Patrons of the Eagle Springs, Jackson Springs and West End post offices donated more than 3,400 pounds in a recent drive for the Food Pantry Ministry operated by West End United Methodist Church.

The post offices conducted the food collection drive Dec. 8-13, according to West End Postmaster Harold Jones.

Collections were tallied as follows: Eagle Springs, 670 pounds; Jackson Springs, 850 pounds; West End, 1,850 pounds.

The church usually buys food through the Sandhills Coalition Food Bank in Southern Pines, but, because of the declining economy, the food bank has very little food at present, the postmasters reported.

The Food Pantry Ministry gives food to the needy every other Wednesday and relies primarily on donations.

Jones said the post offices' food drive was "a one-time shot in the arm but the need for food to donate to the needy will be a continuing situation during these hard economic times." He said continued contributions to the program would be appreciated.

The Rev. Dr. Won Namkoong is pastor of the church, and Frank Feggler is coordinator of the Food Pantry Ministry.

The church office telephone number is 673-1371.