[KIRKLAND] – (MTN) COVID caused the cancelation of the National Association of Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive in 2020 and has delayed the 2021 event indefinitely, but that isn’t stopping the Kirkland Post Office from doing their own food drive in May in cooperation with Hopelink.

In years past, letter carriers would leave a grocery bag that individuals could fill with food donations. The bags would be collected by postal employees and then distributed to partner food banks across the nation. Because of COVID and social distancing restrictions, that isn’t possible. Working independently, Kirkland postal employees have set a goal of raising $1000 for Hopelink through May.

To participate you can visit the Mobile Cause website, text Hopelink20 to 71777, or send a check to Hopelink, 8990 154th Avenue Northeast, Redmond, Washington 98052. In the memo section of the check, you can write, “Kirkland Post Office Food Drive.” All donations are tax deductible. Although the drive has not officially started, $120 has already been donated toward the $1000 goal.

A January 2021 story in the Seattle Times reported that the need for food banks had doubled from the previous year. COVID created a perfect storm of conditions that reduced donations as need skyrocketed. Shortages of staple items last year dramatically reduced donations that food banks would receive from grocery stores and food producers. Job losses reduced donations while increasing need, and the ability to do food drives and fundraisers was curtailed due to social distancing requirements.

Hopelink has operated since 1971 serving the homeless and low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities in King and Snohomish counties providing stability and helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to exit poverty for good. The non-profit organization operates food banks in Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, and Carnation.