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On behalf of the board of directors of the Onalaska/Holmen Emergency Food Basket, I would like to thank the U.S. Postal Service letter carriers,especially the Onalaska branch, for once again sponsoring the 2008 Postal Food Drive.

Thanks to Bruce Larsen of the Onalaska Post Office for coordinating our drive. This successful drive donated well over 9,000 pounds of food to our food basket. This is the single biggest response we receive during the year.

The food drive comes at a critical time for us as we — as well as other food banks across America — are reporting significant increases in usage. The average increase is up 15 to 20 percent. Because of the generous people, businesses, churches and organizations of the Coulee Region, we have been able to provide the less fortunate people of the towns of Campbell (French Island), Farmington, Holland and Onalaska, along with the village of Holmen and city of Onalaska with their bags of food.

While other food banks and shelters are cutting back on food distribution and adjusting their inventories, our food basket has been able to increase our offerings to the hungry and needy of our service area. Besides the basics, we are able to offer personal care items, meat, dairy and occasionally produce to our families struggling to feed their families.

Thanks to the efforts of the letter carriers, we will keep our shelves stocked through most of the summer. Once again, thanks to all who help the cause of keeping everyone nourished and may God continue to bless you all.

Michael Paoli is president of the Onalaska/Holmen Emergency Food Basket board.