As Manna House held its annual pre-Christmas giveaway of clothes, toys and food, across the street, Dhrue Patel held his own giveaway.

Patel, with the help of local law enforcement, provided $2,000 in free gas to customers at his convenience store at the corner of Gause Street and Memorial Drive. It’s the fifth year Patel has held the giveaway.

“It’s just a way to give back to the community,” he said. “Christmas is the time everyone wants to get toys and free gas.”

Patel said Hinesville City Council member Diana Reid, who works closely with Manna House, asked if he could do a gas giveaway. Initially, she asked if he could do $500, he said. He decided to make it $2,000.

Officers from the Hinesville Police Department and Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office deputies not only help direct traffic at the busy intersection the Saturday before Christmas, several also take turns working the gas pump nozzles for the customers getting free gas.

“We are thankful for the cops,” Patel said.

In the season of giving, Patel gets something out of the giveaway, even though it’s $2,000 off his bottom line.

“It means the world to us,” he said. “We have to give back to the community. It’s a great feeling. Anytime you give to someone, God is looking after you. Manna House gives out food and toys every month. At least we can do this much at Christmas.”