Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly proclaimed all of September "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" month in town.

For the past month, about 30 businesses in Apex were donating a portion of their proceeds to benefit the Western Wake County Ministry.

The money will go toward helping local families pay bills. Ministry Director Rebecca Johnson Spell said the funds will also provide food and other supplies for the ministry.

"We provide assistance for past due rent, utilities, prescriptions, always in emergencies. So for example if a family gets laid off or they have a medical emergency happen," Spell said.

Steven Glover said the ministry has been helping his family for years. Just recently, they helped him with an electric bill.

"They helped out with $200. It really helped because we were about to have our lights cut out. They helped to keep our lights on," Glover said.

Spell said the total amount raised will be tallied by next week.