drive kicks-off and is once again asking area residents for their support to make the annual event a success. As in past years, teenagers in the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program are helping to gather donated toys and other gifts for needy children in Putnam County. The Cadets help collect and sort donated items for delivery to underprivileged youths throughout Putnam County during the Christmas and Hanukah holidays.

The program is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys or gifts for children ranging from newborns to teens in high school. Donors are invited to drop off items at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters located off Fair Street in Carmel, at the Town of Kent Police Department, located on Route 52 in Kent, at the Community Action Partnership Headquarters located at 121 Main Street in Brewster, the Mahopac Chamber Of Commerce at 953 South Lake Boulevard in Mahopac, or at any of the number of banks and businesses participating in the Toys-for-Tots Program sponsored by the Marine Corps League.

Donations should be dropped off as soon as possible, but preferably not later than Friday, December 16, 2016 to insure delivery to the children in time for the holidays. Distribution of gifts to the youth will start on December 20th at the Putnam CAP office at 121 Main Street in Brewster.

Ms. Judy Callahan, the Director of the Community Action Partnership, has reported that the weakened economy and unemployment situation has created an increased need among many families in the county. CAP officials and volunteers are hopeful that the generosity of Putnam County citizens will enable CAP to achieve its goal of providing three gifts for each eligible youngster aided by the program. Ms. Callahan expressed special concern for youths in the age range of 12 to 18, for whom it is suggested that donors consider giving $25 gift cards for stores such as Best Buy, Old Navy, Kohl’s, and other retailers.

Last year, through the generosity of donors and the efforts of the Cadets and other volunteers and cooperating agencies, CAP was able to provide toys and gifts to 556 children, with each receiving three presents and two stocking-stuffer items each. “Last year’s gift-giving amounted to 1,668 presents and 1,112 stocking-stuffers being distributed, so one can imagine why we rely upon the generosity of the community,” said Ms. Callahan.

Speaking on behalf of the Sheriff’s Cadets Program, Sheriff Smith expressed his gratitude to citizens for their compassion, humanity and generosity displayed in past years’ toy drives and asked for their continued support in this year’s program.

For more information on the annual toy drive, please check the Putnam Community Action website at www.putnamcap.org or telephone Ms. Judy Callahan at 845-278-8021 extension 17. The website contains information on the types of gifts that are most needed in order to meet the needs of Putnam County’s children. Tax deductible monetary donations are also welcome and may be made via the website or by check made out to “Putnam Community Action Partnership/WestCOP”, which will allow the Community Action Partnership staff to purchase needed toys for Putnam’s children.