Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in desperate need of volunteers for Saturday event

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is in desperate need of volunteers to pull off this weekend’s event.

On the second Saturday in May for the past 33 years, letter carriers across the country have collected nonperishable food donations on their mail routes to pass on to food pantries. Clark County’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is slated for Saturday, but no one has signed up to volunteer, according to lead organizer Don Young.

“Our drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons,” Young said. “By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.”

Young is looking for volunteers with pickups, trailers, SUVs or other vehicles who can help collect food donations along carrier routes. Volunteer shifts are flexible and run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Orientation will begin at 10 a.m. at the U.S. Postal Service office at 2700 Caples Ave., Vancouver.

To sign up as a volunteer, community members should reach out to Young at 360-904-6972 or postal44@comcast.net.

Donation bags have already been delivered to residential addresses across Vancouver and Washougal. Clark County residents can leave nonperishable food donations near their mailboxes by 9 a.m. Saturday, and letter carriers and volunteers will do the rest.

Those looking to help in other ways can mail a check to County Food Bank/Stamp Out Hunger, 6402 N.E. 47th Ave., Vancouver. Food donations can also be dropped off at the food bank.

While Stamp Out Hunger is a nationwide event, donations made in Clark County will benefit the Clark County Food Bank, local food pantries and area residents in need.