Easy to support schools this fall

One of the easiest ways for community members to support the schools is through established programs at Thriftway and Safeway that allow shoppers to support the schools without increasing the cost of their grocery bill.

Another "no cost to consumers" fundraiser is Henkle Middle School's magazine sale which will be starting in late October this year. Talk to a Henkle student or call the school (493-1502) for information on the magazine sale.

The Safeway program is called escrip. When shoppers sign up for escrip, a small portion of their grocery receipts are returned to the schools. All three schools in the White Salmon Valley School District are signed up. Shoppers can designate if they want to support one, two, or three schools.

Columbia High School's project graduation has earned more than $2,000 per year from this program in the past. Whitson Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization earned $5,000 per year for each of the last few years from this program. Henkle Middle School's Parent Teacher Organization recently signed up for the program. For information on Safeway's escrip program, go to www.escrip.com, or pick up an enrollment form and information letter at any school office.

The Thriftway program helps support Columbia High School's Project Graduation. Shoppers purchase "Thriftway Bucks" that can be used like cash in the store, while the store provides a 5 percent donation back to the school. To find out how to purchase Thirftway Bucks, contact the Columbia High School office at 493-1970.

Any shopper can participate in these programs, whether they have students in the school district or not, or whether they live locally or not.