Like many co-ops, Wild Oats Market in Williamstown, Mass., contributes regularly to local nonprofits through a register round up program. Wild Oats’ Round Up for Change program is just one part of their dedication to the community and social responsibility. Each month, the co-op identifies a community organization, and members and shoppers can round up their purchases to support that nonprofit. In 2021, the Round Up for Change program raised more than $45,000 for 12 nonprofits located in the area.

In August of 2021, Wild Oats named BFAIR — a provider of support and advocacy services for adults, adolescents and children with developmental disabilities, autism and acquired brain injury — the nonprofit recipient. That month, Wild Oats raised more than $3,900 for the organization, a record for the Round Up for Change program. In recognition of the co-op’s support, BFAIR presented Wild Oats with the award for Community Partner of the Year.

Scott Menhinick, Wild Oats’ marketing and owner relations manager, said Round Up for Change helped raise awareness of BFAIR’s services. “It was very rewarding to both hear how much our community already valued their work and also give many of our shoppers the chance to hear about that work for the first time,” Menhinick said.

Tara Jacobsen, BFAIR’s fundraising and grants manager, said that in addition to the funds raised, they also appreciated how Wild Oats provided customers and community members with information about BFAIR’s programs and services.

“Wild Oats made it easier for people to support a local nonprofit organization and learn about how these services impact their own community,” Jacobsen said.

Menhinick said the Round Up for Change program has been an incredibly gratifying way to make new connections all over the community.

“Obviously, this is not a new or novel idea,” Menhinick said, “but the impact we’ve seen it have here in our community is well beyond our expectations, and the dividends continue to grow each day.”