This Saturday, let’s all do our part to help Stamp Out Hunger.

The Niles Post Office will participate in the nationwide Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive this weekend. The drive will help supply food to food pantries and charities across the country by collecting non-perishable food items that local residents leave near their mailboxes before 9 a.m. Saturday. Donations in Niles will go to the Niles Salvation Army, St. Mary’s Christian Service Center and First Presbyterian Food Pantry. In Buchanan, donations will support Redbud Area Ministries.

Recommended items for donation include:

• Canned meats such as tuna, chicken or salmon

• Canned and boxed meals such as soup, chili, stew or macaroni and cheese

• Canned or dried beans and peas

• Canned fruits

• Canned vegetables

• Cooking oil

• Boxed cooking mixes such as pancakes, cakes and breads

• 100 percent fruit juice

We would encourage anyone in the area to participate by leaving out an item or two for our postal carriers. It is probably the most convenient opportunity you will come across all year to give back. You don’t even necessarily need to leave the house — you only have to go as far as your mailbox.

If every home in Niles put even a single can in their mailbox, it could mean a great deal to our local food pantries and would help support those who need it the most in our communities.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.