Lions collect donations for food bank at orchestra performances

 Poulsbo Lions will be collecting cash, nonperishable foods and bags at each of the two performances Saturday, Dec. 6. The club has sponsored the Poulsbo Community Orchestra since its inception.

Wreaths Across America locally Dec. 13

Poulsbo Lions and North Kitsap Leos will be putting wreaths on graves the morning of Dec. 13 at Poulsbo Cemetery, Breidablik Evergreen Cemetery and more.

 

Bellringer donations start rolling in

 

Donations are beginning to come in for the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund, but we need your help to reach our goal. We know this season pulls at your time, attention, and wallet—but even a small gift makes a big difference.

 

Can you spare just $5? If less than one-third of Poulsbo’s residents gave five dollars, we’d meet our $20,000 goal to support local food banks and relief agencies this holiday season.

 

Every dollar stays right here in our community. Together, we can make sure no neighbor is left behind.

Scan the QR code to give today—it’s quick, easy, and impactful.

It's GRReat to be a Poulsbo Lion - and you have 2 club choices!

We have a noon club that meets weekly and an evening club that meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month. Use the QR code to fill out a Member Application.

 

 

 

 

 

Wanted: New Lions

 

Sign up to decorate professionally baked cookies

This is a great way to make something yourself without messing up your kitchen! And the cookies will be delicious.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Several Poulsbo Lions reach milestone awards

 

We have so many Lions reaching milestones this year: Dennis Peters (35 years), Glenn Anderson (30), Denise Zaske (20), Cecilie Burleson (15), Jan Kelly (10).

 

It's GRRReat to be a Poulsbo Lion!

Bellringer article hits Kitsap Daily News

Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation article hits Kitsap Daily News.

Poulsbo Lions support ShareNet with our community Firehouse Garden, as well as the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund. Read on... 

By John Macdonald and Terry Blais 

The greatest gift in Kingston this holiday season isn’t wrapped in paper or tied with ribbons—it’s ShareNet Food Bank. From nourishing families with food to helping with rent, utilities, and school meals for children, ShareNet is a lifeline of hope and generosity.

Since its beginnings in 1993 at Bayside Community Church and now at its home on Barber Cutoff Road, ShareNet has thrived thanks to the kindness of local organizations, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers. Together, they embody the true spirit of the holidays: building a stronger, healthier, and more caring community.

Mark Ince has proudly led ShareNet Food Bank as its executive director since 2008, guiding the organization through changing times and growing needs. Today, with shifts in government programs, ShareNet must purchase more than 65% of the food and personal items it distributes – a challenge made even harder by rising prices year after year. Demand for assistance has climbed more than 10% since 2024, underscoring how vital this resource is for families in Kingston.

Yet even in the face of these challenges, there are bright lights of generosity. Local farms, the Poulsbo Lions’ Firehouse Garden, and caring individuals donated more than 9,000 pounds of fresh produce this year. What was once overlooked has now become the most sought-after gift – fresh fruits and vegetables are the first items to disappear from ShareNet’s shelves, a testament to healthier habits and the community’s commitment to enriching one another. The community also helps by making donations to ShareNet’s thrift store next door. Store sales support the food bank and other functions of the organization.

This holiday season, ShareNet reminds us that the greatest present we can give is hope, health, and compassion. With the support of donors, volunteers, and neighbors like you, Kingston continues to shine as a place where no one is left behind.

For more than 25 years, the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund has been a proud supporter of ShareNet, helping provide food and relief to families in need across our community.

How to donate:

PayPal: poulsbolions@gmail.com

Online: Visit poulsbolions.blogspot.com and click the Donate button in the right-hand column

Mail: Send checks to Poulsbo Lions, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Every gift strengthens our community and ensures that families facing hardship have the support they need.

 

 

Settle hits huge milestone award for years in Poulsbo Lions

Tom Settle joined Poulsbo Lions in 1964 and was a member till 1973. Then he left for a handful of years. He returned in 1980 and has been a Poulsbo Lion ever since, so really this Milestone Award should say 53 years!

 

Quickie wrapping fundraiser Nov. 23

Wrap it up! Poulsbo Lions are wrapping holiday gifts till 4 pm today (Sunday) during the craft fair in the event hall at the Clearwater Casino.

A friend of Lion Michele Grenier asked if our club would be interested in wrapping gifts, with the casino making a donation. The Lions made $116 in tips. No word yet on the casino donation amount. 

