Sheriff Asks Southeast Residents' Help with Holiday Toy Drive

The Putnam Community Action Program Annual Toy Drive runs through Dec. 17.

What’s needed: new, unwrapped toys or gifts for babies through high-schoolers.

Judy Callahan, director of the Community Action Program, says the weakened economy and unemployment situation has created an increased need among many families in the county.

Last year, through the generosity of donors and the efforts of the Cadets and other volunteers and cooperating agencies, some 2,250 toys and gifts were distributed to about 750 children.

This year, 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.

For youths aged 12-18 it is suggested that donors consider giving $25 gift cards for stores such as Best Buy, Old Navy, Kohl’s, and other retailers.

Where to drop off your donation:

• Sheriff’s Office headquarters off Fair Street in Carmel
• Town of Kent Police Department on Route 52 in Kent
• Community Action Program Headquarters at 121 Main St. in Brewster
• Mahopac Chamber Of Commerce at 953 South Lake Boulevard
• or at any of the banks and businesses participating in the Toys-for-Tots Program sponsored by the Marine Corps League.

Don’t have time to shop? Tax deductible monetary donations are also welcome and may be made via the website or by check made out to “Putnam Community Action Program/WestCOP” which will allow the Community Action Program staff to purchase needed toys.

Distribution of gifts will occur Dec. 18, 19, 22, and 23 at the Putnam Community Foundation offices at 50 Main St. in Brewster.

As in past years, teenagers in the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program are helping to gather the donated toys and other gifts for needy children and sort them for delivery during the Christmas and Hanukah holidays.

Speaking on behalf of the Sheriff’s Cadets Program, Sheriff Donald 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 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.