It was a record-breaking year for the 2015 Stamp Out Hunger food drive in Emporia with more than 20,000 pounds of food being brought in to The Salvation Army. On Saturday, letter carriers collected donated food along their route — shattering previous records.
“The Food Drive takes place in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America,” according to the National Association of Letter Carriers’ website. “It’s an effort to raise national awareness about the real, ongoing problem of hunger in every community, and it’s a sincere attempt to use our unique delivery network to do something about it.”
Tim Dugan, city carrier assistant for the United States Postal Service and secretary and treasurer for the NALC Branch 185, said he unloaded his truck twice Saturday in Emporia. He has been with the Postal Service almost three years, he said.
“This is my second food drive event,” Dugan said. “I’m absolutely amazed how well Emporia steps up when asked. It’s such a giving community. It’s a very busy day but, by far, my favorite day of the year.”
Lt. Lynn Lopez of The Salvation Army expressed gratitude for the food now in the pantry.
“I am always thrilled to the center of my being to watch Emporia show up and show off,” Lopez said. “People don’t give from excess ... they give from what they have. Roger Hartsook quoted statistics Friday saying, per capita Lyon County had the lowest incomes for the state. So when I tell you people give from their hearts you must understand ours because they don’t want to see any child go to bed hungry.
“Love your neighbor is what God calls us to do, and Emporians make that real. I am proud to be called an Emporian! Thank you, one and all. Thank you, letter carriers once again ... you are amazing!”
Lopez said the food helps The Salvation Army fulfill its mission.
“Please know we will make sure people in need will have food in their cupboard because of your generosity,” she said.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.