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Residents of Covington are encouraged to participate in the annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger event by leaving canned goods and other non-perishable food items near their mailboxes this Saturday, May 10. Postal carriers will collect these donations and deliver them to local nonprofits that support low-income families.
The collected food will be distributed between two Covington-based organizations: Be Concerned and Action Ministries. Andy Brunsman, Executive Director of Be Concerned, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "The timing is important because it comes just before the start of summer, which is typically a slow time for food-raising efforts," said Brunsman. "This food enables us to reload our shelves at a crucial time, so it’s really important that it be successful."
This effort is part of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which is recognized as the largest event of its kind in the United States. The NALC Branch 374 has been participating in Northern Kentucky since the drive began 28 years ago.
In previous years, postal carriers have collected significant amounts of food during this drive. Last year alone saw about 15,000 pounds gathered locally, with past collections reaching up to 56,000 pounds.
Brunsman noted the ease with which people can contribute: "The drive...is unique in that all people have to do to participate is leave nonperishable food at their mailbox, and carriers pick it up and deliver it to agencies like ours."
Be Concerned reported record service numbers last year during its 38th year of operation, providing assistance nearly 37,000 times through various forms including food and vouchers for merchandise from its thrift store.
Other beneficiaries distributing outside Covington include Brighton Center and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newport; Pantry of Hope in Highland Heights; CARE Mission in Alexandria; and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Northern Kentucky.
Since its inception in 1993, the NALC Stamp Out Hunger event has collected approximately 1.9 million pounds nationwide for those in need.
