The San Juan Builders Association has been busy giving back to the community these past few weeks.

The Orcas Family Health Center and the Orcas Island Food Bank were the lucky recipients of recent funding from the organization.

Since November, the Orcas Family Health Center has been home to a new digital xray machine.

The equipment has a price tag of $120,000 and through fundraisers and community donations, the health center raised $40,000 towards its cost. Last week it received a check from the San Juan Builders Association for $2500. The remaining cost of the machine was paid for by a loan, which will be paid off as more donations are contributed.

The xray and digitizer machine sends xrays to a radiologist in Bellingham immediately after they are taken, which allows for a much swifter diagnosis.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, Sandra Green, secretary treasurer of the San Juan Builders Association, presented the check to Dr. David Shinstrom and Ken Speck, who is president of the board of the Orcas Family Health Center.

The builders association also recently delivered more than $500 worth of groceries to the Orcas Island Food Bank.

“We wanted to give back to the community who has supported us for many years,” said Teri Williams, vice president of the association.

The San Juan Builders is an association of builders and affiliated businesses within San Juan County with 65 members on the three major islands. Most of the members reside on Orcas, where the group was founded.

John Evans is the Executive Director, and lately the association’s emphasis has been to play a role in local decision-making on codes, the permitting process, stormwater, critical areas, and more.

Funding comes from dues, a refund from Labor and Industries annually for the Return on Industrial Insurance, and a commission on health insurance premiums.

“Sadly, our annual income is shrinking with the general economy and especially with the slow down in building,” said Green.

For more information, visit www.sanjuanbuilders.org.