Lions Michele Grenier, Laurie Sarver and Gretchen Dunmire took the first ship wrapping items at the Clearwater Casino Sunday.

The Lions did an amazing job!

One of our favorite signs.

Eric and Terry Blais had a cartload of presents to get wrapped.

 

Everyone has a purpose

You can find Poulsbo Lions wrapping gifts at the Clearwater Casino Sunday (there's a terrific craft fair there with handmade gifts from more than 50 local artists and crafters!) from 10-4 pm. Admission is free for the public. The events will be held at the Clearwater Casino Event Center, with a complimentary gift wrapping station available only on Nov. 23.

 

Huge cost for Loads of Change

We had a busy and expensive Loads of Change yesterday at The Village Laundromat.

We spent $797.50 (includes $32.50 in Lion donations) helping 30 people do laundry for 54.

We washed 115 loads and dried 132. Many thanks to Lion volunteers Ray McMahon , Lee Metcalf, Ken Hatton, Dennis Tesch, Dennis Deitch, Michele Grenier, and Terry Blais.

 

Lions also provided water, homemade muffins and other snacks, gloves, toothbrushes/toothpaste, body and wet wipes, and more.

 

Next month is our Christmas give. We're looking for knit hats. Contact Terry here if you have any to donate. If you'd like to support our clean laundry effort, we happily accept donations at PayPal (poulsbolions@gmail.com).

 

Helping others

“Helping others is the roar that echoes across generations.” 

 

At Lions Clubs International, every act of kindness creates ripples of hope that last a lifetime. Together, we serve communities, uplift lives, and inspire future generations to carry forward the spirit of service.

Join the movement.

 

Be part of MISSION 1.5 — because when Lions serve, the world hears the roar of compassion.

If interested, please call our membership chairman, Andy Hento, at (360) 621-1485.

 

 

Legacy of giving: Bellringer fund rallies to feed community

The Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation Bellringer Fund is aiming to raise $20,000 to help those in need in our community. Your generosity makes a real difference, and together we can reach this goal.

Please take a moment to read the article below to learn more about how your support impacts lives. Stay tuned—there’s more to come as we share updates throughout the season!

 

This is an article that ran in the Nov. 18, 2025, Kitsap Daily News: 

 

 By Poulsbo Lions John Macdonald and Terry Blais

As holiday lights begin to twinkle across North Kitsap, one tradition shines brighter than ever—the Bellringer Fund. Born in the spirit of generosity during the 1940s, this enduring community effort is once again stepping up to meet urgent needs, with this year’s focus squarely on feeding families hit hard by federal shutdowns and economic strain.

The Bellringer Fund began with the Raab family and quickly found a partner in the Poulsbo Lions Club. In the aftermath of World War II, the Lions helped distribute toys to children in need, many of whom lived in Poulsbo. By 1989, the Lions had formalized their commitment by creating the Poulsbo Lions Raab Foundation, which continues to manage the fund entirely through volunteer efforts.

In 2016, the foundation shifted its focus from toys to broader community support—channeling donations to local food banks and charitable organizations to better serve families facing hardship. Each year, the North Kitsap Herald joins the effort, helping raise awareness and rally support.

This season, the Bellringer Fund’s theme is “Feed the Community,” a timely response to the financial strain felt by military families and federal employees impacted by government shutdowns. The fund remains a vital lifeline for relief agencies across North Kitsap, ensuring that no one faces the holidays hungry or alone.

For more than 80 years, the North Kitsap Bellringer Fund has been a lifeline for families in need—and this year, your support matters more than ever. With rising costs and federal disruptions affecting our neighbors, every dollar you give helps stock shelves, fill pantries, and bring comfort to those facing hardship.

Whether it’s $5 or $500, your contribution goes directly to local food banks and relief organizations working tirelessly to serve our community. Donate today. Be part of the legacy. Help us feed North Kitsap.

Since the end of the formal fundraising campaign last year, an additional $1,850 was contributed to the fund. The goal this year is $20,000. You can contribute via PayPal to Poulsbolions@gmail.com or visit poulsbolions.blogspot.com and click the donate button in the right-hand column, or mail a check to Poulsbo Lions, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

 

Ring in the holiday season with Poulsbo orchestra

Save the date - Dec. 6! It's a wonderful way to welcome in the holiday season.

Poulsbo Lions have proudly supported the Poulsbo Community Orchestra since its inception.