Big Lots supports Elizabethton schools at Grand Opening
Published 1:25 pm Sunday, May 28, 2017
A special Grand Opening ceremony for Big Lots new location on West Elk Avenue served as more than a day for guests to tour the new store, it was also an opportunity for Big Lots leaders to show their support for local schools.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Big Lots District Team Leader Rob Allread presented $2,000 each to the principals of East Side Elementary School and Harold McCormick Elementary School in Elizabethton.
“We’re not just committed to providing great value, but also helping to make a difference in the communities that we serve,” said Allread. “We look forward to being a good neighbor here in Elizabethton.”
Allread said that though Big Lots has been in Elizabethton for more than 30 years, the move to a new location was an excellent time to contribute to local schools. Store Manager Shane Hicks was born and raised in Elizabethton and said he couldn’t think of two better schools to support.
“We’ve been here for a long time and always help the schools whenever we can,” Hicks said. “This is just one way that we can get to know the community better and to improve opportunities in our area.”
HME Principal Eric Wampler said the donation to his school would be used to purchase a program called IXL Learning, which will allow students to practice standards at school or at home using programs for Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. “This is huge,” Wampler said. “Teachers have been asking for this, and now we have a way to provide it to them.”
ESE Principal Travis Hurley said the donation for his school will be used to purchase supplemental school supplies and materials for the school’s clothes closet. “We’re very appreciative,” said Hurley. “This really helps out a lot, and it means that our students will have the materials they need to be focused in class.”
Following the donation, Wampler and Hurley cut the ribbon signifying the official Grand Opening. In attendance were Big Lots staff, shoppers, and local leaders from City Council, Elizabethton City Schools and the Elizabethton Board of Education.
