Residents in the Laurinburg and Maxton areas will have the opportunity to assist those in need Saturday when the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive gets underway.

The two towns are asked to leave bags of non-perishable food items beside their mailboxes on May 8, which letter carriers will pick up for delivery to the food bank. Last year's drive resulted in more than 2,500 pounds of food being donated to the local food bank, Church Community Services of Scotland County.

Tana Hanlon, supervisor for customer and delivery services at the Laurinburg Post Office, said the goal for this year's event is 3,000 pounds.

"Just leave your bags or boxes of food items as close to the mailbox as you can on Saturday morning for pickup," Hanlon said. "If anyone wishes to bring their donations to the Laurinburg post office, or if anyone wishes to donate after Saturday's food drive, they are welcome to bring them to the post office lobby and place them in a designated hamper. We will then deliver the items to the food bank."

Weight limits are 70 pounds per container.

Church Community Services Director Leslie Womack said that donating "the basics" is the best way to help those in need.

"I would ask that anyone interested in donating foods to include cans or boxes of fruits, vegetables, meats, or all three," she said. "Macaroni and cheese is fine, canned vegetables of any kind is welcome, and any kind of nonperishable meat. We try to include 10 items in the bags we distribute, so just those three basic, standard items are what we can utilize the most."

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service and the United Way of Scotland County.

"This food drive is an excellent way for the community to assist those less fortunate," Hanlon said. ""We appreciate anything you can donate."

Items donated to the Maxton Post Office will be delivered to a Maxton area food bank.

For more information visit www.helpstampouthunger.com.