Elizabeth Larter has been delivering mail for more than 20 years, a job she says she loves in no small part because it gives her the opportunity to meet so many different people.

For about the same amount of time Larter has been on the job, the National Association of Letter Carriers has put on the Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive. The 21st annual event took place Saturday and Larter said she is proud to be able to help those who could use some assistance.

“It is important, especially in these times, to help people,” Larter said. “I think this helps make people aware there are people who need help. It’s important to not be complacent and not help people if you can.”

Going to the same houses everyday and seeing many of the same people day in and day out, Larter said a mail carrier can develop a relationship with the community they serve. An Ironton-native herself, she said anything a person can do helps. Just one can of food can make a big difference to someone’s life, she said.

The work day is not longer just because there is extra work during the food drive, Larter said. Which is why various organizations throughout the years have helped by picking up and delivering the donated food to the local food bank. The City Mission Church has provided help for many years and once again took the reins this year.

“I come out to help people,” Tom Lawson said. “There are a lot of people out there who need food and doing this is a good way to help them get it.”

Lawson walked around with Larter during her route to carry donations to the truck that would take them to the City Mission Church’s food bank.

Joyce Emlund has donated food for the event in the past, but said she forgot this year. When she saw Larter come up to deliver her mail she said remembered the event was today and rushed into her house to gather some food.

“There’s people out there starving, I know that,” Emlund said. “I’m glad to help out anytime I can.”

According to the NALC, the second Saturday in May was chosen for a specific reason. A release for the event said pantry shelves filled through winter holiday generosity are usually bare by late spring so this event helps restock them.