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On Saturday, the Food Bank of East Alabama hosted a food drive, giving away free food to those in need.

Cars were lined up on both Sportsplex Drive and Fairfax bypass, which trickled onto Fob James Drive trying to get to the Valley Sportsplex for the food drive.

“With the pandemic going on, I know that a lot of people are in need right now,” Ryan Williams from the Food Bank of East Alabama said.

More than 300 people were given a sack of different food items, which included apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken and beef patties, different types of juice and other fresh vegetables. There were more than 9,000 pounds of food given away.

“We didn’t expect to be done this quick. That was a lot of food,” said Finley Paint and Body owner Desbre Finley.

“It was unexpected. We had a good turnout. I’m very happy that we were able to help out as many people as we did.”

Alongside the Food Bank of East Alabama, the food drive was sponsored by the city of Valley, D&T Mobile Car Wash, Finley Paint and Body, Barnes Transportation and Mareo’s Car Stereo and Auto.

“I’m just trying to give back to the community,” Finley said.

“It’s rough times, and everybody needs help. There’s nothing like giving back and helping someone in need.”