POULSBO — The Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund total as of Dec. 29 was $17,125, matching last year’s to-date total.

That’s $12,875 from the fundraising goal of $30,000 going into the final week of the winter campaign.

Annually, the fund helps more than 300 local households, fund manager John MacDonald, CPA, said. He hopes the goal can be exceeded so the fund can meet more needs in the community.

The funds are administered by Fishline, St. Vincent de Paul and ShareNet to provide food, emergency shelter and emergency financial assistance to North Kitsap residents in need. There is no overhead. Every penny helps neighbors put food on tables, keep the lights and heat on, keep a roof over their heads, and get to medical appointments and work.

The fund was established by Frank and Mabel Raab in 1948 (he served as a Poulsbo City Council member from 1946 to 1960, and as mayor from 1960-69) as a way for local residents to help neighbors in need during the year

Donations are tax-deductible. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Donations are also being accepted at the North Kitsap Herald, 19351 8th Ave. NE, Poulsbo. Donations are listed each week in the Herald and on NorthKitsapHerald.com.

Some give in honor or in memory of someone, or as a gift to the community. Some give $5, some give more. But the donations add up — thousands of dollars, every year, that change lives.

“We’re able to stretch what we’re doing for people in crisis — whether it’s paying rent, mortgage, or utilities,” Rae Rodriguez, Fishline’s client services manager, said in an earlier interview.

In addition, Mike Brooks of Mike’s Car Wash on 7th Avenue has pledged to the fund a portion of proceeds from car washes purchased through Dec. 31.

Here are the latest donations.

Dec. 22
$100, Herbert and Elda Armstrong. “For family.”
$1,500, Anonymous.

Dec. 23
$100, Arne and Lee Stadshaug, in memory of Lois and Ed Stadshaug.

Dec. 28
$100, Sarah Schoettler, in memory of Lois.
$50, Karl and Pauline Ostheller.

Dec. 29
$200, Anne Alexander.
$100, Patrick Burch.
$200, Dennis May.

Total to date: $17,125.