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On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Action for Improvement, Inc. will hold a drive-thru event at its Troup County office located at 1380 Lafayette Parkway. According to CAFI’s advertisement, up to 700 families in need can stop by to get free “food, PPEs, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, items for senior citizens, energy saving items and more.”

CAFI aims to help at least 500 families and is holding this event to celebrate May as National Community Action Month and to help families through the COVID-19 pandemic. Dexter Davis, program relationships manager, said the event is open to people from Troup County, Carroll County, Coweta County, Heard County, and Meriwether County.

Davis said CAFI doesn’t normally do drive-through events, but they’re doing all they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s mainly because of COVID protocol,” Davis said.

“I mean, honestly, otherwise, we would probably have something where people could get out and mingle. But we want to continue to respect the COVID issue.”

To get non-food items, attendees only have to ask for them.

“[At] this event, we’re not asking you to bring anything to identify yourselves,” said Davis, who explained that only those wanting food boxes will have to fill out paperwork. “As the person comes into the event, they will be given that paper if they want a food box, and they will fill that form out.”

Those without cars are allowed to come with someone else and receive supplies individually.

To avoid causing traffic problems, CAFI asks that families not arrive at the event before 10 a.m. Their driveway will be closed until then.

CAFI still needs donations of money and items. Any items donated to CAFI should be new and in original packaging.

CAFI asks that donors contact their local neighborhood service centers or Head Start schools before bringing in item donations. Troup County’s service center is in the same building as its CAFI office. Those wishing to donate money can do it online or in-person at the CAFI office.

To donate online, visit https://www.cafi-ga.org/big-pop-up-event-page/.

Davis said people can volunteer for the event by contacting him. CAFI’s office number is (706) 884-2651.