Locally owned Lawrence businesses are stepping up once again.

A group of 17 locally owned restaurants, along with the locally owned Checkers grocery store, have initiated a program that will divert a portion of their profits to nonprofit agencies in Lawrence. As icing on the cake, people who use the cards also earn points that can accumulate and provide them with bonus dollars to spend at the participating businesses.

The program is called Lawrence GiveBack. Customers can designate any verifiable nonprofit agency in Lawrence to receive a donation equal to 5 percent of their restaurant bill (excluding tax, tip and alcohol). They also accumulate a point for every dollar they spend; 200 points earns the cardholder a $10 credit that can be used at any of the participating businesses. Checkers will donate 1 percent of a customer’s grocery bill and, each quarter, return another 1 percent to the shopper’s card for future purchases.

There are many positive things about national restaurant and retail chains. They contribute to Lawrence’s retail choices and supply thousands of jobs. But there simply is no denying that when it comes to supporting local schools, organizations and nonprofits, locally owned businesses are the stars. A full list of the restaurants participating in Lawrence GiveBack is available at LJWorld.com.

That’s especially worth considering in light of the fact that many locally owned businesses are struggling now. Three Massachusetts Street retail stores — Arensberg’s, Silverworks and Second Chance — that have done business in Lawrence for more than 30 years have closed since the beginning of the year, and another long-time retailer — Palace Cards & Gifts — has indicated it likely will close its doors if a deal goes through to lease its space to a restaurant chain.

Not only is it sad to see these longtime retailers go out of business, but the loss of retail stores and a corresponding shift to more restaurants or entertainment venues will have a significant impact on downtown.

It’s all a reminder of what an important role local business owners play in our community. The Lawrence GiveBack card is just the latest example of how these businesses help support Lawrence; local shoppers and restaurant customers should make it a point to return the favor.