Ed Norton has raised the bar on giving and is hoping other areabusiness owners will meet his challenge this holiday season.

Norton’s business, Brookwood Gifts and Antiques, donated $250Wednesday to the Holiday Food Pantry Fund to bring some cheer tothe needy during December and the upcoming year.

“I wanted to help out, and I wanted to challenge the otherbusinesses,” said Norton of his donation, which is the biggestsingle donation to the fund so far.

He was glad to hear about the idea to raise money for local foodpantries. The funds will be used to replenish the food pantries’supply and to help keep the shelves stocked throughout theyear.

“There are a lot of people who need help. We don’t know who theyare, but they (food pantries) do,” said Norton.

His store’s donation and two other anonymous donations broughtthe Holiday Food Pantry Fund total to $805. The fund was startedlast week by The DAILY LEADER and Bank of Brookhaven and willcontinue through Dec. 19.

Food pantries at the Outreach Ministries, Union Hall BaptistChurch and St. Francis Church will get the funds.

All donors will be listed on the front page of The DAILY LEADER.Donations can be made by anyone and can even be made in memory orhonor of a friend or loved one or anonymously. Checks made payableto the Holiday Food Pantry Fund will be accepted at The DAILYLEADER, 128 North Railroad Avenue, or Bank of Brookhaven, 411Brookway Boulevard.