King’s Market and Friday Harbor MarketPlace are offering a $50,000 matching grant in the San Juan Public Schools Foundation’s annual Phone a Thon to benefit local schools.

The Phone a Thon is Oct. 19, 5-8 p.m. In the past, the event has raised money to save school programs and teaching positions threatened by revenue shortfalls. This year, the money will be used to buy essential items like calculators, curriculum and textbooks.

Volunteers will call islanders and ask for donations in any amount.

Lisa Anderson is incoming president of the foundation board. “It’s not for extras,” she said of the money to be raised. “It’s for essentials that our schools can’t afford.”