The 21st Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday. In an effort to make it more convenient to participate, brown paper bags have been left on the “doorsteps” of residents throughout the county.

The bags are tagged with the encouragement to “Fill a bag with food. Bring hope to someone in need.”

Residents are asked to fill the bag with non-perishable food items and leave the bag by the mailbox before their usual delivery time.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said the annual NALC Food Drive plays and essential role in stocking food pantries throughout the county.

“The Salvation Army doesn’t get food from the drive every year,” she said. “The food is rotated among the agencies that have food pantries. But, the Salvation Army will benefit this year and we are always so appreciative of the support of our letter carriers.”

May said the people of Troy and Pike County are very generous in their support of the NALC Food Drive.

“The letter carriers really do help us ‘stamp out’ hunger by participating in the food drive and people always support the food drive in a big way,” she said. “We usually get a truck load of non-perishable food that supplies our food pantry for several months. The food drive comes at a good time because most of our food donations come during the holidays. By summer, the food pantry is low and needs replenishing.”

May said there continues to be a need for food throughout the county.

“A lot of people are still out of work or work only part time,” she said. “And, there are always needs among the elderly. Although they get food stamps, it’s often not enough. At the Salvation Army Service Center, we get two to three orders for food each day.”

May said the National Association of Letter Carries Food Drive benefits many people in need. She expressed appreciation to the letter carriers and to all of those who fill the bags and bring hope to someone in need.