POULSBO — Right about now, the Bellringer Fund could use an upswing in the economy.
Or at least a little help from its friends.
After a larger than normal year for funding requests, Bellringer, a part of the Raab Foundation administered by the Poulsbo Noon Lions club, is nearly out of money. Good thing that today kicks off the annual holiday fund-raising drive for the fund that ensures hundreds of North Kitsap families receive one-time assistance for things like food, help with household bills, emergency transportation and Christmas food baskets through Fishline.
The goal has been set at $30,000 for the 53rd annual Bellringer fund-raising drive through the North Kitsap Herald. For the last three years, Bellringer had set its sights at a $25,000 and the goal had been beaten. Though they’d been concerned about raising the goal because of local economic struggles, organizer John Macdonald said he felt the need was great enough.
By mid-October, Bellringer had 223 requests averaging $143 each, or an annual need of about $32,000. Last year, Bellringer sought to raise $25,000 and the community responded by giving more than $29,500 to support its work.
“So for the last month, we’ve severely curtailed how much we have put out just so we could make it through the year,” Macdonald said.
This is not the first year that Bellringer has run short. Macdonald said that years ago, when the annual goal was closer to $15,000, they’d usually be out of money by August. But this was the first time in recent years that the fund hasn’t stretched quite as far.
“We did a lot better than we used to but this year, we really got slammed,” Macdonald said.
Despite the struggles to keep the fund going, Macdonald said he believes that with help from the community, Bellringer makes a tangible difference in North Kitsap that is appreciated by those who utilize it. He mentioned the case of a woman in Hansville who, through unusual circumstances, had to request help with her mortgage payment one month.
“She came back and gave us quite a large donation when she got back on her feet,” he recalled.
Tax deductible donations can be made to the Bellringer Fund at Kitsap Bank in Poulsbo, 19725 7th Avenue, and the North Kitsap Herald, 18887 State Highway 305, Suite 700.
Donations can also be mailed to the Bellringer Fund at P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Contributions of $250 or more receive a receipt for the donor’s records.
Families, individuals and organizations will be listed on the front page of the Herald every issue starting Nov. 20 as donations are tallied.
Community members can also help the Bellringer Fund by getting their vehicles washed at Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo Village. Now through Dec. 31, owner Mike Brooks will be donating a portion of all automatic car wash sales to the fund. Last year, a similar fund-raiser made $1,375 for Bellringer. For more information, call (360) 697-1144.
Once again, the North Kitsap Herald will also be collecting toys for the Fishline Food Bank’s Christmas Toy Shop. Beginning Monday, Nov. 22, new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 13. There is a particular need for items appropriate for ages 10-14.
The number to request help from Bellringer is (360) 697-6087.
