Claremore's letter carriers will be packing more than just letters and parcels as they make their rounds on Saturday. Their satchels and postal vehicles will also be loaded with nonperishable food items.

These local men and women will be joining postal workers and volunteers across America in the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive.

The drive, in its 16th year, is the largest one-day food collection in the nation.

“Last year we were able to gather 21,750 pounds during the one-day event,” Deborah Davis, the local NALC food drive coordinator, said. “Our mail customers have been very generous in the past and last year's total was our all-time high, but now we need their help again.”

This year's event comes one day before Mother's Day. As for the past 15 years, the carriers will focus their efforts on restocking the community food banks, pantries, and shelters that millions of American families can rely on throughout the summer.

All food items gathered by the Claremore office will remain in the Claremore community, stressed Davis.

“It is important for the people who help to be assured their donations will stay right here,” she added.

The second Saturday in May has been selected for the annual drive. History shows food bank donations tend to wane after the winter holidays. This drop-off is particularly troublesome since the hunger problem is usually at its most critical stage. Because school is out during the summer months, school breakfast and lunch programs are also suspended. These programs often may be the only source of stable nutrition for millions of students.

To help combat this on the local front, Davis' coworkers will turn over all the gathered items to four Claremore area organizations.

“All the food we bring in that day will be divided equally among our local food banks. Each does a remarkable job seeing the food gets to the people who need it,” Davis said.

Claremore's food banks are located at Lifechangers Church, Central Church of Christ, First United Methodist, and the Good Samaritan. The latter is sponsored by local Baptist churches and operates out of Faith Baptist.

Each bank operates the year around with various help, but each receives a major boost from the food drive.