Employees of Bustleton Post Office look forward every year to the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which takes place on the second Saturday in May.
The coronavirus pandemic forced postponement of the annual event, but local NALC board member Jim O’Malley suggested an alternative.
All employees were encouraged to donate a bag of nonperishable food or make a monetary contribution to help feed the needy locally.
“Food banks were low, people were unemployed, and we wanted to help out locally,” said George Borko, a shop steward.
Plenty of food was donated, along with more than $800. Borko and his wife, Diane, a fellow carrier, shopped in bulk at BJ’s and Costco.
In the end, the employees decided to donate the food to Caring for Friends (formerly Aid for Friends), 12271 Townsend Road, which gladly accepted the contribution.
“They deliver to homebound people, elderly mostly, anybody in need, over 20,000 meals a month locally,” Borko said.
Joe Delmont, a shop steward, was proud of his fellow employees, who serve people in the 19115, 19116 and 19152 ZIP codes.
“We were able fill up several vehicles with food,” he said. “The employees work hard every day, and they have families of their own to support. We weren’t twisting any arms, but it was a very good show of support.”
Delmont is looking forward to the next Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, whether it takes place later this year or next May. Residents are asked to donate canned goods or other nonperishables.
“It’s the same deal. Every station puts it right back in the community,” Delmont said.
Anyone who wants to donate food can drop it off at the Bustleton Post Office, 9925 Bustleton Ave. ••
