Tinley Park Letter Carriers Food Drive Stocks Shelves at Together We Cope

The food pantry at Together We Cope in Tinley Park overflowed in May as U.S. Post Office employees and TWC volunteers delivered an astounding 41,742 pounds of food donated by village residents.

The local drive, part of the National Association of Letter Carriers annual “Stamp Out Hunger” initiative, comes at a critical time of year for the agency.

“I look forward to this drive every year,” said Kathryn Straniero, executive director. “It helps us restock our pantry for the summer. This support makes a real difference for the community.” TWC feeds about 5,000 people every month from 27 south suburban communities.

The Tinley Park agency has received food from the “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign since 1997.

Together We Cope is a nonprofit prevention agency based in Tinley Park that provides resources to families in temporary crisis in 27 south suburban communities, enabling them to stay in their homes. Of every dollar the agency receives, 93 cents goes to client programs and services. In 2014, TWC received its fourth four-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management. For information, visit togetherwecope.org.

Caption: Len Schaafsma was among volunteers on the receiving end at Together We Cope who helped sort and store the more than 41,000 pounds of nonperishable foods donated by Tinley Park residents on May 9 and collected by postal workers as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers annual “Stamp Out Hunger” initiative.