Who visits every home in the country, in every town, everyday? Mail carriers, of course. Because postal workers regularly "walk the beat" in their communities, they see the need that exists. They want to do something about it, and you can help.

A mail carrier in Beaver Falls, PA collects food.

The 27th annual Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive

is this Saturday, May 11. You can leave non-perishable food items in a bag by your mailbox, and your letter carrier will pick them up for donation to a local food bank says spokesman Edward James Olmos (remember him from Miami Vice?):

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive takes place in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America. It's an effort to raise national awareness about the real, ongoing problem of hunger in every community. Best thing is, all food stays in the local community where it was donated. "With kids out of school our food needs increase greatly during the summer months," said Arizona Food Bank director Sharon Brown, who explains that the drive couldn't come at a better time. "Without school-supported programs, our clients' food budgets are stretched to the breaking point."

Postal workers and volunteers sort donations in Bridgeville, PA.

While carriers in most communities will be collecting, double check that yours is. Click here to find the phone number to your local post office and call to find out if your postal worker is participating. That's where you can also find out how to volunteer with the big job of food sorting, and where your food is going.

(Images: Stamp Out Hunger Facebook page )