The thought of any child going hungry is a heartwrenching thought. Unfortunately that's increasingly the case here in the Islands, particularly during the summer months when students lose the safety net provided by the federal free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs while school is in session.

But there's something you can do to help. This Saturday, mail carriers across the nation begin their 17th annual "Stamp out Hunger" food drive — the nation's largest single-day drive to fight hunger.

Here at home, donations will be given to Hawai'i Foodbank, which has seen record demand. The letter carrier's food drive almost solely supports the Foodbank pantry's summer demand, fueled by hungry children who no longer can rely on their school meals. The drive is timed to meet that need, said Adele Yoshikawa, a letter carrier for the Pearl City-'Aiea area and state coordinator of the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.

Painfully, more families are finding themselves at the Foodbank's door due to cutbacks, layoffs and the overall dire economic climate. "With the economy, we're seeing everyday folks at the Foodbank trying to feed their families," Yoshikawa said. "We hope people give a little more this time; you never know when the situation may affect you one day."

Last year's drive netted a record 630,000 pounds of food. Letter carriers hope to beat that goal this time around. Let's help them do just that.

Just place nonperishable food items — healthier canned items such as tuna, fruits and vegetables along with soups and dried goods including pastas, rice and cereal are in demand — and place them in the blue bag that came with your mail next to your mailbox for Saturday pickup.

It doesn't take much to help a neighbor in need. In this case, your opportunity to help is right outside your door. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need a little help during these difficult times.