POULSBO — After last week’s massive dose of giving, donations to the Bellringer Fund slowed a tad Monday, but it still passed the $7,500 mark.

The fund received $685 by 3 p.m. Monday as it entered the month with more than $5,000 than it had at this time last year.

But as Bellringer volunteer John Macdonald said as the fund’s goal has grown, so has the amount of need in the North End.

No single large gift arrived Monday, but a smattering of smaller donations were enough to put the fund at $7,570 with 19 days left until Christmas.

It’s a good start, but it still leaves Bellringer more than $22,000 short of its $30,000 goal, and more donations are still needed.

Mike Brooks, owner of Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo, is once again donating a portion of his proceeds during December to give the fund a boost.

The North Kitsap Herald is collecting toys for North Kitsap Fishline’s Toy Store as well.

Each year the Herald staff collects new toys and items for kids of all ages to help make their Christmases that much brighter, which is one of the many reasons the Herald is proud to be your community newspaper.

Donations to the fund can be dropped off at the Kitsap Bank branch in Poulsbo or the North Kitsap Herald office, 18887 Highway 305, Suite 700. Donations can also be mailed to Bellringer Fund, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. The help number of the fund is (360) 697-6087.

Donations through Dec. 4:

• $200 In memory of Larry Nelson

• $100 In memory of Cliff from Muriel

• Manny Correia $100

• Marion Hansen $50 In memory of loved ones

• No name $35

• Douglas and LeAnn Mong $100 In loving

memories of our dads, Fritz Brost and Harold Mong

• $50 In memory of Helen Karas from Rick

and Marsha

• $50 In memory of Florence and Dave Swanson

from Selmer Swanson

Today’s total: $685

Running total: $7,570,

$22,430 short of $30,000 goal.