SUQUAMISH — With the latest release of the Suquamish Tribe’s Appendix X funds, tummies will be filled with food this holiday season and non-profit organizations will have an extra boost of financial support next year.

The tribal council distributed more than $105,000 to the entities earlier this month.

The funds, which are given to the community quarterly, come from a percentage of the gaming machine revenues at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino. The council distributes one-half of the fund to support tribal activities and the other half for non-tribal, non-profit group and charity activities.

Just in time for the holidays, the Suquamish donated $3,000 to local food banks. The tribe sent $1,000 checks to Fishline of Poulsbo, ShareNet of Kingston and the Suquamish Food Bank in downtown Suquamish.

“The Suquamish Tribal Council felt it was important to contribute to the local food banks to support their efforts to feed the hungry,” said Suquamish Tribe Executive Director Wayne George. “Some of our tribal people have needed these services in the past and they were always there for them … we hope that our donation will help these organizations continue to help the greater community.”

The council drew money from the tribal portion of the fund for the food bank donations and encourages non-profit organizations and charitable groups to apply to the Suquamish Tribe’s Appendix X Community Awards Program. Council members seek requests for funds up to $5,000 to support youth education activities, mental and general health, and environmental preservation and restoration.

However, organizations are also encouraged to apply for charitable causes that are not within these criteria.

For more information about the Appendix X Community Awards Program, visit the Suquamish Tribe’s website www.suquamish.nsn.us or call Connie Ellis, Tribal Council Executive Assistant, at (360) 394-8461.