Bellringer chimes in over $33,000

It isn’t called the Season of Giving for nothing.

The North Kitsap community raised a whopping $33,493 for the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer fund this year, raking in funds for a community cause that has served residents in the area for 56 years.

Though the fund still stands a bit short of its $35,000 goal, the Lions Club has already begun to put the impressive contributions to great use.

Ninety-nine Christmas meal baskets were purchased in last month, allowing families in need a tasty feast in celebration of St. Nick’s — and their North Kitsap neighbors’ — generosity.

For fund organizer John Macdonald, the success of the fund-raising effort wasn’t at all a bad way to start off the year.

“We didn’t make our goal, but wow, it’s still pretty impressive,” he said. “I’m just pleased as punch that we got to $30,000. It astounds me.”

The Poulsbo Noon Lions Club will continue to help raise cash for the Bellringer fund all year, which assists residents in paying bills, buying food and finding emergency transportation.

Donations are still trickling in, however this will be the final report of the season for the North Kitsap Herald. Funds can be sent year-round to Bellringer Fund, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

Donations through Jan. 5:

• Anonymous, $500.

• Anonymous, $500.

• Alma Hass, $25.

• Alice Hass, $25.

• Anonymous, Happy New Year!, $250.

• Bruce and Susan Michelson,

in memory of Phyllis Pryde, $250.

• The May Family, in loving

memory of Grandpa Ray and

Grandma Marcy, $50.

• Anonymous, $200.

• Dr. Neil and Margaret Torvik, $100.

• Jacqueline Ermey, $50.

• Anonymous, in memory of Frank

and Alice, $200.

• G. Do’s “Grandma Do’s,”

wishing our community the best

year yet, $50.

• North Kitsap Senior Center, $50.

• Lorene and Nic Klamke, $50.

• Robert and Patricia Anderson, $50.

• Marion and Family, in memory

of a wonderful husband, father and

mentor Loring Larm, $250.

• Effie and Daniel Elsses, $200.

• Merit Electric Inc. of Lynnwood,

in memory of Marvin Lanum and

Leigh Ann Moss, $250.

• Mike’s Car Wash and

Detail,$2,500.

Today’s total: $5,550

Final total: $33,493

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