by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

Letter carriers usually drop off and pick up mail. On Saturday, they will also be picking up food for the Tooele County Food Bank during the annual letter carrier food drive.

Despite grocery prices on the rise, letter carrier and food drive coordinator Jim Graham wants everyone to donate at least one item of non-perishable food.

"Over the years, I've found that a lot of families -- it's always the same ones -- have a big heart," Graham said. "They put out a big bag and then we get a few from other homes. With the way our economy is going, anything they can do will help."

The letter carriers gathered 20,000 pounds of food last year for Tooele County.

The food bank receives a tax credit for the donations, which means they are able to buy more food and keep the bank stocked throughout the year. All of the food is measured and weighed, and the weight depends on how much of a tax credit they receive.

"I'm sure the food bank has food now because the Boy Scouts just finished up their drive," Graham said. "This is the last of the major food drives and what carries them through the summer and until the Christmas season."

Graham has been working for the United States Postal Service for 28 years and says the letter carriers do this food drive because they care about the community.

"Some families are choosing between buying food and paying their house payments," he said. "This benefits the community and is good karma. That's why we took on this task and we enjoy doing it."

The letter carriers will be delivering bags and reminder cards to boxes on Friday.

"We really do appreciate their support," Graham said. "We like to see their continued support this year even though it might be a hardship."

missy@tooeletranscript.com