To the editor:

On Saturday, May 9, the National Letter Carriers conducted their annual nationwide food drive during which 12,140 pounds of food were donated to the Helpline House food bank.

This feat was possible only because of the collective efforts of the Bainbridge Island community, and Helpline thanks each and every one of you.

Thank you especially to the National Association of Letter Carriers who sponsored the drive, the cooperation of the Winslow Post Office management as well as United Way of Kitsap and Food Lifeline of Seattle.   Special thanks to the local Bainbridge Island letter carriers who did extra duty on Saturday, tirelessly lifting each can and box of food the postal patrons on each of their routes so generously donated at their mailboxes that morning.

Thank you to our generous community for donating the food and to the 20 volunteers from Island Fitness and Helpline who unloaded and sorted food for many hours.

It takes an Island to support a food bank that feeds more than 2,000 people in our community each month. Through your donations of food and time, your neighbors in need are able to put food on their table during difficult financial times. Thank you for caring enough to do your part.

MARILYN GREMSE

Helpline House Food Bank Manager