The annual food drive organized by Gentiva Home Health and Hospice produced 5,962 pounds of food this year.

The food was distributed on Friday between the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center and Through the Grace of God Ministries.

Anne Taddicken with Gentiva said local grocery stores including Associated Foods, Piggly Wiggly, Merchants Foodservice and Maplesville Grocery contributed to the large amount of food collected.

In addition to food, numerous local businesses donated a total $765 in monetary donations, Taddicken said.

“Everybody pitched in to make this a good year,” Taddicken said. “It is rewarding to be able to help those less fortunate.”

Paper bags were also taken to local businesses for employees to fill during the month of August and then collected by Gentiva staff members.

Individuals were asked to donate all non-perishable canned good items.

Taddicken said this year Gentiva decided to split the donations between the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center and Through the Grace of God Ministries.

“Our patients are helped by both groups, and we thought it would be good to split the donations,” Taddicken said. “We just want to thank everyone who contributed and helped the community because it wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Bro. Ralph Bingham with Through the Grace of God Ministries said the donations were a blessing.

“Our needs are year-round,” Bingham said. “This is a slow time for donations, so this is great.”

Gentiva provides health services such as comprehensive home health hospice and community care services throughout the United States.

Clanton’s Gentiva Hospice office is equipped with healthcare professionals familiar with the health needs of community residents, and the company’s national scope provides substantial resources to its local offices.