When it comes to assisting the less fortunate, Moore County has always served up a heaping helping of generosity. Whether it be through the donation of time, money or effort, local folks can always be counted on to help when there is a need.

As unemployment remains high and schools approach their summer break, plenty of Sandhills residents will need the services provided by the Sandhills branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and its partner agencies. The problem is that as the demand rises, so too does the need for food and money.

We urge residents to do what they can to help their neighbors. And there are plenty of ways to give.

For example: If you are out this spring and summer, stop by a First Friday in Southern Pines or a Live After 5 in Pinehurst. Food Bank representatives will be on hand to collect food and money. If you can’t make it to one of those events, you can donate by going to the food bank’s ­website, www.foodbankcenc.org, or by calling (910) 692-5959.

A donation of food is always appreciated, but chipping in a few dollars is equally as valuable. That’s because 97 cents of each dollar given goes directly to supporting partner agency programs like BackPack Pals, Summer Stock and Snack Pack Pals, which provide necessary, nutritious meals to adults, children and seniors in Moore, Richmond, Scotland and parts of Lee counties.

Giving just $5 — less than the cost of a meal at a local fast food restaurant — could go a long way toward helping meet the food needs of children, adults and the elderly in Moore County.

And it would give you, the donor, that satisfying feeling you get when you do a good deed — even if nobody else knows about it.