Annual Letter Carrier Food Drive is May 9
With the increased need for food and related supplies in Lee County, the Saturday, May 9, National Letter Carrier Food Drive is especially important. This is the day when letter carriers collect non-perishable food that has been left by mail boxes. All food donated that day remains in Lee County.
The 2008 food drive resulted in the collection of 371,000 pounds of food items. Over 65 volunteers assisted the mail carriers by helping collect the donated food items on rural routes where the carriers use their private vehicles and have limited space for the food. It is indeed gratifying to see the volume of food donations as the mail carriers return from their daily routes.
Over 300 individuals assisted at eight Post Offices sorting food for the local food banks. Most of the food goes to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, which distributes the food to their 165 participating agencies.
The 2009 food drive needs to collect even more food as the need for those seeking assistance at non-profit agencies has increased 30-70 percent over last year. Individuals who can volunteer on May 9 should call 573-9638.