Bellringer donations nudge toward $2,000

POULSBO — This Thanksgiving weekend, more than likely, members of the Poulsbo Noon Lions have stopped more than once to give thanks for the community.

That’s because in just one week’s time, the annual holiday fund-raising drive for the 53-year-old Bellringer Fund has received nearly $2,000 in donations.

But that’s just $2,000 on the way to the $30,000 the Lions Club figures the Raab Foundation fund needs to continue its mission in 2005.

Annually, hundreds of North Kitsap residents receive one-time assistance from the Bellringer with things like utility bills, mortgages and rent and even emergency transportation. The fund will also be supplying 100 Christmas food baskets through Fishline Food Bank this year.

And another $535 in donations this installment, including the first of those generous anonymous holiday elves, are helping ensure that Bellringer gets the funds it needs to make those wishes come true. With just five weeks left in the fund-raising drive, the hope is that there’s many more benefactors where those came from.

Tax deductible donations can be made to the Bellringer Fund at Kitsap Bank in Poulsbo, 19725 7th Avenue, and the North Kitsap Herald, 18887 State Highway 305, suite 700.

Donations can also be mailed to the Bellringer Fund at P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Contributions of $250 or more receive a receipt for the donor’s records.

Families, individuals and organizations will be listed on the front page of the Herald every issue as donations are tallied.

Community members can also help the Bellringer Fund by getting their vehicles washed at Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo Village. Now through Dec. 31, owner Mike Brooks will be donating a portion of all automatic car wash sales to the fund. Last year, a similar fund-raiser made $1,375 for Bellringer. For more information, call (360) 697-1144.

Once again, the North Kitsap Herald will also be collecting toys for the Fishline Food Bank’s Christmas Toy Shop. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 13. There is a particular need for items appropriate for ages 10-14.

The number to request help from Bellringer is (360) 697-6087.

Bellringer donations through Nov. 24:

• Roger J. Meyer, M.D. $100

• Ne Si Ka Garden Club $35

• Anonymous $150 In loving memory of Obert Smaaladen

• Anonymous $150 In loving memory of Glynda Roof Froelich

• Tom and Nita Driscoll $100

Today’s total $535

Running total $1,986

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