Thanks to the generosity of countless individuals, families, organizations and local businesses, more than 200 North Kitsap families will sit down to holiday dinners, their children will have the joy of new toys and their Christmases will be merrier.

The North Kitsap Bellringer Fund has surpassed its ambitious goal of $25,000. Checks and donations are continuing to arrive, even more will be listed in our Dec. 26 issue.

If you haven’t yet mailed your check to the North Kitsap Bellringer fund, plan to stop by our office or Kitsap Bank next week and drop it off personally. Contributions are gratefully accepted until Jan. 2, 2002 at the Herald office.

Donations to the Bellringer Fund are used throughout the year to assist families with expenses such as utility bills, clothing, medical expenses, school supplies, rent and transportation costs.

Your tax-deductible donation can be made at the North Kitsap Herald office 18887 Highway 305 (office building next to the Dairy Queen, on the lower level), Poulsbo; Kitsap Bank in Poulsbo, 19725 7th Avenue; or mailed to the North Kitsap Herald, P.O. Box 278, Poulsbo 98370.

Contributions of $250 or more receive a receipt for the donor’s records.

The Bellringer Fund is administered by the Raab Foundation, and the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club.

This is the 50th anniversary of the Bellringer Fund which was begun by Frank and Mabel Raab. The North Kitsap Bellringer Fund is not affiliated with any other Bellringer Fund in the area or the Salvation Army Bellringer Fund.