On Monday, Aug. 21, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) paid a follow-up visit to the Putnam Community Action Partnership (CAP), a component of the Westchester Community Program (WestCOP), to find out the results of this year’s backpack drive that helps low-income families. Slater spoke with some members of the incredible team including Marisa O’Leary, Putnam CAP’s director, on the importance of their programs and how donations truly make a difference in these individuals’ lives. With the school year coming around the corner, 311 children were vetted and found in need of school supplies and with the commendable generosity from local rotaries, members of the community and Slater, they were able to surpass their goal along with a handful of gift cards to purchase additional school supplies and clothing.

For 37 years, Putnam CAP has been a distinguished private not-for-profit organization delivering a multitude of services across the lower Hudson Valley. They are dedicated to the mission of mobilizing and overseeing resources via incredible partnerships and collaborations with the ultimate aim of empowering vulnerable and low-income populations.

“Putnam CAP has done a tremendous job serving the community for those in need, and I am so thrilled to be a partner with them. Putnam CAP has done a great job making sure that the students of Putnam County get off to the right start this school year,” said Slater. “Children deserve the proper resources and support from the community in order to be successful at school so they can thrive later in life. For many families, money is especially tight nowadays and programs such as Putnam CAP are truly the helping hand for families that need the support.”

“Putnam CAP is grateful for Assemblyman Slater’s support of our School Supplies Program. Community partners such as Assemblyman Slater help Putnam CAP ensure all children, regardless of socio-economic status, arrive at school equipped to learn,” said Putnam CAP Director, Marisa O’Leary.