During the last two days, Covington County residents took the message “help your fellow man” to heart as more than 2,000 cans of food were collected to benefit the Christian Service Center.

While those 2,000 cans might sound like a lot, it’s only enough to contribute to one week’s worth of food distribution.

So when word got out that the CSC wouldn’t be able to finish the out the last five days of January food distributions, residents, at the behest of Andalusia radio station WAAO’s request, took steps to make sure those depending on the center for food would not be hungry.

WAAO’s Blaine Wilson said Friday that community support for the project poured in – literally, as the proof of just a half of day’s donations filled the lobby of the radio station.

The Rev. Leroy Cole, CSC director, said the idea started as a simple mission to fill the center’s pantry and cover next week’s distributions in Andalusia and Opp.

“I said if 1,000 people would bring in two cans of food – which is close to a pound – that would be all we’d need to finish out the month,” Cole said.

Each month the center receives a shipment from a Mobile distribution center that, due to the economy, is experiencing cutbacks in corporate donations of non-perishable food items.

“What I do each month is submit a list of the items needed for the center,” he said.

“We distribute 15 pounds per person per week in the family, which adds up to 12 to 13,000 pounds per month.

“This month, the food bank didn’t ship all that we needed,” he said.

“They didn’t have it when our order came in, so it couldn’t be filled. And it looks like, from the list I got, it’s going to be the same again for next month.

“I don’t know what we’re going to get until we get it on the first Tuesday of the month,” he said.

“Now, we’re trying to get up enough to get us by. That’s why these community donations are so important.”

Cole said any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

“The 2,000 cans are great and 4,000 cans would be wonderful,” he said.

“I can promise you it will all be distributed.”

The Christian Service Center is located on South Three Notch and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.