Senator Flanagan Joins Letter Carriers To Help Stamp Out Hunger

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is encouraging everyone in our community to join this year's National Association of Letter Carrier's (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 10^th.  During the event, letter carriers in our communities will carry on their tradition, now in its 22^nd year, of collecting food along their normal route to help restock area food banks, pantries and shelters. 

The program is designed to help local families who rely on this assistance throughout the summer and is part of what is now the largest one-day food collection in the nation.  According to the NALC, last year’s effort produced more than 74 million pounds of food nationwide.

In an effort to make it more convenient for residents to participate in this effort, Senator Flanagan will be collecting donations at his office in Smithtown every weekday from now until Friday, May 9^th.  Anyone wishing to donate to the food drive can visit his office at 260 Middle Country Road in Smithtown during normal business hours.

According to the NALC, the list of items that will be collected during the event include non-perishable items such as canned meat and fish, soup, bottled juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice.  The organization asks residents to avoid donating any items that have expired or those in glass containers.

For residents who would like to make their donation from their home, items will be collected during normal mail routes on Saturday, May 10^th.  All donations should be placed by the mailbox or the front door to allow for easy pickup.

While most post offices are participating in the program, residents are encouraged to check with their personal mail carrier.  Anyone interested in the event should visit www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive/  or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stampouthunger for more information on this program.

“All of the men and women of the United States Postal Service who volunteers to take part in this labor of love deserve our thanks and our appreciation.  While this is a nationwide event, the food collected in our community will benefit those right here on Long Island.  In anticipation of another successful food drive, thank you for the generous donations of all participants and their efforts in helping to Stamp Out Hunger,” stated Senator Flanagan.