After a hiatus because of COVID concerns the Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is back! Saturday, May 13 marks the 31st anniversary of one of America’s greatest days of giving and the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to be an official partner of the event.
On May 13, while delivering mail, members of NALC Branch 59 (Coulee Region letter carriers) will collect donations left by area residents for the drive. People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag or container with non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, rice or cereal next to their mailbox Saturday morning (May 13th).
Volunteers from local unions will play a key role on the 13th, helping to unload incoming donation trucks and sorting donated food. Local unions that have volunteered for this action include IAMAW 1115, AFSCME Retirees, IBEW 14, IAMAW 21, AFT 4999 and of course NALC Chapter 59.
Rain or shine, this food drive to end hunger continues. Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Mike Davis Jr. said, “If it rains, people are encouraged to put donations in plastic bags and tie them shut, if possible, but please don’t let the weather stop you. Please Donate.”
Over the course of its 31-year history, the drive has collected over 1.92 billion pounds of food, thanks to a postal service universal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands.
The annual May event is vital for local food pantries and neighbors in need. Food availability is usually low in spring. When schools are closed for the summer, the need for extra groceries is greater because younger students don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch programs. Locally, almost one in three children is at risk of starvation.
Local residents can help by making a donation by simply filling a grocery bag (or two) with non-perishable groceries and dropping them by your mailbox for pickup on Saturday, May 13th.
Local food donations stay local and benefit Coulee Region residents in need.
This annual event is sponsored locally by NALC Branch 59, Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO, and Great Rivers United Way.
