Letter Carriers Food Drive Is This Saturday

Letter carriers across North Berkshire will not just be making deliveries this Saturday. They'll be doing a lot of picking up too. They'll be joining with the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Residents are asked to contribute non-perishable food items by leaving them right by their home mailboxes. Mail carriers collect the goods on their Saturday rounds and take them to local collection points.

On this week's Community Insight show, Mark Rondeau, President of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Drive, emphasized that donations stay right in the community where they were collected. In the 01247 zip code for instance, carriers will take them to the former Sears store in the Steeple City Plaza for sorting by volunteers for the Friendship Center.

Northern Berkshire United Way Executive Director Christa Collier said it's a great way to re-stock community pantries with healthy options for those in need. The wish list includes things like lower-sodium canned vegetables or soups, whole wheat pasta, tuna packed in water, no-sugar-added canned fruits. Personal hygiene items like deodorant, toothpaste, and shampoo are welcome, as are pet foods.  You're asked to avoid glass containers if possible due to the danger of breakage.

Also on the show, North Adams Letter Carrier and Union Steward Matt Ziter said that if you won't be around to leave things out for collection Saturday morning you may bring donations to the post office on Friday, or leave the items out on Monday for your carrier to pick up.

Whatever it takes, it's another great way to help our neighbors in need.