Through the Silverdale Rotary’s ‘Duck Bucks” program, grants are awarded to organizations that aim to help the community. The money provides for very specific local programs or projects that have a direct impact on the local community. There is still money available for organizations to receive a grant.

Each year the Rotary Club of Silverdale sells the racing duck “adoptions” — prior to Whaling Days — to raise the money necessary to support numerous community activities. The club’s long term project, the Teen Center in the Haselwood Family YMCA, is one beneficiary but many other groups could receive “Duck Bucks” grants.

In the past, these grants have helped outfit the Hospice resident care facility, build the Kitsap Kids playground, American Red Cross CPR Saturday for children and Central Kitsap High School grad night, among many other projects and causes.

Information about the qualifications and how to apply are on the Rotary’s website at www.silverdalerotary.org. After clicking on “Rotary Club of Silverdale,” go to the “Downloads section” on the lower right side of the homepage and click on the link to “Duck Bucks Application.” Complete the application and send it in. It may take a short while to get a response but, people can always follow up progress with the Rotary’s Community Service Chairman, Mechelle Hoerer, using the email contact on the website.

Rotary membership is another way to serve and give back to the community. If interested, residents can contact rotarian Jack Hamilton at (360) 308-9845 or membership director Dale Robinson (contact available on the website).