Whether helping folks locally or organizing assistance effortsfor far-off places following natural or other disasters, LincolnCountians never fail to step up to help those in need.

Despite a difficult economic picture, residents are once againproving the truth of that statement through their donations to TheDAILY LEADER and Bank of Brookhaven’s Food Pantry Drive. The driveis raising money for the food pantries at Brookhaven OutreachMinistries, St. Francis of Assisi and Union Hall Baptist Church tohelp feed those in need during the holidays and the rest of theyear.

So far this year, drive donations are approaching the $6,000mark.

Already, that total surpasses the amounts raised during the 2004and 2007 drives. The drive was suspended in 2005 as many reliefefforts were focused on the Gulf Coast following HurricaneKatrina.

And with several days remaining for donations to be made, 2008is within striking distance of the $7,100 collected in 2006 and the$7,800 taken in during the drive’s inaugural year of 2003.

That the drive is so close to a fundraising record – especiallygiven the tough economic times that many are no doubt facing – is aremarkable statement about the charity and goodwill of theBrookhaven, Lincoln County and area population.

We, but especially the food pantry operators, appreciate thedonations that have been made so far and would ask you to considermaking a contribution to the worthy cause. Wednesday is thedeadline for donations, which can be made at the newspaper officeor at the Bank of Brookhaven.