Today is the last day of a collection hosted by the Putnam County Executive's Office to supply comfort packages to those serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The 2nd annual initiative is being run in conjunction with United for the Troops. 

Putnam County Executive Mary Ellen Odell says for a $15 donation, a care package will be sent to a soldier overseas on behalf of the donor or in the name of someone else.  Donors will be given a card acknowledging the gift. 

United for the Troops was founded by a Mahopac couple, Jim and Patty Rathschmidt, with the help of friends and families whose sons and daughters are serving overseas.  Some of the items include cookies, DVDs, CDs, snacks, t-shirts, and other food items. Soldiers typically are supplied with the essentials for day- to-day life and many of them said they miss the extra amenities enjoyed at home. 

Care packages can be reserved by submitting a form found on the County's website, but must be paid through Odell's Confidential Secretary, Terry Oliver, at 40 Gleneida Avenue Carmel, NY  10512.