Silver Spring Whole Foods Market participated in a statewide donation on Wednesday.  In their version of the quarterly 5 percent day they donated a portion of the profits to support The Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Green Schools program. To be eligible for one of Whole Foods' Market 5 percent day organizations must tackle topics such as hunger, the environment or children's issues.

A typical result of the store's 5 percent day is approximately a $5,000 donation to the chosen organization. This year, the store has supported Neighbors in Need, A Wider Circle and Manna's "Fresh Give Project." Marketing Specialist and Community Liaison for Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring, Melanie Sipple, is hopeful that the donation to MAEOE will be similar.

At the exit of the store, one of MAEOE's partner organizations, The Anacostia Watershed Society set up an area where shoppers could make "Seed Bombs" from clay-rich soil and seeds.  Lee Cain, a volunteer for Anacostia Watershed Society, explained "By using butterfly friendly seeds rolled into a mixture of soil, and then these people spread them around the area. Butterflies will be enticed to visit the flowers, which leads to bird migration which is very beneficial to the environment."

When asked what Whole Foods' donation could mean to MAEOE, Cain remarked "these funds will allow more schools to apply for the program and more faculty training."

The Levine Family participated in the project - 12-year-old Isaac and 8-year-old Ruben had fun getting their hands dirty making seed bombs. When asked about the 5 percent day, their mother Cheryl said "I feel a little bit better about what's in my bag now!"

Employees at the Silver Spring Whole Foods promoted the event through a number of channels, including a blast email to local schools, handing out cards to people on Fenton Street and signage throughout the store.

The email blast attracted at least one family to shop. Oscar Carillo, whose 8-year-old son attends Forest Knolls Elementary, remarked "We got a notice from the school, and I came to support green kids, and maybe help the school get some green supplies."

Local organizations are encouraged to apply to be a recipient of one of Whole Foods Markets' quarterly 5 percent days. An application form can be found on Whole Foods Market Silver Spring's website.