Southern Minnesota Albert Lea Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team, or REACT, provided a safety break for around 5,000 travelers over the Labor Day holiday.

The group served free refreshments to approximately 4,976 people who stopped at the Minnesota Information Center on 1-35 south of Albert Lea during a 49-hour period. Members of REACT and area volunteers were on duty to serve refreshments from 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5.

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, Nelson’s Market Place and Sam’s Club in Rochester. The VFW Auxiliary and Danish Brotherhood donated homemade cookies. Area merchants, churches and service clubs donated other refreshments.

Motorists from 33 states, two provinces of Canada, Washington D.C., and four foreign countries were served.