Submitted by the Orcas Food Co-op

Two years ago, Orcas Food Co-op launched a community shopping day program called 3% Thursdays. On the third Thursday of each month, 3 percent of the gross receipts of Orcas Food Co-op are donated to pre-selected community organizations. Last month, 3% Thursday and round up at the register sales contributed a total of $1,569.48 to Farm to Cafeteria program. This month the Orcas Montessori School will benefit on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Montessori classroom offers children a wealth of hands-on activities. Each activity is presented individually and in keeping with each child’s needs and abilities, under the observation of a trained guide. Orcas Montessori School helps its students create a community of learners in which the younger students observe the developing skills of the older students, while the older children develop leadership skills and help the younger students. This approach fosters independent learning and a lively, cooperative system.

You can also round up at the register all month long to donate to Orcas Montessori School.

Organizations are eligible for the program based on their service to the community in the following areas: local community service organizations, organic food, healthy food for children or seniors, environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, human rights, environmental preservation and groups with similar missions and values.