A food drive organized by Gentiva Hospice Health Services of Clanton produced 1,900 pounds of food for the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center.

Volunteers from Gentiva delivered the food to the center Friday morning.

Anne Taddicken with Gentiva said the total amount of food donated was an increase over last year’s 1,600 pounds.

“We were thrilled,” Taddicken said.

Employees of Gentiva Hospice placed food collection bags at various healthcare facilities around Chilton County, and collected the bags at the end of August.

Taddicken said employees with Gentiva also collected canned goods at Walmart, Associated Foods and Piggly Wiggly in Jemison.

Customers shopping at the local stores could contribute non-perishable food items to the food drive.

“It was wonderful being able to work with these locations,” Taddicken said. “We worked with them last year as well, and it helps the community pitch in to make this successful. We couldn’t do this if it weren’t for the support from the community.”

Taddicken said local businesses also contributed monetarily with more than $600 raised this year.

Those that participated in the food drive during the month of August were asked to bring non-perishable food items such as canned fruits, dried beans, rice, dry milk, and any boxed foods such as crackers or cereal.

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

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

The Assistance Center in Clanton provides food for people in need as well as anyone who has been involved in a disaster.

EAC also operates a thrift store, allowing more opportunity for community outreach.

Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at the Emergency Assistance Center, located 502 Enterprise Road in Clanton, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information or to donate to the Emergency Assistance Center, call 755-9467.