Redford Township, Mich. – It’s a tradition that dates back to the early 1990s: residents leave non-perishable food donations at their mailboxes, and letter carriers pick them up for families in need.
In Redford Township, neighbors on Norborne Avenue did just that for the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. About 15 homes line the stretch — and roughly half placed bags and boxes of food outside for collection.
Two letter carriers worked the route with one goal: gather as much food as possible to help local pantries stay stocked.
“We got dried goods, canned goods… and I see the neighbors — we appreciate you,” said resident and retired letter carrier Elaine Jones, who has participated in the drive for 33 years and helped rally her neighbors.
Letter carrier Danielle Dill, who has walked the Redford neighborhood for nearly a decade, said donations were waiting at mailbox after mailbox.
“I’m seeing bags here — everyone in Redford is donating,” Dill said. “Redford is a great community.”
The nationwide drive has been hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers for decades. Since 2010, Gleaners Community Food Bank and partner agencies have distributed more than 15 million pounds of food through the effort.
Dill said the drive hits home.
“I do know it’s extra work, but I was one of those people at one time that needed it. So, I feel grateful to be able to help someone else put food in their homes,” she said.
Jones said the timing is crucial heading into summer, when many kids lose access to free meals they may receive during the school year.
“It helps us restock the food bank,” Jones said.