On the second Saturday of May, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) hosts the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive—the largest single‑day food drive in the nation. In the Topeka area, this effort is planned and executed by NALC Branch 10: Capital City Letter Carriers.

In the week leading up to the drive, postal customers receive a folded grocery bag in their mailbox inviting them to place non‑perishable food items by their mailbox on the day of the food drive. Last year, this drive collected more than 35,000 pounds of food in one weekend, providing critical support to the Topeka community.    

While you can help by leaving food by your mailbox, Harvesters also is recruiting Route Volunteers to pick up and transport food on May 9.  

Click here for complete information and to sign up with Harvesters

This role is most fun and effective when done with a partner and is a great opportunity for parent‑and‑child teams. One person can drive and navigate while the other collects food by getting in and out of the vehicle. All volunteers will report to the post office and check in with the Volunteer Station Captain before beginning their route.    

Key Responsibilities  

• Drive a personal vehicle along a designated postal route to collect food donations 
• Communicate with the Station Volunteer Captain when your route is complete 
• Deliver collected food to the assigned post office at the end of your shift  

Qualifications  

• Ability to drive a personal vehicle 50–100 miles on the day of the food drive  
• Vehicle must safely transport boxed or bagged food donations 
• Ability to check in at the designated post office between 10:30–11:00 a.m. and remain until the route is complete (approximately 3–4 hours) 
• Ability to work independently and quickly problem‑solve as needed