So far this month, readers of the North Kitsap Herald have openened their pocketbooks in a generous — and overwhelming — way.

As of this edition, our annual Poulsbo Bell Ringer effort has brought in $22,292. That’s an awful lot of generosity in these uncertain times.

The checks trickle in throughout the week, some being mailed to our P.O. Box, some go to Frontier Bank and some are hand-delivered to the Herald office. Behind each stroke of the pen is a different motive for giving. Whether the motives be to honor a loved one who has passed or just to satisfy the need to help another, each and every dollar is wholeheartedly given and gratefully received.

The goal this year is to raise $35,000 on behalf of the Raab Foundation, which is administered by the Pouslbo Noon Lions Club. The money is used to offer one-time help with food, utility bills, rent, emergency medical, housing and transportation needs for those in the North End.

As an added bonus, it also helps fill the coffers for Fishline in Poulsbo and ShareNet in Kingston.

This money truly does reach out and touch the lives of hundreds of North End residents.

Now, more than ever, is the time to give a neighbor a hand up.

“You hear the doom and gloom on the radio or TV and we haven’t seen the worst of it yet,” said John MacDonald, who coordinates the Bell Ringer effort. “If there is a year of need, this is it.”

This year’s goal is to reach $35,000. The way the donations keep pouring in, we can make it. Every dollar donated is appreciated and needed.

Another opportunity to give: Get your car washed at Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo, as he’ll donate a portion of the proceeds in December to Bell Ringer.