Associated Press - November 27, 2009 8:04 AM ET

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) - A lifelong Sandpoint resident who is battling cancer and can no longer afford his medical expenses is going to get a little help from his neighbors.

The northern Idaho community is organizing a benefit on Saturday for 55-year-old Buff Johnson, whose medical bills have exceeded his insurance coverage.

The cancer treatments have left Johnson unable to work and depleted his savings.

Event organizer Jeannette Jones says members of the community close to Johnson, who was born in Sandpoint, organized the auction and dinner.

Information from: Bonner Daily Bee, http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.