They’ll Deliver Mail, Take the Goods

The U.S. Postal Service will be doing more than delivering the mail today.

For the fourth straight year, letter carriers in Orange County are joining thousands of other carriers in a national food drive.

Postal customers are invited to participate in the event--believed to be the largest one-day food collection in the nation--by leaving donations of canned goods or other nonperishable items near their mailboxes to be picked up by letter carriers when they deliver the mail.

In addition, food donation containers will be stationed at all post offices throughout the county.

Orange County Food Bank Director Mark Lowry said letter carriers from every city in the county are participating. He added that the food drive has been very successful in the past because carriers make it convenient for everyone to give.

According to food drive leaders, some of the most needed food items include canned meats, fish, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese. They are also asking for dairy products such as powdered milk and puddings, canned fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals and personal-care items such as toothbrushes, bars of soap and diapers.