To the editor:

On Saturday, May 11, the National Letter Carriers conducted their annual nationwide food drive during which 11,165 pounds of food were donated to the Helpline House food bank. This feat was possible only because of the collective efforts of the Bainbridge Island community, and Helpline thanks each and every one of you.

Thank you especially to the National Association of Letter Carriers who sponsored the drive, along with United Way of Kitsap and Food Lifeline of Seattle, and the local Bainbridge Island letter carriers — those who visit your mail box each day — who tirelessly lifted each can and box of food their postal patrons so generously donated at their mailboxes that morning.  Thank you to our generous community who donated the food, thank you to the efforts of the volunteers from Island Fitness and Helpline who sorted food on the loading dock. Thank you also to Hill Moving for the truck onto which the food was loaded and brought to Helpline.

It takes an Island to support a food bank that feeds more than 2,000 people in our community members each month. Through your donations of food and time, your neighbors in need are able to put food on their table during difficult financial times.

Thank you for caring enough to do your part.

MARILYN GREMSE

FOOD BANK MANAGER

Helpline House