CAP Needs Volunteers

Putnam CAP (Community Action Program), which has been helping families in need for years, is now asking the community for help, in the form of volunteers.

CAP Director Judy Callahan said while adult volunteers were needed during the week to help in the office and food pantry, “our most urgent need is for volunteers who can assist with heavy lifting and unloading the large produce, bread, and dessert donations.”

CAP is about to enter its busiest time of the year with several major programs. Callahan said volunteers were needed to serve once a week or even once a month, since the CAP volunteer scheduling is quite flexible.

The winter coat drive gets underway Nov. 3 and operates through February. CAP’s Thanksgiving Basket drive and distribution takes place from Nov. 21 through Nov. 25. The organization’s Holiday Toy program begins in mid- November and collection continues until the distribution from Dec. 17 through Dec. 23.

Callahan told the COURIeR “given the state of the economy, we expect participation to set all time records. Unfortunately, the need doesn’t disappear after the holidays. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis.”

Those interested in volunteering are asked to phone the CAP office in Brewster at 278-8021 and ask for the group’s volunteer coordinator, Mary.