To the Editor:

On Saturday October 15, the Potsdam Humane Society held an open house for the public to show the wonderful new facility that was built with community donations, grants and loans. To help raise money to meet the continuing expenses of loan repayment and operating expenses, the shelter held a silent auction during the open house. There were many valuable items donated by generous people. One of the items available for bidding was a pair of 24 carat gold earrings.

The items were on display during the event. Before the end of the event it was discovered that the earrings had been stolen. People had bid on this item, so this is money that is lost to the shelter.

Maybe the person who took the earrings did so without thinking of the consequences of their actions. Perhaps this person would make a donation to the shelter to make up for the theft.

It’s discouraging to know that someone would steal from a facility that depends on donations to survive.

Joan T. Lalonde

Potsdam