Letter carriers stamp out hunger

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- It was not a normal delivery day for postal workers around the country Saturday.

Walking a familiar path isn't extraordinary, but it is a great way for letter carrier Bill Moutalto to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Stamp Out Hunger."

Carriers all across the country, like Moutalto were extremely busy Saturday multitasking; making their normal mail delivery runs, while picking up non perishable foods for the Nation's largest one day food drive.

"It helps give them a sense of pride, giving back to the community," said Mitch Daniels. "It helps feed the community. It's a commitment."

And these postal employees are looking for the commitment from you, it's a simple philosophy and process. Households make donations, of any size, by just placing the food items on the door step, or by a mailbox and letting the letter carriers do all the work.

"Families are struggling, it's a critical time of the year," said Jennifer Jette. "Kids will be out of school soon they won't get free breakfast and lunch, and a lot of families go to the soup kitchens in the summer."

"I'll tell you one thing about working class neighborhoods," said Moutalto, "they give, they all give."

Now Moutalto is like every other carrier, he says the more, the merrier, but sometimes things can get a little tricky.

"The only thing I feel badly about is that he has to lug it around," said Paul LeRoux, "but his truck is over there and he'll be alright."

Nationally, the drive hopes to haul in more than 70 million pounds of food for a ninth straight year. The great weather helps and the ride seems to be pretty smooth.