Charles Jarrell, May 2016
Charles Jarrell
National Association of Letter Carriers Representative
McKeesport Post Office
Charles “Chuck” Jarrell is a driving force behind the local Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers each spring. His personal experience with hunger during his childhood has motivated him to continually strengthen this food drive that provides a significant amount of donated goods to the Westmoreland County Food Bank each year. WCFB benefits greatly from the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive which early estimates indicate approximately 91,000 pounds of food were raised, well surpassing last year’s amount of 66,500 pounds of food.
How have you been affected by hunger?
When I was 13, my mom passed away so my dad tried to raise me and a younger brother and sister. After about a year, my dad became severely depressed. Worrying about us and working just became too much for him to handle. He was put into a VA hospital for several months. We had no money coming into the household. We received a lot of help from neighbors and our church, but a lot went to pay bills. Being the oldest I understood that we could skip this meal or eat smaller portions to make what we had last longer. That made a lasting scar with me even today. Thinking of how scared I was and worrying that we don’t have food and what do I do at 14. We didn’t want to be split up and put into foster care.
How has the Westmoreland County Food Bank impacted your life?
Because of my past experience, fighting hunger has become a big part of my life. No child should go to bed hungry or senior have to pick between having food or medicine. The Westmoreland County Food Bank has helped me to do that in a big way.
What would you tell someone who may be thinking about donating to the Food Bank?
For 23 years I’ve been coordinator for the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. I have worked with food banks in western Pennsylvania. The Westmoreland County Food Bank is a perfect partner in fighting hunger. When you donate food to them they have worked in every way to help. Last year, with their help working with the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive they collected 60,000 pounds of food in one day. They turn your donations right back into Westmoreland County to fight hunger. That’s my goal and theirs.
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Charles Jarrell, May 2016
Charles Jarrell
National Association of Letter Carriers Representative
McKeesport Post Office
Charles “Chuck” Jarrell is a driving force behind the local Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers each spring. His personal experience with hunger during his childhood has motivated him to continually strengthen this food drive that provides a significant amount of donated goods to the Westmoreland County Food Bank each year. WCFB benefits greatly from the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive which early estimates indicate approximately 91,000 pounds of food were raised, well surpassing last year’s amount of 66,500 pounds of food.
How have you been affected by hunger?
When I was 13, my mom passed away so my dad tried to raise me and a younger brother and sister. After about a year, my dad became severely depressed. Worrying about us and working just became too much for him to handle. He was put into a VA hospital for several months. We had no money coming into the household. We received a lot of help from neighbors and our church, but a lot went to pay bills. Being the oldest I understood that we could skip this meal or eat smaller portions to make what we had last longer. That made a lasting scar with me even today. Thinking of how scared I was and worrying that we don’t have food and what do I do at 14. We didn’t want to be split up and put into foster care.
How has the Westmoreland County Food Bank impacted your life?
Because of my past experience, fighting hunger has become a big part of my life. No child should go to bed hungry or senior have to pick between having food or medicine. The Westmoreland County Food Bank has helped me to do that in a big way.
What would you tell someone who may be thinking about donating to the Food Bank?
For 23 years I’ve been coordinator for the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. I have worked with food banks in western Pennsylvania. The Westmoreland County Food Bank is a perfect partner in fighting hunger. When you donate food to them they have worked in every way to help. Last year, with their help working with the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive they collected 60,000 pounds of food in one day. They turn your donations right back into Westmoreland County to fight hunger. That’s my goal and theirs.
