Burlington Stores opened its doors Friday morning at Huntington Commons, welcomed by a crowd of shoppers and representatives of Washington Primary School.
The store handed out $10 gift cards to those waiting in line, and presented a large carboard check representing the $5,000 the company donated to Washington school for classroom supplies.
School principal Michelle Richards, Board of Education trustee Michele Kustera and Superintendent Christian Bowen participated, accompanied by several youngsters who helped cut the ribbon or hold the cardboard check.
“This is a wonderful opportunity,” Richards said. “What we’re going to do with these resources is continue to keep our classrooms stocked with school supplies that will help our students continue to achieve academic greatnesss.”
The opening was the latest at the center, also known as the Big H, which has undergone renovations for the last few years and added several new or relocated stores such as Shop-Rite.The Burlington store occupies more than 25,000 square feet. At the opening Friday, the store was decorated for Christmas.
“We are so appreciative of Burlington coming to our community, particularly Huntington, and really appreciate their generous donation. Washington I know will put it to great use,” Kustera said.
The Burlington donation will managed through AdoptAClassroom.org.
“Obviously having a new place for our community to shop is great but more importantly they’re providing supplies for our classrooms which all of students and teachers will definitely use,” Bowen said.