Lock Haven ready to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Saturday

By SCOTT JOHNSON — sjohnson@lockhaven.com
LOCK HAVEN — The Lock Haven post office will join post offices throughout the country in the National Association of Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive” Saturday.

This is the 16th annual nationwide event, with a total of 836.2 million pounds, or over 400,000 tons, collected nationwide over the years.

Last year, the Lock Haven post office received about 5,500 pounds of food, which was donated to the Lock Haven Salvation Army, said Lock Haven mail carrier Ethan Schlesinger.

“It all stays local,” he said.

The drive is the largest one-day food collection in the nation. Last year, the drive delivered 70.7 million pounds of non-perishable items to local food organizations around the nation — the fourth consecutive year the total surpassed 70 million pounds.

Lock Haven Postmaster Tina Weaver said those wishing to donate to the cause should place non-perishable food items by their mailboxes by 8:30 a.m. Saturday, preferably in a plastic bag, for the mail carriers to pick up.

The postal service does ask that no glass containers be set out for donations.

Weaver reminded the public there will be some volunteers helping the effort who will not be in postal uniform.

“I would think there is a great need,” said Weaver, especially considering the higher costs of food and fuel in recent months. “We greatly appreciate any help we can get.”

Schlesinger said: “We would be grateful for anything the public can give. They can help even by putting out one can... Every little bit helps.”

Nearly every post office in the region is taking part in the event this year.