64°
Organized by teens in the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program, the program is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys or gifts for children ranging from newborns to teens in high school.
Each year, the cadets gather the donated toys and other gifts for needy children in Putnam County for delivery throughout Putnam County during the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays.
Judy Callahan, the director of the Community Action Partnership, has reported that the weakened economy and unemployment situation in the area has created an increased need among many families in the county, said Putnam Sheriff Donald B. Smith.
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.
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 residents, CAP was able to provide toys and gifts to 556 children, with each receiving three presents and two stocking-stuffer items.
“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 Callahan.
Donors are invited to drop off items at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters off Fair Street in Carmel, at the Town of Kent Police Department, located on Route 52 in Kent, at the Community Action Partnership Headquarters at 121 Main St., in Brewster, the Mahopac Chamber Of Commerce at 953 South Lake Blvd., 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 no later than Friday, Dec. 16, to insure delivery to the children in time for the holidays. Distribution of gifts will start on Dec. 20 at the Putnam CAP office at 121 Main St., in Brewster.
For more information on the annual toy drive, please check the Putnam Community Action website at www.putnamcap.org or contact Callahan at 845-278-8021 extension 17.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mahopac and receive free news updates.
