Gentiva Hospice Health Services of Clanton will hold its 10th annual food drive during August.

Employees of Gentiva Hospice will place food collection bags at various healthcare facilities around Chilton County, and will collect the bags at the end of the month.

All non-perishable canned goods are accepted, and will be distributed to local food banks and other charitable organizations.

On August 4, Gentiva employees will collect canned goods at Wal-Mart and Associated Groceries in Clanton, and Piggly Wiggly in Jemison.

“As active members of the community, we know that food banks, pantries and other organizations continue to face increasing demands due to our troubling economy,” said Gentiva Hospice Executive Director Melanie Mitchell. “We look forward to working with many area health organizations, and we encourage local healthcare providers to contact us for more information on how their employees can participate in this community effort.”

The goal of this drive is to exceed last year’s record of 377,000 pounds of goods donated across the country.

Last year’s drive yielded more than 1600 pounds to Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center.

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.

For more information on the food drive or Gentiva Hospice Health, contact Melanie Mitchell at 205-755-1505 or visit www.gentiva.com.