People contribute to society in different ways. Some do small things, such as shopping local or giving old clothes to Good Will, and others go big.

Lucas Jushinski, a Freeland business owner, is the latter. This year he’s put his money where his heart is by extending $10,000 matching grant opportunities to three South Whidbey non-profit groups: Good Cheer Food Bank (twice), New Stories and most recently the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center in Bayview.

The way it works is simple. A deadline is established, and when it’s reached Jushinski gets out his checkbook and matches the total, up to $10,000. For Good Cheer this summer, it resulted in a whopping $35,000 raised for a produce program.

He’s presently engaged with a similar effort with Good Cheer again, and with the other two groups. Each has a specific focus, which vary considerably, but they share certain things in common. They are organizations dedicated to community and bettering South Whidbey. Simply put, they make the South End a better place to live.

We’re lucky to have them, and supporters like Jushinski who are willing to back up their ideals with their pocketbooks. Bravo Lucas, bravo.