Bellringer donations can now help local veterans

This year the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund is expanding the supported charities to include American Legion Post 245 of Poulsbo.

Already this year $2,112 has been donated.

That organization might not be as well-known now, but it has been around since 1942 and has been active in providing services to veterans of our armed forces in North Kitsap.

Most visibly, with the assistance of the Poulsbo Lions and Leo Clubs, they have placed wreaths on the graves of deceased veterans at the Poulsbo Municipal Cemetery, Vinland Lutheran Church and Evergreen Breidablik Cemeteries on Memorial Day and Christmas. They also built the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Poulsbo.

Additional ongoing programs include Veterans Service Office assistance for veterans and their families; scholarships for veterans or family members; meal vouchers or gift cards throughout the year; rehabilitation of wheelchairs and other medical assistance equipment; visitation to veterans at assisted living and nursing homes providing health and comfort bags and any other needs not provided by the facilities; with the assistance of local Boy Scouts they have removed barriers for disabled veterans in their homes; and member of the Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance.

With additional funding from the Bellringer Fund, they hope to expand services to include utility assistance and other short-term financial needs for veterans.

If you would like to learn more about this organization go to www.alpost245poulsbowa.org.

Donations to the Bellringer Fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370 or via PayPal at Poulsbolions.blogspot.com.