Upholding holiday tradition, Thriftway employee Charlie Kipp raised money for the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank while serenading customers at the store last week. Kipp, an accomplished musician who works in the store’s deli, raised more than $360 while playing holiday favorites on his alto sax and clarinet.

Kipp said he has played at the store every year for the last eight years or so, and gave a quick answer to why he keeps it up.

“Cuz I like to,” he said, adding, “It is fun to be up there and doing my own thing.”

Islanders do not have to wait until next year to hear him again; Kipp plays in island bands Loose Change and Portage Fill.