Press releases

Volunteers needed to help
'Stamp Out Hunger'

PRESS RELEASE DATE: MAY 5, 2011

House of Hope is seeking volunteers for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which will be conducted Saturday, May 14, 2011.

The annual food drive is organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, and House of Hope is the primary recipient in Martin County. The drive typically brings in more than 40 tons of food for House of Hope. Area residents can help by putting nonperishable food items (no glass containers) in a bag near their mailbox before normal delivery time on May 14.

A large group of volunteers is needed to help sort and box the incoming food on May 14, as well as Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17.

Volunteer shifts are as follows:

• May 14: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• May 16: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• May 17: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please call House of Hope at (772) 286-4673 to volunteer.

Information about House of Hope is available here. Information about the food drive nationwide is at www.helpstampouthunger.com.

This food drive fills a critical need for House of Hope, which is Martin County’s food bank. Last year, the agency provided more than 152 tons of food – the equivalent of about 237,000 meals – to Martin County residents in need. One third of this amount feeds hungry children. The Stamp Out Hunger drive helps as we enter the summer months, when many children no longer have the benefit of their school lunch program.

House of Hope’s programs – providing food, clothing, household items, financial assistance and case management -- provide temporary assistance to families during personal crises beyond their control. In addition to young families and children, the food program also serves many fixed-income senior citizens on a regular basis.