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 percent Thursday sales contributed $320.69 to the Community Resource Center. Coffelt Farm Stewards will receive 3 percent of the gross receipts of Orcas Food Co-op sales on Thursday, June 21.

Coffelt Farm spans the northern reach of the island’s scenic Crow Valley. The 185-acre mosaic of pasture and marshland fringed with mature conifer forest extends to the lower slopes of Turtleback Mountain Preserve, creating one of the most beloved vistas in San Juan County.

For more than 150 years, Crow Valley has been an area of active agriculture, growing a variety of produce, including flower bulbs, apples, plums, grains, livestock and more. After 60 years of farming this land, Vern and Sidney Coffelt sold the property to the San Juan County Land Bank to advance their vision for the future of the farm.

In January of 2011, the operation of the farm transferred to a small island-based nonprofit, Coffelt Farm Stewards. The mission of Coffelt Farm Stewards is to demonstrate sustainable, island-scale agricultural practices, promote environmental stewardship and provide opportunities for education and research while honoring the island’s rural heritage.

You can also round up at the register all month long to donate to Coffelt Farm Stewards. If you’d like to donate more than the roundup you can do that too. May’s roundup for the Orcas Community Resource Center raised $1,258.36.

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.