Southern Minnesota Albert Lea REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team) provided a safety break for around 1,500 travelers over the Fourth of July holiday.

The group served free refreshments to approximately 1,493 people who stopped at the Minnesota Information Center on Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea during a 24-hour period. Members of REACT and area volunteers were on duty to serve refreshments from 5 p.m. July 3 to 6 p.m. July 4.

The coffee, lemonade, orange drink, iced tea and cookies that were served helped persuade motorists to stop and rest up a bit for safety’s sake.

The coffee was donated by the Albert Lea Masonic Lodge and Walmart. The VFW Auxiliary donated homemade cookies, and area merchants, churches and service clubs donated other refreshments.

Motorists from 31 states, two provinces of Canada and four foreign countries were served.