Southern Minnesota Albert Lea Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team provided a safety break for around 6,000 travelers over the Fourth of July holiday.

The group served free refreshments to 6,206 people who stopped at the Minnesota Information Center on Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea during a 47-hour period.

The coffee, lemonade, orange drink, fruit 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 city of Albert Lea. The VFW Auxiliary donated homemade cookies. Area merchants, churches and service clubs donated other refreshments.

Members of REACT were on duty to serve refreshments from 6 p.m. Friday, July 3, to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Motorists from 33 states, three provinces of Canada and seven foreign countries were served.