On one special day each year, citizens around our country reach into their pantries, fill little white bags with boxed meals and canned goods and peanut butter, then leave them by their mailboxes for the carrier to pick up.

This “Stamp Out Hunger” national food drive helps food banks stock their shelves during the low ebb typically experienced this time of year. For weeks after, food banks can provide for their growing clientele without worry because of the generosity of so many concerned neighbors.

On May 11, North Kitsap Fishline participated in this drive as it always has, organizing volunteers to drive the postal routes and pair up with postal carriers to make sure all bags were gathered while volunteers waited at the Post Office dock ready to sort food and load it into the truck waiting for its precious cargo.

It was an inspiring sight to see: Car after car returned with trunks filled, and dozens of other volunteers worked tirelessly to keep up with the influx. A total of 13,400 pounds of food came in on May 11, around 350 banana boxes full. Though this is less than last year, it is still a wonderful shot in the arm during the time it is needed the most.

We wish to thank our letter carriers for their extra work, Hill Worldwide Moving for the donated use of its truck, the volunteers from Fishline and Second Season, the U.S. Coast Guard, Venturers 1042, the Girl Scout Troop 41134, West Sound Academy, the Poulsbo Rotary and the Fishline staff.

Thanks to this teamwork and the kindness our community, Fishline can continue its important mission of ending hunger and homelessness in North Kitsap.

Mary Nader
Executive Director
North Kitsap Fishline Food Bank and Emergency Services