Stamp Out Hunger

Volunteer!

Signup using the link below –

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FABA92FA1FB6-49531324-2024#

Colquitt County, GA – Stamp Out Hunger, the beloved annual drive that channels the altruism of Postal Service employees to collect food donations for local communities, is set to return this coming Saturday, May 11, after a hiatus since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheaded by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), this one-day event holds the distinction of being the nation’s largest single-day food drive.

United Way of Colquitt County (UWCC) has taken the initiative to revive the Stamp Out Hunger drive, recognizing the pressing need to support the community’s most vulnerable members, especially in light of recent challenges. The decision to resurrect this vital initiative was propelled by the staggering increase in meals provided by the local food bank in recent years. In 2023 alone, the food bank distributed over 411,000 meals, marking a substantial 44.3% rise from the previous year’s tally of over 285,000 meals in 2022.

“We are witnessing a growing need within our community, and it’s imperative that we rally together to address it,” stated Caroline Horne, Executive Director at UWCC. “The Stamp Out Hunger drive presents an invaluable opportunity for residents to make a tangible impact on the lives of their neighbors facing food insecurity.”

Bags for collecting food donations will be distributed to households this Wednesday via USPS, accompanied by an explanatory card detailing the drive’s purpose and logistics. UWCC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Al Solanki, owner of the local Save-A-Lot store, for generously donating the bags for this initiative and to Chris Roberts, USPS Postmaster, as well as Will Rowley, USPS, for assisting in making this event possible.

Stamp Out Hunger operates on a simple premise: residents are encouraged to fill the provided bags with nutritious, nonperishable food items and place them by their mailboxes for postal carriers to collect during their regular rounds. Postal employees then deliver these donations with local help to the post office where volunteers will assist in loading the items into bins, ensuring that individuals and families in need have access to essential sustenance.

For those interested in participating and volunteering in the Stamp Out Hunger drive, please contact the United Way Office at (229) 985-2627 to sign up for a volunteer time slot or sign up here — https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FABA92FA1FB6-49531324-2024#

As Colquitt County prepares to unite in the fight against hunger, UWCC urges residents to join hands in making a meaningful difference through the Stamp Out Hunger drive. Together, they can transform compassion into action, nourishing bodies and spirits alike.
For more information on how to participate in the Stamp Out Hunger drive, call the United Way office at (229) 985-2627 or send an email to admin@uwccga.org .

Photo submitted and created by Angela Bowman, UWCC Outreach Coordinator & AmeriCorps Member