Despite rumors--and apparently, news reports--to the contrary, the Schoharie County Community Action Program's distribution center will remain open.
Television newscasts last week reported that the center in the former Movie Gallery in Cobleskill was closing. That's not true, according to Marie Campbell, president of SCCAP's board of directors.
In what may be a related move, the SCCAP board placed Executive Director Phil Alotta on paid administrative leave.
The center has been the main distribution point since Irene, and then Lee, hit the county three weeks ago.
Offering everything from food and household items to kids' clothing--and all free--the center has been a supply base for flood victims.
"Somebody made a reference to the center closing [on TV] because we weren't getting the donations out fast enough," Ms. Campbell said.
"The store is going to be kept open."
Jeannette Spaulding, SCCAP's deputy executive director, confirmed Ms. Campbell's pledge.
"The demand is still strong, so we're going to be open as long as we have to," Ms. Spaulding said.
She added that the center is open from 9am to 7pm Monday through Saturday.
SCCAP's offering later hours and Saturdays, Ms. Spaulding said, "because we're trying to help people who can only get there after work."
At times SCCAP is having trouble manning the center, Ms. Campbell said. The agency asked other non-profits for help, and several responded.
"We were doing this with one full-time person and volunteers," Ms. Campbell said. "We were afraid it was taking away from our other day-to-day business."
The center, which is on East Main Street in the Burger King plaza, still needs donated items.
All items must be new, and those most needed include bedding, pillows, laundry soap, bleach, bath towels and blankets.
Also, mayonnaise, cleaning supplies, respirator masks, bathroom supplies and children's clothes.
As for Mr. Alotta, Ms. Campbell wouldn't say why he's on paid administrative leave.
"He's entitled to a fair hearing," Ms. Campbell said.
In a prepared statement, Mr. Alotta said he made every effort to aid flood victims and that his suspension was without justification.
He referred other questions to his attorney, Phillip Steck.
Ms. Campbell expected the hearing to be today, Wednesday.