Stamp Out Hunger fundraiser falls short of prior year

The National Association of Letter Carriers collected nearly 225,000 pounds of food during its 25th annual Stamp Out Hunger fundraiser.

The total fell 30,000 pounds short of the 255,000 pounds collected for local food pantries last year. However, the preliminary figure announced yesterday could grow as more food comes in this week, according to a news release from United Way of the Ozarks, a partner in the event.

“This amount exceeded our expectations and proves once again that our community cares about each other,” NALC Chairman Tom Carter said in the release.

During the May 13 fundraiser, residents were encouraged to leave nonperishable food donations next to their mailboxes for postal workers to collect.

The donations are given to local food pantries via Ozarks Food Harvest, including The Salvation Army, Crosslines, Victory Mission and Grand Oaks Baptist, according to the release.