To the editor:

On behalf of Outreach’s volunteers, staff and Board of Directors, I write to express my deepest gratitude to this community for the overwhelming response to the recent “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.

This event, sponsored annually by the National Association of Letter Carriers, traditionally brings in roughly 1 ton of food to the Outreach food pantry.  This year, the community pulled together and over 4 tons of food was donated.

The success of such a large scale food drive can be directly attributed to the caring people involved.  We heard stories of letter carriers taking several trips through their usual route in order to pick up the donated food.  Community members proved their generosity once again, filling bags to the brim with food for our neighbors in need.  Finally, Outreach’s dedicated crew of volunteers helped transport the donations from local post offices to our pantry – no small feat when handling over 4 tons of goods.

To all who were involved in this food drive, in ways large and small, I offer you my sincere thanks.  Your compassion for others will make a difference in the lives the people that we serve.

– Carol V. Newton, Landrum