A Letter Carrier’s Drive to Stamp Out Hunger

After more than two decades serving the same Connecticut neighborhood, Russell has become an integral part of the community.  

He knows the residents on his route well, like lifelong bird lover Elaine Banks. Years ago, when Russell’s mother could no longer care for her pet bird, Elaine stepped in and adopted the beloved animal. Since then, Russell has seen Elaine—and the bird—almost every day.

When Elaine was preparing for heart surgery, Russell was there to help with small tasks around the house, like bringing out the garbage on pickup days.  

Like Russell, letter carriers often become trusted members of the neighborhoods they serve, keeping an eye out for residents, especially older neighbors who may live alone.

That sense of connection carries into the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). On Saturday, May 9, residents can leave non-perishable food items near their mailbox, and letter carriers across the country will collect the donations to support local food banks and families facing hunger. To learn more about how to participate, check the NALC website.

United Way is proud to stand with letter carriers as a founding partner of Stamp Out Hunger, which has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive. We recently spoke with Russell about what it means to serve his community and why the Stamp Out Hunger food drive continues to matter.

What does serving your community as a letter carrier mean to you?
As letter carriers, we’re very visible in the community. We’re out on the streets every day, and people recognize us.

People know we’re there for a good cause. They trust that the work we’re doing is honest and meant to help others, and that trust means everything.

For me, serving the community is very rewarding. I’ve seen firsthand that there are people who truly need help, and over the years, it seems like that need is only increasing.

When you’re able to help in some way, even a small way, it feels good.

Many don’t realize how close food insecurity can be. You might have neighbors struggling right next door, but you wouldn’t even know unless you’re out in the community every day like we are. 

What kind of relationships do you build with the people along your route?

I’ve been on my current route for about 19 years, and the people there really feel like family. I keep an eye out for them, especially the elderly residents.

When someone goes away, I’ll watch their place. When I see people outside, we stop and talk. Over time, you really become part of the neighborhood.

A lot of the people on my route say they love seeing me come by. That connection is one of the best parts of the job.

What is the Stamp Out Hunger food drive day like for you?

It’s definitely not a normal day.

On a typical day, I walk about 12 miles, and on the day of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, it’s even more work because we’re collecting bags of food along the route. Sometimes, we organize pickups with our vehicles or divide the route into smaller sections so we can carry everything.

Even though it’s a lot of physical work, it’s worth it. We only do it once a year, and I’m always happy to take part.

It’s also a huge team effort. Our coworkers, supervisors, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) management all help make it possible. Everyone understands that collecting and transporting the donations takes extra time and effort.

None of us could do it alone.

Have there been any memorable moments during the food drives?

One year, I remember being completely worn out—I was dealing with an injury, and it was just one of those days where everything felt tougher than usual. But you push through because you know why you’re doing it.

Another time, someone actually took some of the donated food before I got there to pick it up.

At first, I thought, “Well, that wasn’t supposed to happen.” But then I realized maybe they really needed it. So even if it wasn’t exactly how we planned, the food was still helping someone.  

Stamp Out Hunger collects a huge amount of food in just one day, and that makes a real impact.

Why is Stamp Out Hunger so important for local food banks?

When we drop off the donations at the food bank, you can see how much it means to the staff. They’re genuinely grateful.

From what I see on my routes, and on others throughout the city, there are people who truly need this help. Many don’t realize how close food insecurity can be. You might have neighbors struggling right next door, but you wouldn’t even know unless you’re out in the community every day like we are.

Stamp Out Hunger collects a huge amount of food in just one day, and that makes a real impact. I wish there were ways to do something like this year-round, even on a smaller scale, because the need doesn’t go away.

When I thank people for donating, I always let them know the food goes to local food banks and helps people in their own community. Knowing their donation stays close to home and supports their neighbors makes people feel good about contributing.

What message would you share with people thinking about donating?

If you’re able to participate in Stamp Out Hunger, please do.

Even a small donation can make a difference. When thousands of people each give a little, it adds up to a lot of food for families who need it.

I’d also love to see more community involvement, especially from students who might want to volunteer and help with the drive. Whether it’s helping load trucks, assisting at a food pantry, or spreading the word, there are many ways to get involved.

The more people who participate, the bigger the impact we can make.