By dropping off a bag or two of nonperishable food at your mailbox early Saturday morning, you could help feed a hungry family in your community.

The 26th annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is today, May 12, and just by giving a few cans of vegetables, canned meats and dry goods such as rice or beans can make a huge difference in the lives of those who struggle financially, said Jodi Brannon, operations manager of the Statesboro Food Bank.

Brannon, daughter of Joe Bill Brannon, who volunteered and served as the Food Bank director for over 22 years, invites community members to participate by placing bags or boxes of nonperishable food beside their mailboxes before their letter carriers come.

She also urges volunteers to show up at the Statesboro Food Bank (400 Donnie Simmons Way) to help sort and deliver the thousands of pounds of food expected to come in to provide for Bulloch County residents. Volunteers will be needed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and “we will have plenty of bottled water and good times,” she said.

The food drive is a national event.

“At least six days a week, letter carriers see firsthand the needs of the communities they work in,” said National Association of Letter Carriers President Fredric Rolando in a statement on the group’s website (www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive). “We’re privileged to be able to help those in need while leading an effort that brings out the best in so many Americans.”

Last year’s event brought in more than 71 million pounds of nonperishable food that was collected from generous postal patrons and delivered to community food banks, pantries and shelters, providing families in need with a lifeline of basic nutrition.

The annual food drive certainly benefits those in Bulloch County who struggle to make ends meet.

“The generosity of our community is outstanding throughout the year,” Jodi Brannon said. “We’ve had a few less cash donations (used to keep the Food Bank operational) this year, but people are still donating. The donations stay in Bulloch County — neighbors feeding neighbors.”

There were over 10,000 pounds of donations last year, she said.

Donations needed include peanut butter, rice, dry cereals, canned milk, canned meats, pasta, potato flakes, canned vegetables and fruits, sauces, grits and beans. Monetary donations help with electricity and other operational costs at the nonprofit Food Bank.

Volunteers can simply show up to help at the Statesboro Food Bank, but for more information, Brannon can be reached at (912) 314-2021 or at the Food Bank at (912) 489-3663.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.