The South Kitsap School District’s annual “Stuff the Bus!” food drive on May 7 was a huge success, according to Jennifer Hardison, executive director of South Kitsap Helpline.

She said more than 53,000 pounds of food came in that day, thanks to donations from the public and a “very large and generous donation from our two local Albertsons stores,” Hardison said.

“Special thanks go out to Jay Rosapepe, school district director of transportation, event co-chairs Marilyn Jones and Kelly Mullins, Albertsons No. 419 store director Gary Lindstrom and Albertsons No. 475 store director Frank Obernberger.

“We are grateful to all who donated and to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped out that day.”

In addition to that drive, the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive took place on May 14. The Port Orchard Post Office gathered the non-perishable food items left by mailboxes in Port Orchard that were designated for the South Kitsap Helpline.

About 15,485 pounds of food was collected that day, Hardison said. “Special thanks to all of the letter carriers and rural route carriers who take on the extra work of picking up the food donations during this annual drive that helps so many.”