Plantation, Fla. October 2, 2006 DHL will partner with the national network of DHL Authorized Shipping Centers® and Americas Second Harvest The Nations Food Bank Network for the second annual DHL Thanksgiving Food Drive. The worlds leading logistics and express delivery company will collect and deliver donations that benefit the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States.

From October 2 through November 17, participating DHL Authorized Shipping Centers around the country will serve as collection points for donations of non-perishable food items and canned goods to help feed those in need this Thanksgiving and throughout the year.  DHL will deliver the donations to local food banks across the United States by leveraging its US ground network and employee volunteers. 

Through DHLs Thanksgiving Food Drive, were able to support our local communities, and connect the people who are able to give with those that need assistance the most this time of year, said Fred Beljaars, executive vice president of operations, DHL.  Our logistical and transportation network supports numerous charitable shipments within local communities and around the globe, and this food drive is a great way to assist those in need.

Americas Second Harvest network is made up of more than two hundred food banks across the nation which serve 50,000 charitable agencies, including food pantries, food kitchens, and emergency shelters. In 2005, Americas Second Harvest served 25.3 million people that received food assistance through their network, reflecting an eight percent increase since 2001, and an 18 percent increase since 1997. In fiscal year 2005, the Second Harvest food banks moved a combined total of two billion pounds of food and grocery products, up from 1.8 billion pounds in 2001.

We are extremely pleased that DHL has again committed to collecting food donations for our member food banks this Thanksgiving season, said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Americas Second Harvest. They are wonderful corporate citizens and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping feed the nations hungry.

How People Can Help
Donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving meals may be dropped off at participating DHL Authorized Shipping Centers across the country between October 2 and November 17.  More information on how to get involved, find the nearest collection point, or make a cash donation is available at the DHL Thanksgiving Food Drive website www.dhl.com/thanksgiving.

About DHL's Authorized Shipping Centers