Letter carriers weigh in on hunger

While donations are still rolling in, so far 6,900 pounds of food have been collected in Pauls Valley as part of an annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive.

It was back on Saturday, May 13 when letter carriers in more than 195 central and western Oklahoma cities helped “Stamp Out Hunger” by collecting donations from residents on their mail routes.

In Pauls Valley, donations benefit Delta Community Action Foundation, a food pantry serving residents in all of Gavin County, in partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“I want to thank the letter carriers and everyone who made a donation to help fight hunger in our state,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“Thanks to your support we will have more food available to help feed our hungry neighbors. Thank you for your generosity.”

If you missed your letter carrier, donations can be dropped off at your local post office through Tuesday, May 30.

Monetary donations can also be made online at feedinghope.org, by calling 405-600-3136 or by mail at Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Attn: Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, PO Box 270968, Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968.

For every dollar donated, the Regional Food Bank is able to provide the equivalent of five meals.

A $10 donation will provide 50 meals, or a $25 donation will provide 125 meals.

“Thank you for donating and impacting the lives of our neighbors,” said Steve Riggs, statewide chair of the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive.

“Hunger is a silent epidemic that is closer than you think. One in six Oklahomans face hunger every day.”

Final donation totals are scheduled to be announced on June 26.