One Day Food Drive Hopes To Stamp Out Hunger In Oklahoma

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A one-day food drive hopes to stamp out hunger across the nation. Here in Oklahoma more than 80 cities are striving to feed those in need.

Oklahomans are helping feed thousands of families' one bag at a time.

On this Saturday morning, postal carrier Steven Kramer is walking his usual route to deliver the mail. But on this day, he's also picking up cans of food to feed families in need.

"It's definitely gone up if not stay the same," Kramer said.

Residents are asked to leave a bag of canned goods if they want to help. It's part of a mission between the regional food bank of Oklahoma and post offices across the state to 'Stamp Out Hunger'

"It just seems like with the way the economy is, it's that people are more apt to give something than they are to give money. It's just easier for people to do that," Kramer said.

"During summer time a lot of time people don't think about the hunger issue until around the holidays," said Dawn Burroughs, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

With the tough economy, more help is needed especially during the summer season. That's the big reason why these donations are so crucial.

"Summer times are very difficult for people, especially for families who have children who are out of school," Burroughs said.

that's what compelled volunteers like Doug Almgrem to help.

"I gave some cans at home to the mail carrier, brought some here and thought I'd help them sort through," Almgrem said.

A small gesture that makes a big difference for families across the state.

"We'd like to be able to give something back to the community particularly the kids they need to have a fighting chance,"

The goal of the drive is to collect one million pounds of food, that's 200,000 more than a year ago.

News 9 has launched a partnership with the food bank to help feed hungry Oklahoma children, and you've been so generous giving almost $65,000 to the Food for Kids program..

No donation is too small. You can give by going to News 9 Food For Kids page.