POULSBO — North Kitsap residents gave $6,155 in two weeks to the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund.

That’s a healthy start toward meeting or exceeding the 2013 campaign total of $32,431.

The campaign continues through the year end. Donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Donations are also accepted at the North Kitsap Herald, 19351 8th Ave. NE, Poulsbo; and Union Bank, 19950 7th Ave. NE, Poulsbo.

John S. Macdonald, a Poulsbo CPA and co-director of the fund, said money raised in 2013  provided holiday meals for local families in need, and helped local households in a rough patch keep roofs over their heads, pay their utility bills, and meet emergency needs.

“We would love to have the same thing [happen] this year,” Macdonald said.

Since its founding in the 1940s, the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund has provided one way for neighbors to take of each other, particularly during winter when higher heating bills, whether electric or wood, can mean less money for food, rent and the holidays.

Each donation — no matter the size — from now to the New Year helps ensure that needs unique to the winter season don’t fall through the cracks.

“It touches people locally. It doesn’t leave the community,” said Mike Brooks, owner of Mike’s Car Wash & Detailing on 7th Avenue, which is pledging to the fund a portion of proceeds from every car wash through the year end.

“It helps people who are having problems paying their rent or their energy bills. It could be your next-door neighbor. You never know.”

This is the season of giving, but Brooks said the gratitude comes year-round.

“Throughout the year, people have told me, ‘Thanks for helping [the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation] Bellringer Fund. It helped me out when I needed it.’ ”

WEEK 1
Helene and Bill Schmidt: $250, in memory of Inge Berge.

WEEK 2
Jerry Jurgens: $100.

Richardson Trust: $100, in memory of loves ones: Greg Richardson, Leo Straud, Claude Richardson Sr., Lettie Richardson, Claude Richardson Jr., Sandi Richardson.

Jeanne Stottlemyer: $100, in memory of Wally & Ellen Stottlemyer and Art D. Carufel.

Anonymous: $300.

J. Seifert: $100, in memory of Evan Tong.

Sue Guldjorg: $100. Merry Christmas.

Lynn Howat: $50.

D. Benson: $100.

H. Jewell: $250.

J. Dahlquist: $750, in loving memory of Sandy Habecker and Sondra Tesch, two wonderful ladies we lost this year.

S. Forrest: $100.

P. Ruckel: $100.

Anonymous: $200.

Stokes Auction: $3,205.

C. Schoettler: $100, in honor of Jim Schoettler.

J. Schoettler: $100.

G. Kaster: $100.

K. Howard: $50.

TOTAL TO DATE: $6,155