Shop for Groceries, Help Local Schools

Times are still tough for schools, and every little bit of extra money can go a long way. Giant Food Stores has offered a way for families to earn cash for their children's classrooms simply by going grocery shopping.

From now until March 30, 2013, Giant shoppers can rack up points by scanning their Reward Cards at the cash register. The more points they earn equals more funds for the schools.

Called the A+ School Rewards program, each dollar that is spent on groceries adds another point to the designated school's total. At the end of the month, a calculation figures out how much goes to the school.

For example, a $3.49 purchase comes out to three A+ Rewards Points to McDonald Elementary. At the end of the month, McDonald Elementary earns 100 points. All participating schools collectively earned 700,000 points. By dividing 100 points by 700,000 points, you get .0001428, which is then multiplied by the total dollar amount of the monthly cash reward. That final number is how much would be given to McDonald Elementary.

To register your rewards card with the program, go here and enter the first three letters of your last name, then your 11-digit BonusCard number. Next input the five number code of the school you want to benefit. The numbers for local schools are:

• 03589 Archbishop Wood
• 03587 Nativity of Our Lord School
• 03588 Log College Middle School
• 03591 Willow Dale Elementary School
• 04672 St. Paul's Preschool Center
• 03585 McDonald Elementary School
• 03573 Klinger Middle School
• 03575 Our Lady of Good Counsel

Every time you scan your bonus card, the sales from your purchases will benefit the registered school.