Lincoln County and area residents’generosity and desire to help others continue to amaze.

    As Friday’s formal deadline for The DAILY LEADER and Bank ofBrookhaven’s Holiday Food Pantry fundraising drive arrived,donations this year approached $10,000. That mark could be eclipsedby the time the funds are distributed to the recipient agenciesbefore Christmas.

    Funds raised this year will be distributed evenly among five localcharitable agencies: the Greater Hope Foundation, the EpiscopalChurch of the Redeemer, St. Francis Assisi/St. Vincent DePaul, theMartha Sykes Widows and Orphans Center and Union Hall BaptistChurch. Stories have been published in recent newspaper editions oneach of the organization’s operations.

    While not all operate formal pantries, they do all providemuch-needed assistance to the less fortunate among us. Perhaps atno time of the year is that assistance more needed than during theholidays.

    Previous food pantry campaigns have generated more than $50,000 tohelp local food pantries, and this year’s contributions will pushthe grand total past $60,000.

    That is an outstanding testament to givers’ goodwill andkind-heartedness. A sincere thank you to all who have contributedthis year and during past campaigns.