Bahr accepts check from Dr. Schechtman

JEFFERSON VALLEY - Putnam CAP (Community Action Program) food pantry is in dire straits these days due to governmental cutbacks and reductions of grants.

CAP Executive Director Rosemarie Bahr calls the situation “critical” but thanks to the efforts of Dr. Richard Schechtman, a board certified orthodontist, CAP will be able to continue serving its consumers.

On Monday, Bahr visited the doctor’s office in Jefferson Valley and was presented with a check to help the families in need.

Dr. Schechtman said during the holidays he asked patients for “just a dollar” to place an ornament on a holiday tree to assist families having a difficult time of making ends meet.  The doctor told Bahr that $133 was collected. “I have decided to match the contributions.”

A check for $266 was handed to Putnam CAP.

“Our food pantry is totally out of grant funding and will not be re-funded until July 1,” said Bahr. “Currently my staff and I are serving in excess of 400 families each month. This generous gift will go a long way in helping us purchase food and maintain services for Putnam residents who are struggling to support themselves and their families.”