Instead of stealing treasure, young pirates from Whidbey Children’s Theater are giving it away.

Cast members in WCT’s latest production handed over a chest full of tickets for their upcoming showings of “Treasure Island.”

Good Cheer’s executive director, Kathleen McLaughlin enthusiastically accepted the tickets, which will be available to low-income kids and their families.

The free tickets were made possible by a $500 grant WCT got from the Kobe Foundation of Seattle.

The grant enabled WCT to sponsor this ticket program, which was designed to give families the chance to have a fun night out with each other.

“Most of our families cannot afford to go to a play, or even the movies,” McLaughlin said. “These tickets will give them an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon or evening together — not to mention seeing a quality performance.”

Play tickets will be distributed to teens at the South Whidbey Youth Connection as well.

This chance for free tickets is being offered for upcoming performances of “Treasure island.” Tickets will also be distributed to WCT performances of “A Year with Frog and Toad” in June. That production is being presented by WCT’s adult theatre troupe.

It doesn’t end there. The Kobe grant funded ticket program will continue for the Summer Musical Theater Camp production of “Annie” in July.

“We are looking for ways to serve our community’s low-income families, and we think this is a really good start” said Martha Murphy, WCT’s artistic director.

“We’re also applying for funding to offer scholarships for our theatre workshops and classes,” Murphy said.

For more information about the ticket program, scholarships and enrollment, or to make a contribution, call Whidbey Children’s

Theater at 221-8707.