Saturday, local letter carriers, in conjunction with The United Way of Kosciusko County, Campbell's Soup Company, local Post Office branches and local food pantries, will participate in an annual food drive to support the community.
This national event encourages communities to participate and collect food in order to make a difference in hungry people's lives.
Last year, 11,500 pounds of food items were distributed to local emergency pantries to replenish depleted supplies in Kosciusko County.
That seems like a lot of food, but it will really only provide about a three month's supply of food for families in need in the community. Food pantry recipients in our area include: The Salvation Army, Combined Community Services and Mary & Jerry's Helping Hands and Our Father's House, all which assist feeding those in need.
Nationally, more than 70 million pounds of food were collected during the food drive last year. The Campbell's Soup Company donates 1 million pounds of food each year. Over the last 14 years this event has been in effect, over 750 million pounds of food have been collected and distributed to food pantries across the nation to help alleviate hunger.
A special addition, again this year, will be the ability to collect and distribute baby food and diapers to Heartline Pregnancy Center for families in need. All donations of baby food need non-expired food dates, or it cannot be used.
The U.S. Postal Service will collect non-perishable items such as canned goods, cereal, and rice. The letter carriers ask that you do not include fresh, perishable food or any glass containers, as they may spoil or break before reaching the pantries.
The carriers also ask that you bag your donations and place it by your mailbox Saturday, to be picked up on your regular mail route.
Warsaw and Winona Lake Post Offices, The United Way of Kosciusko County, and four local food pantries have a goal of collecting 15,000 pounds of food during this one-day event. For this to happen, volunteers are needed. If you would like to help, meet at the Warsaw Post Office Saturday at 11 a.m. to help load and unload trucks.
