Once a year, mail carriers encourage people in communities throughout the nation to open their hearts and pantries.

The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual effort is the largest one-day food drive in the nation, this year falling on May 14. The effort has become more import than ever, as a growing number of families are suffering due to the lingering downturn in the economy.

In Enumclaw, this year’s drive netted in excess of 10,000 pounds of food as carriers made their city and rural rounds, all donated to local food banks.

But that’s only half of the story.

Local carriers believe their collections were down from previous levels and wonder if the weather played a role; the 14th brought one of this spring’s rare sunny days, and the thought is perhaps people got involved in the splendid weather and forgot to place a donation at their mailbox.

So, Enumclaw carriers are encouraging the community to continue making donations. Daily through Saturday, they will pick up donations and make food bank deliveries. Bags of food can simply be left hanging from a mailbox; if a bag is placed on the ground or near a box, it’s asked that a note be attached stating the donation is for the carriers’ food drive.