[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 2007 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE

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                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication and 
service of the National Association of Letter Carriers. For the last 15 
years the NALC has annually conducted what has become the largest food 
drive in the nation. This food drive is unique because it allows anyone 
with a mailbox the opportunity to take part. By participating in this 
food drive we are all building stronger neighborhoods and strengthening 
our local communities. Because of this event we are given the 
opportunity to support those in our communities who, far too often, go 
without.
  For the past three years the sheer quantity of food collected has 
been staggering. Last year 70.5 million pounds of food were distributed 
in communities throughout this country. That was the third straight 
year where the amount of food distributed has exceeded 70 million 
pounds. Over the past 15 years the grand total of food collected is 
more than three quarters of a billion pounds of food. These totals have 
helped make the NALC National Food Drive the largest single day food 
drive in the nation.
  This year NALC president William H. Young has challenged all of the 
local branches throughout the country to increase their food totals by 
10 percent. This challenge has inspired one of the largest publicity 
campaigns in NALC Food Drive history as well as encouraged good natured 
competition between regional branches. I know that the Letter Carriers 
of 10th Congressional District of California will make us proud.
  The NALC National Food Drive is distinctive in how the food is 
distributed. It strengthens community ties because all of the food 
collected by local carriers goes back into those neighborhoods. 10,000 
communities across the country will be part of this amazing event. 
Because every pound of food goes to local food banks, the NALC National 
Food Drive gives everyone the opportunity to support their community. A 
simple donation of non-perishable food placed in the mailbox with the 
outgoing mail will help change the lives of those who live and work in 
the area. Thanks to the NALC and due to this creative and effective 
strategy, getting involved has never been easier.
  Again, I want to congratulate the NALC for conducting such a 
remarkable event and I am proud to say that I will be leaving food in 
my mailbox on May 12th.

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