Bellringer donations slow down during holiday weekend

POULSBO — A lot of giving took place last weekend.

But not quite as much as hoped was aimed at the North Kitsap Bellringer Fund.

The Raab Foundation fund, administered by the Poulsbo Noon Lions, received $750 worth of donations since Dec. 22. The grand total donated since the 53rd annual holiday fund-raising drive began now stands at about $25,130 — still $4,870 shy of the 2005 fund-raising goal of $30,000.

The Bellringer Fund annually helps hundreds of North Kitsap residents with one-time needs. Assistance has included things like rent or mortgage subsidies, utility payments and emergency transportation. Seventy-eight North Kitsap families received Christmas food baskets last weekend through the fund.

But Bellringer was started within the North Kitsap community and continues to be supported by community contributions. In 2004, Bellringer ran short of funds about two months before the end of the year, yet volunteers continue to receive 12-20 calls for help each week. Volunteers estimate Bellringer needs at least $30,000 in order to continue its mission for the whole of 2005.

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

Readers are reminded that the Herald office will be closed Dec. 31 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

Donations can also be mailed to the Bellringer Fund, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370 or to the North Kitsap Herald, P.O. Box 278, 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.

Bellringer donations through Dec. 27:

• Edward and Sandra Habecker $100

• Arthur and Edna $50

• E’LA and Donald Brick $25

• Sharron and Bob Ham $100 In memory of Boyd

• Doug and Carol Lyons $50 In memory of Marie Barker

• $25 In memory of Bill Siefferman

• Anonymous $400

Today’s total $750

Running total $25,129.85

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