Submitted by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce.

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate the season by participating in the Holiday Shop the Rock Passport, running Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. This annual tradition encourages residents and visitors to shop locally, support island businesses and enter to win fantastic prizes donated by Chamber member businesses.

By visiting participating shops, restaurants and service providers, shoppers can collect passport stamps and submit their completed passports for a chance to win a wide array of gifts and experiences. This year, participants can also double their entry into the raffle by supporting the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s GiveOrcas campaign at giveorcas.org. Each passport features a special center square dedicated to GiveOrcas that can be stamped at the Chamber office or at OICF. A completed passport with this center square stamped earns double entry into the Shop the Rock raffle, giving islanders even more incentive to give back.

Shopping local keeps dollars circulating within the community, supporting the businesses that form the backbone of Orcas Island’s economy. Local retailers, makers and service providers not only create jobs — they also play a vital role in sustaining the fabric of island life. Small businesses consistently give back through donations to the island’s social safety-net organizations, school programs and arts organizations. Their generosity helps fund everything from critical support for islanders to classroom enrichment and youth programs to the visual and performing arts.

Every dollar spent locally has a magnified impact: It supports business owners and employees, helps fund essential community services and creative endeavors, and ensures Orcas Island remains vibrant, resilient and uniquely ours.

This holiday season, make your gift-giving count. Shop the Rock, fill your passport, support GiveOrcas and help strengthen the community we all cherish.