Community unites for food drive

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Community members are encouraged to help fight food insecurity by donating canned goods and volunteering during the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive through a partnership between United Way of West Central Mississippi, the Vicksburg Warren School District Kimmy Melton Canned Food Drive, and the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The partnership brings together local schools, community volunteers and postal carriers to collect food for families in need throughout the region.

As part of the initiative, the Vicksburg Warren School District is collecting canned goods through May 7 as part of the Kimmy Melton Canned Food Drive. Students, staff and families are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items to support local food assistance efforts.

“The Leader in Me District Lighthouse Team and school leaders of all levels believe this is an excellent reflection of our collective efforts and the collaboration behind this initiative,” said organizer and Academy of Innovation teach, Teresa Kitchens. “This partnership demonstrates what can happen when schools, organizations and the community work together to support families in need.”

On May 8, the school district will load a school bus with collected donations and deliver the items to the Vicksburg Post Office in preparation for the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

Dr. Tori Holloway, the District Superintendent, states that “Our district is a shining example of what can be achieved when educators, students, parents, and community members unite with a common goal.” He was instrumental in encouraging and supporting this collaborative effort with our community stakeholders.

Stamp Out Hunger, organized nationally by the National Association of Letter Carriers and United Way, is one of the nation’s largest single-day food drives. Residents can participate by placing nonperishable food items near their mailboxes on Saturday, May 9, for collection by letter carriers during their regular mail routes.

United Way of West Central Mississippi will assist with unloading food donations from mail carrier trucks at the Vicksburg Post Office on May 9. Community volunteers are needed to help sort and unload food donations throughout the day.

Organizers are encouraging individuals seeking volunteer service hours, community involvement opportunities or a way to give back to sign up to help.

“Partnerships like this allow our community to come together in a meaningful way to support families facing food insecurity,” said Ruby Green, volunteer coordinator for United Way of West Central Mississippi. “Every canned good donated and every volunteer hour given helps make a difference.”

Volunteers interested in assisting with unloading mail carrier trucks on May 9 can sign up by calling Ruby Green, volunteer coordinator, at 601-636-1733.

Community members are encouraged to donate, volunteer and help make a positive impact through this collaborative effort.

For more information about United Way of West Central Mississippi and volunteer opportunities, visit unitedwayvicksburg.org.

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About United Way of West Central Mississippi

Founded to strengthen communities across the region, the United Way of West Central Mississippi works to improve lives by mobilizing resources, building partnerships and addressing the most pressing needs of local families. Serving Warren, Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey and Yazoo counties, along with parts of Madison Parish, Louisiana, the organization focuses on creating long-term impact through its Community Agenda centered on strengthening families.

United Way of West Central Mississippi invests in four key impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Lifelong Literacy, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. Through collaboration with nonprofits, schools, businesses, volunteers and community leaders, the organization develops solutions that address education, economic stability, access to resources and overall quality of life.

The organization supports local initiatives through volunteerism, fundraising, strategic partnerships and innovative programs designed to meet community needs. Guided by the belief that lasting change happens when communities unite, United Way of West Central Mississippi works to bridge gaps and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

For more information, visit unitedwayvicksburg.org or follow United Way of West Central Mississippi on social media.

About Stamp Out Hunger

Stamp Out Hunger is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, held annually to help stock local food pantries and support families facing food insecurity. Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the event brings together postal carriers, volunteers, community organizations and residents to collect nonperishable food donations directly from neighborhoods across the country.

Each year, individuals are encouraged to leave canned goods and other shelf-stable food items near their mailboxes on collection day, allowing letter carriers to pick up donations during their regular routes. Since its launch in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected hundreds of millions of pounds of food to help local food banks, shelters and nonprofit organizations meet the growing demand for hunger relief.

Through partnerships with local agencies, schools and volunteers, Stamp Out Hunger provides communities with an opportunity to come together, give back and make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger.