| On May 13, the National Association of Letter Carriers of the U.S. Postal Service, will be holding their annual Food Drive. This opportunity gives all of us the chance to help fight the spectre of hunger in the local area. I would like to think otherwise; but perhaps there are some in East Longmeadow who have little knowledge or concern about hunger among our own neighbors. Some people in town may not know that the Senior Center has a quarterly Food Distribution program. The products given out are from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; as well as goods donated locally. In addition, the Senior Center also has an on-site Food Pantry to meet immediate needs. In all, the Senior Center serves some 100-125 people in the food program. Statistics can be boring to some people, but consider these figures: 64 percent of people who need emergency food service in western Mass. are living below the federal poverty level. Forty-two percent being served by the Food Bank have to elect between buying food or paying utilities and only seven percent are on welfare. Some of the people making up these statistics could be one of your neighbors. The Letter Carriers food drive, a nationwide event, is vitally important. William Young, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers has said that "The need by America's food banks this May will be enormous. Many are already desperate for help. We simply MUST have a successful drive, the best ever." On May 13, we can all play a part by leaving non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox for your Letter Carrier to pick up. Even if you cannot give a lot, then give whatever you can share and remember the words of Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." The Rev. Thomas Gilbert East Longmeadow |
