We recently received official word that Fort Wayne won the national competition among U.S. postal districts of comparative size in the recent Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.” Our local collection was May 8, and we collected a record 622,236 pounds of food generously donated by the residents of Allen, DeKalb, Whitley, Nobel, Wells and Lagrange counties. This food will help feed the single mother, the unemployed and the senior citizen. Food that was collected in our surrounding counties and cities will remain there and will help their local food banks feed and minister to their hungry.
We appreciate the students and staff from Waynedale, Brentwood and Abbett elementary schools for their contribution of 2,493 pounds of food. Food was donated in spite of the fact that some students and their families are considered to be at risk. This generous donation from children was given to Community Harvest Food Bank to assist their programs.
Associated Churches would like to praise the National Association of Letter Carriers, Local 116 for their tireless efforts before and during the drive. Carriers served double duty on the day of the drive, delivering the mail as well as picking up donated food. Milton Gray again, masterfully, organized the postal workers as well as personally taking a week of vacation prior to the drive. We also appreciate Vickie Meyers of the United Way of Allen County for her efforts and attention to detail.
We are also indebted to the hundreds of volunteers who worked at the many different locations collecting, followed by the volunteers from churches, youth groups and community organizations that have spent countless hours sorting and boxing to make distribution to the food pantries go smoothly.
Lastly, we must give greatest credit to the residents of Allen, DeKalb, Whitley, Noble, Wells and Lagrange counties. Many gave freely out of their abundance while others surely sacrificed so that the hungry in our communities might be served. As a result of their generosity, which enabled us to win our division, Campbell’s, a co-sponsor of the event, will be donating 1,000 cans of soup to Associated Churches Food Bank. We are definitely together for the greater good.
THE REV. ROGER REECE Executive Pastor Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County Inc.
