The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (April 12, 2012) – During the week leading up to Saturday, May 12, United Way of Sullivan County will again partner with the National Association of Letter Carriers in an effort to restock Sullivan County’s food pantries.

The timing of the food drive, in May, is significant since hunger problems are usually most critical during the summer months.

Many of the nation’s children depend on school breakfast and lunch programs as the only source of stable nutrition and have no place to turn when school is not in session.

In Sullivan County, more than half of the student population receives free or reduced-price lunch. “Again this year, Sullivan County continues to struggle through challenging economic conditions, exacerbated by cuts to state and federal programs. As need increases and resources diminish, our local food pantries are hard-pressed to continue meeting the needs of hungry families and individuals in our community,” notes Kaytee Warren, who heads Sullivan County’s United Way. “We are counting on the continuing kindness and generosity of Sullivan County residents to help stamp out hunger right here in our community.”

Letter carriers throughout Sullivan County will be collecting donated food items from customers along their routes on May 12. Many rural carriers have also offered to pick up food items that are placed in plastic bags and hung on mailboxes. In addition, collection boxes will be available in the lobby of each post office to allow patrons to drop off their donations. After the food is collected, each post office will be matched with a food pantry in their area, so items donated by their customers will help feed individuals in the same local area.

Each year, this food drive collects thousands of pounds of non-perishable food items and serves as a major resource in helping to restock local food pantries.

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United Way of Sullivan County is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize the caring power of the community through participation in fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy, education and partnerships for the purpose of improving lives and building a strong and vital Sullivan County. United Way focuses on identifying and resolving pressing community issues to achieve permanent, measurable changes.