POULSBO — A week of individual donations totalling $2,750 boosted the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund total to $14,775 by morning Dec. 22, edging the fund to the halfway mark in this year’s fundraising goal of $30,000.

Annually, the fund helps more than 300 local households, fund manager John MacDonald, CPA, said.

MacDonald 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.

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.

“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.

Dec. 18
$100, Roger and Marcia Serwold, in memory of Olaf, Helen and Joann Serwold.
$200, Jerry Jergens, in memory of Judith Jurgens.
$200, Judith Fuhrer, in celebration of Ed and Louise Shields.
$1,100, Trisha Merritt and Stephen Verderber.

Dec. 21
$50, Joan and Jim Goodfellow.
$100, Bill and Linda Eley, in loving memory of Joe Stenstrom and Wally and Dolly Eley.
$100, Gene and Sandy Fullerton, in memory of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
$100, Charles and Susan Weaver.
$100, Edward and Patricia Forman.
$250, “Merry Christmas to everyone” from Scandia Pickled Herring Fest.
$100, Tom and Patty Henderson, in memory of our mothers, Marjorie and Helen.
$100, “To celebrate the Christmas Girls, Roseann, Kathy and Patty, and in memory of our dear friend Sandy.”
$100, “In memory of my beloved wife Marjorie — love, Mel Schmuck.”
$100, Lester Schmuck, “Merry Christmas.”

Dec. 22
$50, Mary Carter.

Total to date: $14,775