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Makes First Donation

Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano, center, joined Boy Scout Troop 21 to make the first donation at the March 19, food drive at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall in Putnam for the local non-profit social service agency, Project Northeast. Photo: John D. Ryan

 

 

PUTNAM — With the economy still teetering, over the last two weeks three Putnam-based organizations came together to help the area’s people in need.

Boy Scout Troop 21 joined with Daughters of Isabella St. Mary’s Circle 543 and Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 to raise over $2,850 and collect almost 1,450 pounds of non-perishable food for Project Northeast. The volunteers passed out hundreds of distinctive bright yellow plastic “Scouting for Food” shopping bags for donors to fill with groceries, while at the same time asking for monetary donations.

This month’s collection effort is the second such drive by these volunteers since last November. Combined, they’ve collected and donated more than $6,450 in cash and just over 2,000 pounds – a ton – of food for local people in need in less than five months. 

Project Northeast is one of the region’s non-profit, non-denominational, private food pantries and social service agencies for the needy. Located in two small basement rooms at St. Mary Church of the Visitation on Providence Street in Putnam, Project Northeast helps an average of about 150 of the region’s families every month, based solely on need, regardless of race, color or religion. Serving the area from Plainfield and Sterling, north to the Massachusetts border, recipients can get temporary help, if it’s available, with non-perishable food, as well as money for utilities and other basic necessities. Although it’s part of the Catholic Diocese of Norwich, it’s supported almost entirely by donations.

Project Northeast Assistant Director Sister Eleanor Baldoni, a member of the Secular Branch of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, says the $2,850 covers about 90 percent of an average month’s worth of assistance to recipients, while the newly donated food is today literally overflowing the shelves.

 “I’ve been here (working at Project Northeast) since 1978,” she said. “Back then, most of the people we were helping were on welfare. Today most of the people we help are working but can’t make it on what they’re getting. They’re the working poor. Many of the rest of the people we see have serious medical problems and are on disability. God bless everyone who helps us to help them.”

 

The drive was capped off on Saturday morning, March 19, at the Cargill Council 64 Hall on Providence Street. During Saturday’s outdoor event, motorists pulled into the parking lot with their money and bags of groceries, while customers were giving their donations to volunteers two blocks away, at Putnam Supermarket. Just after noon, the Scouts and Knights trucked everything over to Project Northeast and brought it inside.

Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano said, “The people of Putnam and the surrounding area stepped up and answered the bell,” Falzarano said. “I’m so proud and happy with what these Scouts and the other volunteers have done to help their neighbors. It’s just been a great effort.”

That effort began on the weekend of March 5 and 6, when Scouts, Daughters and Knights made appeals at the masses being celebrated at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Following up at the two churches a week later, the drive also included Scouts, Knights and Daughters passing out the yellow food-donation bags in the neighborhood around Providence Street.

A member of the Knights of Columbus himself, Project Northeast Director Rev. Richard L. Archambault said this effort will make a positive difference in local people’s lives.

“This is for the poor in the ten-town area. They certainly need it,” Archambault said. “We are so grateful to everyone. The more we get in donations, the more we can do for people.”

Peter A. Lombardo, of Putnam, is in a unique position to comment on the just-completed project. Lombardo is both Troop 21’s Scoutmaster and one of Council 64’s Past Grand Knights.

“This was just remarkable,” he said. “It far exceeded our expectations, thanks to so many generous people. It shows that a small group of dedicated people can get together and do a great good for the people of their community.” 

The drive is over, but Project Northeast’s recipients always need help.  Checks may be mailed to: Project Northeast, 81 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Donations of non-perishable food and money may also be left during business hours at the two locations of Joseph’s Jewelers, 153 School St. in Putnam and 158 Main St. in Danielson.