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CLAWSON/ROYAL OAK — Mail carriers throughout the area are hoping that they will collect much more than they deliver next weekend.
Saturday, May 13, is the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive day, when people can leave nonperishable food items near their mailboxes for pickup.
The drive takes place annually the second Saturday in May in more than 10,000 cities and towns across the United States, and the initiative is led by the National Association of Letter Carriers with the help of other postal employees and volunteers.
“It’s a time for the community to come together and donate food to stock the food banks for the summer, if not longer, giving kids the food they need to have meals while they’re out for the summer,” said Chris Young, Clawson post office food drive coordinator.
Young said the drive potentially is one of the largest food donation times of the year.
He said that last year, the Royal Oak and Madison Heights post offices collected nearly 46,000 pounds of food, which they donated locally to Salvation Army food pantries. The Clawson post office collected 8,700 pounds of food, which it donated to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
“All this is accomplished by first getting the community involved by having them leave groceries in a bag — that is provided by the post office — on their porch on May 13th,” Young said. “Then the letter carriers and volunteers will do the rest.”
Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier said the drive has taken place in Royal Oak for the past 25 years.
“It’s a very exciting event that goes on, and we’re very proud of our post office and the work that they do to help deliver food for those who need it in our community, both in Royal Oak and in broader areas,” Fournier said.
The Royal Oak post office in conjunction with the Royal Oak Farmers Market is hosting a kickoff event 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6 on the steps of the 44th District Court. The event will include live entertainment and 25th annual food drive T-shirts for sale.
Salvation Army Capt. Peter Mount said the food goes to help families in need within the community and also to homeless people in the area who can come to the Salvation Army to receive some food.
“It’s another way we can reach out to them,” he said.
Mount said the Salvation Army also services other food pantries in the area.
“It’s just a great opportunity to collaborate together with the post office, with the city,” Mount said. “It amazes me again and again how generous our community is to help those less fortunate than we are.”
Young said bags and informational postcards will be delivered to residents before the drive.
