This is the most celebrated time of the year in North Kitsap. A time for family, friends, gathering, fun, presents and all the things that make each holiday season memorable.

It is also a tough time for many families.

Some of your neighbors don’t have it as easy as you do. Some parents actually dread the holidays.

Do we have enough money to buy food, pay the electric bill and buy presents this year? What can we do without that won’t ruin the holidays?

Where can we turn for help?

The majority of residents in North Kitsap don’t have such worries on their minds as they make out lists and prepare for huge shopping trips to the grocery store, local businesses and the mall.

While hectic in their own regard, these holiday jaunts pale in comparison to the stress needy residents and families face.

Put yourself in their shoes for a minute.

You’ve got three kids, one income and a laundry list of things to do. The credit card companies aren’t giving you a break and the phone has already been shut off. The power company is threatening to do the same.

The kids are wearing hand-me-downs and their wish lists, while not by any means extravagant, are well beyond your means.

In the meantime, Thanksgiving is coming up and you’re fretting buying turkey, mashed potatoes, beans, stuffing and cranberry sauce on a chicken budget.

Swallowing your pride, you go to a North Kitsap food bank but even they can’t help you because donations were too few and far between to stock the shelves…

Well, if you think such a tale is far fetched or could never happen in your community think again.

Fishline and Sharenet need our help.

The holiday season isn’t just about receiving — it is about giving as well.

We must open our hearts, our minds and, yes, our wallets this year to ensure that everyone has a happy season. A season that everyone, not just the upper and middle classes, will remember as one of the best ever.

It won’t be easy. But if everyone lends a hand, the load will be lighter for individuals and as a result, we will all be reminded why we reside in this fine community.

Next week, the Poulsbo Noon Lions, the Raab Foundation and the North Kitsap Herald will officially kick off the 2002 Bellringer Fund drive. Anyone can give, anyone can help, everyone can make a difference. Last, year we broke $31,000 and brought in a passel of gifts through the Herald’s toy drive.

Bellringer is just one opportunity for us all to give and one we hope everyone pitches in with us to make it a success.

After all, there’s almost nothing sadder than an empty Thanksgiving table, a Christmas tree without presents and a child who is losing hope.

Join us in helping the needy this season.