Join Brandon’s Acting Postmaster, Dennis C. Brooks, Valrico’s Postmaster, Robert Gaskin, Letter Carrier, Terry Franklin, and ECHO’s Stacey Efaw and Joni Damico in collecting non-perishable food during the 20th Annual NALC’s Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive on Saturday, May 12.
The 20th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 12. When you receive a plastic bag in your mailbox (bags courtesy of Publix), fill it with non-perishable, not expired food and put it in or near your mailbox early on Saturday, May 12.
Letter Carriers from all over the greater Brandon area will be collecting the bags of food and delivering them to ECHO of Brandon where scores of volunteers will sort the food.
Acting Brandon Postmaster, Dennis C. Brooks said, “Times are tough for everyone, but they are especially tough for those in need. We are asking the community to dig deep and help in any way that you can.” Brooks added, “All food collected stays locally, so you may be helping a friend or neighbor. You never know when you might need a helping hand.”
Joni Damico, Center Director for ECHO said, “This is our largest food drive of the year. We are very appreciative of the community and the postal workers for helping put food in our pantry.” Stacey Efaw, Executive Director for ECHO said, “This drive gives us food which lasts approximately six months.” Efaw added, “We ask all residents to give what you can, even if that is only one or two cans.”
Valrico Postmaster Robert Gaskin said, “It’s pretty amazing to see a group of employees come together for a good cause. Despite the fact that it makes their day longer and is hard work, every worker embraces this yearly food drive.” Many postal workers will come and work at ECHO after their shift to sort the food that they collected that day.
Each year ECHO serves over 11,000 residents who have suffered an emergency by providing them with much needed food and clothing. ECHO cannot do this without the help of the community.
All residents can help by participating in the 20th Annual NALC’s Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive by simply putting food in your mailbox in the early hours of Saturday, May 12. ECHO needs volunteers to help sort food on both Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13. Please visit www.echofl.org.
For information on the food drive, visit www.nalc.org/commun/fooddrive.
