Postal carriers, United Way team up for food drive

Residents throughout the suburbs won’t have to go out of their way to help the hungry in an upcoming food drive.

In fact, they need only walk as far as their mailbox when the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association hold their 19th annual nationwide food drive.

The “Stamp Out Hunger” drive takes place Saturday, May 14, and includes most towns and unincorporated areas.

“Rural routes are included,” said Rod Helm, a Geneva postal carrier who is coordinating the drive. “Just put it out at your mailbox and we’ll pick it up.”

Inclement weather won’t impede the effort, Helm said.

“If it’s raining out, (residents can) put stuff in plastic bags.”

United Way of Central Kane County will assist in the drive, and donations will be given to the Salvation Army, Lazarus House and St. Peter’s Food Pantry.

According to the postal service, it is the largest one-day food drive in the country.

“Last year we did well over 13,000 pounds of food,” said Paula Yensen, executive director of United Way of Central Kane County.

In addition to nonperishable food items, personal care items such as diapers, shampoo and deodorant will also be accepted, Yensen said.

For those who’d like to do more than leave a donation by the mailbox, Helm said volunteers are needed to help handle the donations.

“We may need people to help pick up food, unload trucks,” he said.

To volunteer, call Helm or Ted Joiner at the post office, (630) 584-2318.

Helm said postal carriers don’t mind the extra work for this event.

“People need the help, so it’s worth it,” he said. “This has been a tough year.”

Residents can also drop off items May 14 at post office locations and the Blue Goose Market, 300 S. Second St., St. Charles.