NORTH ADAMS — The country's single largest food drive — run by the National Association of Letter Carriers — will conduct its "Stamp Out Hunger" collection this Saturday.
The collection, a 16-year tradition, will see millions of pounds of food delivered to local aid agencies around the nation. Annually scheduled for the spring, the drive is coordinated for May since hunger problems are "most critical" during the summer months when school food programs are on hiatus, according to the NALC.
"The need is very great, with many, many food pantries reporting record numbers of men, women and children seeking assistance," said NALC President William Young, in a statement. "And it will only get worse if our economy continues to decline."
In the city, mail carriers will be collecting nonperishable food items for Northern Berkshire Community Action. The carriers expect to begin around 10 a.m. and collect 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of food, said Rob Kuzmins, a supervisor in the North Adams post office.
Those interested in donating can either leave items at their mailboxes or on their porches for the carriers, deliver them to the lobby of the post office on Summer Street or drop off directly at the city Armory before 4:30 p.m.
"If anyone gets missed, they can call the post office and we'll try to send someone to collect it," said Kuzmins. The number is 413-664-4554.
More than 1,500 postal branches nationwide, in all 50 states, will be participating in "Stamp Out Hunger."
In Williamstown, Postmaster John Bourdon said carriers will be picking up donations at residences and asked that donors not include glass or liquids. The food will go to the Williamstown Food Bank.
In Adams, the forest wardens will be assisting carriers with the collection and donors can either leave food at their homes or drop it off in the post office.
"There is always someone who is less fortunate than you and this is a feel-good type of program," said Kuzmins. "With the economy the way it is and prices getting higher and higher, some families are looking at tomorrow and are trying to figure out how to make it through. We're helping people right here in our own community."
