Vote Island Books for Indie Award

The national small business movement, Independent We Stand, announced the quarterfinalists, including Island Books of Mercer Island, of the 2015 Independent We Stand Independent Small Business of the Year Award.

Island Books is an independent bookstore that has been serving Mercer Island for more than 40 years.

“Our store has a special atmosphere, where booksellers remember who you are and the kind of books you read,” owner Laurie Raisys said in a statement. “We may not be big, but everything inside is hand-selected with care, including cards, gifts, games, toys, locally-made chocolates and most importantly, the titles we personally know and love. We wrap your presents with a bow and ship them for free anywhere in the United States.”

Island Books is known for its children’s section and playhouse. The store hosts weekly morning storybook corners, monthly PJ story times, and book fairs for the local schools, donating 20 percent of the proceeds.

“We pride ourselves on being a community gathering place. Beside story times, our schedule is filled with monthly book clubs, author events, sip and shop nights, and more,” Raisys said. “You’ll find cozy chairs, old typewriters, bulletin boards and good friends around every corner.”

Those who can’t drop into the store can visit the Island Books website to read recommendations and sign up for the blog and monthly eNewsletter.

“This year’s quarterfinalists represent a variety of independent businesses across the country, who are making an impact on their local economies,” said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “This award is our way of recognizing their outstanding efforts in their respective communities.”

Voting is underway at www.IndieBizAward.com through Dec. 13. Voters may visit the website to cast one vote each day.

The 2015 Indie winner will receive prizes with a combined value of more than $10,000.

Nearly 22,000 votes were cast for 315 nominees during the nominations phase. The winner of the Indie will be announced Dec. 16.

To vote, go to www.IndieBizAward.com, and for more on Island Books, visit www.mercerislandbooks.com.

Jacksons stores join fight against domestic violence

On Thanksgiving, Jacksons Food Stores and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence launched the “Give the Gift of Peace” campaign, a holiday season campaign that runs through Dec. 25 to raise funds for the prevention of domestic violence.

2015 marks the 12th anniversary of the campaign throughout the Northwest, and is intended to raise community awareness and legislative efforts to ensure funding priorities for domestic violence victims. Contributions can be made in increments of $1, $5 or $10 at any Jacksons Food Stores location. At the end of the campaign, Jacksons Chief Executive Officer, John Jackson, will match all customer contributions dollar for dollar up to $75,000, with all the proceeds going to the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The Washington campaign began in 2009, and customers have contributed by purchasing paper doves at Jacksons Food Stores. During the 2014 campaign, Washington Jacksons Food Stores customers contributed over $14,500 resulting in more than $29,000 in donations, including Jacksons’ dollar for dollar match. Washington donations have resulted in over $200,000 over these six years.

Jacksons Food Stores in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada will also participate in the campaign, and proceeds will go toward coalitions against domestic violence in the respective states.

Since the inception of the “Give the Gift of Peace” campaign, Jacksons has raised more than $1 million.

“We are so appreciative of the generosity and commitment of John Jackson, the Jacksons Food Store family, and their loyal customers,” said Nan Stoops, executive director of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The ‘Give the Gift of Peace’ campaign is a model of how communities can come together and truly make a difference.”

In addition to the funds it raises, the campaign makes an invaluable contribution to the community by increasing awareness and sharing domestic violence information and resources, Stoops said.

The Mercer Island store is located at 2903 78th Ave S.E.