Island Herb is donating a total of $20,000 to two Whidbey Island nonprofit organizations, according to a press release.

The Freeland cannabis retailer announced this week that it is giving $10,000 matching donations to Good Cheer Food Bank and Thirft Stores and Whidbey Veteran Resource Center, or WVRC.

“Whidbey Island is special,” said Lucas Jushinski, owner of Island Herb. “If there’s a need, we meet it. Both Good Cheer and WVRC have been important in my own journey, and I want to make sure they can continue their missions for many years to come.”

WVRC is an initiative that helps Whidbey Island veterans receive the support and resources they need across housing, medical, transportation and legal issues.

WVRC has big plans for the grant. The organization is putting it toward upgrading the veteran transportation program and streamlining combat counseling efforts.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Lucas and Island Herb’s continuing generosity over the years,” said Chris Thorson, WVRC board secretary and treasurer, “and we’re looking forward to putting this money to good use.”

Good Cheer is a South Whidbey organization that focuses on providing quality food to clients and quality merchandise at thrift stores.

Good Cheer plans to use the money raised to support an organic farming initiative, which helps provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the food bank. The grant also includes support for the Grow Whidbey Collaborative Garden Apprenticeship Program, which both teaches students from the South Whidbey school district how to cultivate a career in organic farming and helps keep Good Cheer’s gardens looking ship shape.

“Good Cheer strives to meet multiple needs in the Whidbey community,” said Carol Squire, Good Cheer’s executive director, “and it’s been wonderful to watch the organization’s efforts bear such amazing fruit. Lucas has been incredibly faithful in supporting our organization, and we’re excited to see where the future takes us.”