Ways to Shop and, at the same time, Contribute to MCS:

Dear Montessori Families, Faculty, Staff, and Friends of MCS,

The Montessori Community Association (MCA) provides a wide variety of community building and service efforts to improve the overall experience of families who are a part of our school community. Part of our efforts are small fundraising projects which enable the MCA to pay for "extra" items to enhance the educational experience for the children. In past years such extras have included playground equipment, outdoor picnic tables and umbrellas, landscaping, music risers, Fast ForWard computer license, ice cream socials, and the school's activity bus.

One important way that you can help to raise funds for the MCA is through something that you are very likely already doing - shopping at local stores. You can choose to participate in any or all of the following programs, which will cost you nothing, and at the same time raise money for the MCA to use as described above. We raised over $3,500 last year through these programs.

For those of you who shop at Whole Foods: You can purchase grocery certificates on a monthly basis. The certificate's face value is the same as what you paid for them, but our school will receive 5% of the total certificates purchased on your bahalf. This program has been especially well received and has profited the school an average of $330 each month with between 23-25 families participating!

For those of you who shop at Harris Teeter: If you have linked your VIC card to MCS in the past you will need to re-link it again in or after August. The school number is #2909. You will need to link our school to yourcard only once during the academic school year. The school can begin earning credit from the time you designate MCS from all your purchases of select Harris Teeter Private Label Brands when you shop using your VIC card.

For those of you who shop at Target: If you have a Target Visa Card or a Target Guest card (in-store credit card) you can link it to MCS. To do so, log onto www.target.com, select "Take Charge of Education" at the bottom of the screen. Then, click on the quick link to school fundraising options. Enter the MCS number #27188, and press "search". Once you've found our school, select "designate" and complete your information. Please contact Target at 1-800-316-6142 to link your credit card over the phone or for additional assistance.

Thank you for your continued support of our MCA fundraising efforts.