POULSBO — The 2006 Bellringer campaign soared to the $750 mark as the North End came through just before Thanksgiving.

Lockheed Martin employees gave to the fund over the summer, and the Little Norway Grandmothers Club chipped in to help others.

Last year, Bellringer received nary a nickel before Thanksgiving, and with the need increasing, every last penny helps it on its way toward its ultimate goal of $30,000.

Bellringer, a part of the Raab Foundation, is administered by the Poulsbo Noon Lions Club, and provides one-time assistance of food, help with bills, emergency transportation and Christmas food baskets through the North Kitsap Fishline.

Mike Brooks, owner of Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo, is once again donating a portion of his proceeds during this month and December to give the fund a boost.

While Bellringer got off to a good start, the North Kitsap Herald is collecting toys for North Kitsap Fishline’s Toy Store as well.

Each year the Herald staff collects new toys and items for kids of all ages to help make their Christmases that much brighter, which is one of the many reasons the Herald is proud to be your community newspaper.

Donations to the fund can be dropped off at the Kitsap Bank branch in Poulsbo or the North Kitsap Herald office, 18887 Highway 305, Suite 700. Donations can also be mailed to Bellringer Fund, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. The help number of the fund is (360) 697-6087.

Donations through Nov. 20:

• Jan and Jerry Deardorff $50

For our neighbors in need.

• Little Norway Grandmothers Club $100

• Lockheed Martin Employees

Foundation $600

Today’s total $750

Running total $750,

$29,250 short of $30,000 goal.