Clean out the cupboad

In the town where I toil we have an annual event held at the end of summer known as the Hood to Coast run. Billed as the longest relay race in the known universe, thousands of relay teams consisting of twelve persons each, descend from the slopes of Mt. Hood and run throughout the night to reach the sandy shores of Oregon. Along with support crews and throngs of well wishers, the seaside village of five thousand swells to a temporary population of well over twenty thousand souls.

Hood to Coast Saturday is easily the worst day of the year to deliver mail at the seashore. But the day of the National Letter Carriers Union food drive is right up there at number two. That day was today.

It really begins for your trusted carrier on Thursday before the food drive. This is when we deliver those 3x5 cards reminding that the big day is fast approaching. Then on Friday we carry with us the plastic sacks we would like for you to use for your charitable donations. Every box gets a card and a sack. Every freaking box.

Then the fun really begins Saturday morning. As we make our way along our routes we begin picking up all the food our customers have so generously left in or near their boxes. You'd be amazed at how fast the back of a standard issue mail truck fills up. Especially since there is already a load of mail to be delivered. The truth is it is a real pain in the ass.

But it's good publicity for the union. And the food bank shelves get stocked for a little while longer. I did notice that this year I picked up about two thirds of what I have for the past few years. Lots of rice and beans and off brand stuff. Ramen noodles and Prego sauce figured prominently in the bags. Draw your own conclusions.

You certainly don't have to be a rocket surgeon to figure it out.

But all the same, thanks to those of you who took the time to make room in your cupboards so you can replace it with stuff you 'll be cleaning out next year for the big food drive.