Local letter carriers collect 6,500 pounds of food
The work of the letter carriers in Roanoke and Woodland brought in more than 6,500 pounds of food last Saturday.
As the letter carriers handled their mail delivery and pick-up duties they also picked up bagged food left beside the mailbox.
Ed Halsey, president of the local National Association of Letter Carriers, said the amount was down a little from last year but they are pleased for every can, every pound that goes to a needy source.
“I get goosebumps all over my body,” he said when he drives up and sees the waiting bag. “Every bag makes me feel so good–that people are willing to give to others. Some of us are more blessed than others and those showing the loving care for one another, for humankind, makes you feel good,” he said.
Roanoke has three carriers doing this double duty–Halsey, Greg Rampy and Greg Benefield. “The funny thing about it is you don’t pay any attention to how bad it is because you’re thrilled at how many people are participating,’ he said.
“I also would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the window clerks who received the food when people did not want to leave it outside and brought it into the post office. The window clerks received it and toted it to the back to put it in the collection bins for storage. They did extra duty too,” he said of the three window clerks in Roanoke and one or two in Woodland.
Roanoke was down a little and that was discouraging but Woodland was up. Roanoke contributions amounted to 4,500 pounds while Woodland collected more than 2,000 pounds.
Roanoke is the only one with city carriers that belong to the NALC, which sponsors the food drive. Woodland has chosen, although they are all rural carriers, to come on board and support this food drive, which will benefit their community, Halsey said. The good thing about it is all the food stays right here to help their neighbors in need, he added.
The donations will go to the Randolph Baptist Association Food Bank, The Lighthouse Soup Kitchens and the Community Life Food Bank.
This is the nation’s largest food drive and is always held on the second Saturday in May.
