If you gave to the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund in 2012, you made a big difference in someone’s life — possibly someone you know.

Since its inception in 1946, the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund has helped provide food, emergency shelter and emergency financial assistance to North Kitsap residents in need. There is no overhead; every penny goes back into the community, according to John Macdonald, co-chairman of the fund.

In 2012, the fund assisted more than 300 local families.

In 2012, the fund ensured 100 local families had food for the Christmas holiday.

In 2012, money distributed by the fund to North Kitsap Fishline and St. Vincent de Paul Society enabled those organizations to help local families avoid eviction and keep their utilities from being shut off, and get emergency transportation to medical appointments and work.

In 2012, despite economic insecurity amid talk of sequestration, North Kitsap residents dug deep and gave what they could; some gave $5, some gave more. But the donations added up — combined, you gave a remarkable $28,846.

Because of money raised by the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund, “We’re able to stretch what we’re doing for people in crisis — whether it’s paying rent, mortgage, or utilities,” said Rae Rodriguez, Fishline’s client services manager. “It used to be that folks would come in because of an issue, now it’s because of multiple issues. We’ve been in crisis mode for a couple of years, and we’ve probably tripled our client load since then.”

Organizations like North Kitsap Fishline and St. Vincent de Paul Society are coming up with creative solutions to help people meet their basic needs. Fishline, for example, has a home share program, where it matches people who need a place to live with people who need help with their mortgage. It also connects clients looking for work with companies and job service providers. But to meet immediate needs, like food and shelter, Fishline and the others make good use of the money donated to the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund.

Fishline and St. Vincent de Paul are a critical part of the safety net in North Kitsap. They are there for you and your family — and your fellow community members — when needed. Contribute to the Poulsbo Lions/Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund and keep the safety net strong. (Consider it a holiday gift to yourself — you make a difference in the community, and you get a tax deduction).

Donations can be delivered to the North Kitsap Herald, 19351 8th Ave., Suite 106, Poulsbo, or mailed to P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA. 98370. Donors’ names will be published each week in the Herald.