The Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation North Kitsap Bellringer Fund is raising money to help those less fortunate during the holidays for almost its 80th year.

Last year the fund distributed $15,000 to Fishline, ShareNet, St. Vincent DePaul at St Olaf’s church, Coffee Oasis and American Legion Post 245.

The goal this year is to raise $25,000. Even though it just got started $2,600 has already been raised.

All tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Poulsbo Lions Bellringer Fund. P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370 or via PayPal at poulsbolions@gmail.com.

Years ago, Frank and Mable Raab saw a need, and with the assistance of the North Kitsap Herald, the business community and the Poulsbo Lions they were able to provide meals and presents for the holidays for those with economic needs.

The original format was continued by volunteers from the Poulsbo Lions into the 1980s—with the addition of assistance for rent, utilities and medical expenses throughout the year.

In the late 1980s, the North Kitsap Bellringer Fund changed to distributing donations directly to organizations that are able to do more with the donations because of their various connections to make the money go even further.