Published: May 20, 2008 08:32 am      

Letter carriers pickup 24,800 pounds of food

Letter carriers in Madison County collected 24,800 pounds of food from postal patrons on their annual food drive May 10.

That is an increase of more nearly a third over last year’s collection of 19,000 pounds.

Rural letter carriers and postal clerks also assisted in the drive, said Randy Wiles, Richmond steward for the National Association of Letter Carriers.

In Richmond, 19,000 pounds of food were collected, up 5,000 pounds from 2007. In Berea, 5,800 pounds were collected, an increase of 700 pounds, said Holly Troyer, food drive coordinator in Berea.

“Last year, I was hoping to get above 5,000 pounds, and we collected 5,100 pounds,” Troyer said. “This year with the economy I was afraid we wouldn’t do as well, but I am thrilled that we blew the old record out of the water.

“With rising food and gasoline prices, many families are faced with the choice of buying groceries or paying their rent, and that’s a really tough spot to be in,” she said. “I’m glad we can help people in that situation.”

Local food banks distribute the food to families and individuals in need.

God’s Outreach Community Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Kentucky River Foothills Community Action Partnership and Home Meals Delivery distribute the food in Richmond.

Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief (BUURR) and four area churches distribute the food in southern Madison County.

“I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to everyone who donated, collected and then sorted the food,” said Syble Miller of Home Meals Delivery.

“With the cost of food increasing, I know the letter carriers were worried about how much they would collect, but to collect nearly a third more is just wonderful.”

Community volunteers helped sort and box the food for the agencies to pick up.

The generous response of food donors meals participating agencies can help more people, Maj. Grady Pearson of the Salvation Army.

“The rising cost of food has put more people in need, and this food drive should carry us through the summer,” he said.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.