Stamping out hunger, one package at a time

HARLEM VALLEY — Rural post offices throughout the region are determined to help the hungry. On Saturday, May 14, mail carriers will collect nonperishable food left beside mailboxes, which they will then deliver to area food banks, all as part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.“Even if people only leave out one or two items, it’s helping out in a big way,” said Wassaic postal clerk Karen Ricapito. “You wouldn’t believe the amount of stuff that comes in when people do that — it really does add up and it’s for those who really need it.”In the Harlem Valley most post offices have said if postal patrons leave the food by their mailboxes, it will be collected. Wassaic, Dover, Millerton, Pine Plains and Millbrook have all specifically said they are participating, and they’re hoping those who are aware of the drive will participate, too.Dover postal clerk Holly Whaley said in the past, it’s been difficult getting the word out.“Anytime we do have it, it’s been minimal publicity,” she said. “It’s been kind of hush-hush, so it’s great if people know beforehand.“Anybody participating in the drive is wonderful,” she added. “It’s good to help out others and donate, of course.”And the food stays local. The mail carriers who collect the food deliver it to local food banks.“Our food baskets are always in need here,” said JoAnn Keeler, clerk at the Pine Plains post office, adding the food collected during the drive in her town will go to the Pine Plains Food Locker. “The need is higher probably more than ever now.”It’s the same story throughout the Harlem Valley and beyond, which is why those behind the event are hoping participation will be strong.“I’m kind of hoping people will contribute this year because so many people are out of jobs and losing their homes,” Wassaic mail carrier Lisa Dunlop said. “And some people are just too proud to ask for help, I think.”Dunlop, like all of the mail carriers who participate in Stamp Out Hunger, will deliver the items she collects to the food banks on her own time. It’s something she said she does willingly, year after year.“I do it because I know a lot of people don’t have as much as I have,” she said, adding in her district the food will go to the food pantries at Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia and the Action Center in Dover. “I have a job and a husband who has a job when there are a lot of people out there losing jobs and houses, finding it hard to feed their kids.”“It’s a lot of extra work for them,” said Ricapito, adding the carriers never complain about the hard work but rather look forward to the food drive because they know their efforts make a difference.To let people know about the drive, Dunlop made up fliers and left them with her patrons; other mail carriers did likewise. They’re hoping it works.“If people will leave food out, we’ll be happy to pick it up,” postal clerk Lori McGhee of the Millerton post office said.To donate, leave canned, bottled or dry, nonperishable food items that do not require refrigeration in bags or boxes beside your mailbox on Saturday, May 14. If it’s raining, wrap the food items in plastic bags. For more on the drive, go online to HelpStampOutHunger.com.