Putnam Hospital Medical Staff Spread Cheer to Local Charities

Christmas came early for three Putnam organizations helping the needy.

The medical staff of Putnam Hospital Center donated $3,000 to two food pantries and a shelter. Each recipient -- the Philipstown Food Pantry, the Patterson Food Pantry and the Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership, a coalition of congregations that provides a place to sleep for those in need during the winter months -- received $1,000.

“We are proud as a medical staff to give back to our community,” said medical staff President Dr. Michael Nesheiwat.

Representatives from each of the organizations visited Putnam Hospital Center on Wednesday, Dec. 9 to receive their checks from Nesheiwat.

“We’re very grateful for any donations, particularly large sums like that before the holidays,” said Andrea Bach, Philipstown Food Pantry coordinator. “It puts our mind at ease to know that we have enough funds to provide a nice holiday for families in need.”

In addition to meals, the Patterson Food Pantry also provides toys to children during the holidays.

“It’s very important,” said Marion Swarm-Becker, volunteer at the Patterson Food Pantry. “It’s really going to help us this holiday season with getting gifts for children to have under the tree.”

The hospital’s medical staff started contributing funds to local food pantries last year during the holidays. In 2014, they donated $5,000 to five food pantries including Putnam Community Action Program, Putnam Valley Community Food Pantry, Brewster Community Food Pantry, Gilead Presbyterian Church Food Pantry in Carmel and St. John the Evangelist Food Pantry in Mahopac.

Photo caption: PHC Medical Staff President Dr. Michael Nesheiwat delivers donations to from left, Gail Pease, of the Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership, Marion Swarm-Becker, of the Patterson Food Pantry and Andrea Bach, of Philipstown Food Pantry