The Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center’s annual Food Drive officially ended Nov. 30, but the center’s executive director says the need of local families is ever present.

Although collections from the drive will not be finalized until later this month, thus far it has yielded more than $5,000 in monetary donations and more than 10,000 pounds of food.

“It’s been a successful food drive, maybe not as successful as in previous years because of the downturn in the economy and people being laid off,” Executive Director Terry Collier said. “We’re seeing more people come in for the first time, so it’s kind of a catch-22. We will probably see a large number of people come in, maybe only for one time, but still it’s a big chunk out of our food budget.”

Despite the hardships, Collier says the center will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of struggling Chilton County residents.

“We will continue to provide food for those who are in emergency need, and the less fortunate,” he said. “We accept donations year-round, even though our emphasis is during the holidays.”

Anyone wishing to contribute may send monetary donations to the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, P.O. Box 1305, Clanton, AL 35046 or take nonperishable food items to 502 Enterprise Road between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call the center at 755-9467.