NATCHEZ — Volunteers flocked to the U.S. Postal Service Saturday to participate in Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, where more than 16,000 pounds of nonperishable food were collected.

Natchez post office letter carriers, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, participated in the program, which is America’s largest single-day food drive.

Among the various community members present Saturday, Natchez High School’s varsity track team, football team and baseball team attended the food drive to help make a difference in the community.

Natchez High sophomore and track runner Willie Johnson, 15, said he feels anything is possible when a group of individuals come together for a common cause.

“I’ve been growing up around a city where people have been helping me — so why not give back?” Johnson asked.

Johnson said as a child, he grew up in a tough environment and had to receive help.

Saturday, Johnson was able to take the kindness that was bestowed upon him as a child and touch others.

“Just give — God didn’t put us on the earth to not give or help others,” Johnson said.

Natchez High School sophomore Aaron Coleman, 16, and junior Shaylin Williams, 17, accompanied Johnson and several other Natchez High School athletes to help sort and collect donations.

“I just like to help the community every once in a while,” said Coleman, who runs track at Natchez High School.

Coleman said it takes an entire community to make a difference in the fight against hunger.

“First, you have to get a lot of people who are committed to help the community,” he said. “And second, you have to have a goal.”

Natchez High School Assistant Baseball Coach Darrick Lewis said he was proud to see the athletic department help make a difference.

“They can start giving back and learn how to help others,” Lewis said. “It will help them grow into young men and women and keep them off the streets. We have to raise them and steer them in the right direction.”

District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America Jim Hargon brought several of his Boy and Cub Scout troops to the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

“Unless you’re never been hungry, you don’t know how important this program is,” Hargon said.

Natchez Postmaster Kevin Vicknair said although only 16,000 pounds of nonperishable food was collected, he still finds the program to be a success. The goal of the drive was 50,000 pounds. The effort raised 42,000 pounds last year.

“If you were to see all the food we have here today, I will guarantee you it’s really going to help someone,” Vicknair said.

All day Saturday, mail carriers collected food donations surrounding mailboxes. The carriers then took the donations back to the post office to be sorted and distributed to area food banks.

The Natchez Stewpot, Natchez Children’s Home Services, Natchez Battered Women’s Shelter and multiple local church food banks received the donations.