VIDALIA, La. &045; Asking for money is nothing new to public officials in Concordia Parish.

The area has attracted countless millions in state and federal funds for economic development.

But on Friday, Concordia’s public servants and business leaders directed their fund-raising talents toward a more urgent and immediate need.

With nothing but a few cans, a bit of determination and a temporary suspension of Vidalia’s prohibition on fund-raising roadblocks, a handful of local leaders raised $4,804.59 for the Feed the Hungry program.

Linda Bonnette, the charity’s director, was shocked at the roadblock’s success.

&uot;I’m just amazed,&uot; she said. &uot;We never got anything close to that when we did the red-light stops.&uot;

The original goal for the day was $2,400, which would allow Feed the Hungry to add 20 families to its list of 390.

Bonnette said that would have been good enough. She never expected the goal to be exceeded by so much.

&uot;I’m just kind of blown over,&uot; she said. &uot;We’ve counted (the money) twice just to make sure.&uot;

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland, who, along with city employees, Police Chief Billy Hammers, Fire Chief Jack Langston, police officers, firefighters and local businessmen, stood on the corner of Carter and Matthews street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., said the traffic stop showed the area’s great capacity for giving.

&uot;We had tremendous results,&uot; he said. &uot;And it was for a tremendous cause.&uot;

Feed the Hungry, which began as side project of Vidalia First Assembly of God, gives out approximately 20,000 pounds of food each month to supplement provide extra sustenance to needy families in Concordia and Catahoula parishes, as well as in Adams and Franklin counties.