At least $6,000 will be split between four churches and organizations that feed the hungry in Lincoln County.

The tally Friday for the 15th annual Holiday Food Pantry Drive surpassed $5,000. Shannon Aker, president of Bank of Brookhaven, expected the total to top $6,000 by Monday.

“We always have some that trickles in,” he said.

The bank partners with The Daily Leader each year to raise money for organizations and churches to use to stock their food pantries.

“You always hear about needs all over the state and the country, but this is a need that’s right here,” Aker said.

Checks will be distributed next week to representatives of the four food pantries — St. Francis of Assisi/St. Vincent de Paul, Union Hall Baptist Church, the Greater Hope Foundation and Bethel AME.

“All of them do a good job making sure that they’re getting the most out of that money,” he said.

Aker said the food pantries do much more than just put food on the table for those who use their services.

“They try to give them a life lesson or listen to them and talk them through some kind of issue that they might be having. It’s a full blown ministry for all four of them,” he said.

If someone still wants to give to the food pantries, Aker suggests dropping off a check at either the Bank of Brookhaven or at The Daily Leader office by 5 p.m. Monday.

Those who want to help beyond a donation are welcome to volunteer at any of the four food pantries. Volunteers are always needed to unload food and stock shelves, Aker said.