The 2017 Letter Carrier “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive was the most successful food drive ever, thanks to the compassionate and caring people of Albert Lea who donated almost 20,000 pounds of food.

This year’s total — 19,800 — was a record breaker, far surpassing the previous record of 16,709 set in 2009. The community’s donations beat Austin’s total — 19,050 — which gives back the traveling trophy and bragging rights to Albert Lea once more.

A warm and passionate thank you from the letter carriers to all of you who donated. You care about your community and the people in it, and you showed it. Thank you.

This extensive event would not be possible without the extremely hardworking people behind it.

These include the incredibly exuberant volunteers who helped sort, organize and transport the food to the food shelves. Many people worked behind the scenes on the day of the food drive. Thank you to those from First Presbyterian Church. Many of these enthusiastic helpers have participated year after year.

Thanks also to:

• The Salvation Army volunteers, including a number of young people who gave up their Saturday to help out.

• The city and rural carriers and management personnel who came in on their day off to help.

• To all the friends and family members who helped the carriers on the street and helped lighten their load.

• Church Offset Printing, who has been with us for 22 years providing us with reminders and thank you cards.

• Ad Art, for supplying the signs to put on the side of the vehicles.

• The Albert Lea Tribune for their coverage and willingness to be a drop-off point the week of the drive.

• All the local media for helping to get the word out.

What’s even more gratifying than the numbers or a trophy is the fact that so many took time out of your busy lives and eventful weekend and cared enough to give to someone in need. It’s a testament to the unselfishness of the residents of Albert Lea. It shows you have concern for everyone and makes us proud to deliver mail in such a caring community.

Thank you!

Scott Pirsig

local coordinator

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

NALC Branch 718