VALLE CRUCIS, NC – The new Valle Crucis Elementary School is almost ready for teachers and students to move in, and teachers are reassembling their classrooms to ignite learning in the 2025-26 school year. Mast General Store’s Mountain Strong fund donated $10,000 to the Valle Crucis Parent Teacher Student Organization (VCPTSO) to help outfit classrooms with additional learning aids.
“When the science teacher at Valle Crucis school approached me at a recent event and asked if Mast Store donated to other organizations outside of conservation, I responded with ‘What do you have in mind?’,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “He asked for some funding to help replace the extra teaching tools that he lost in the flood.”
Most teachers supplement their classrooms with supplies paid for out of their own pockets. “Mr. (David) Shack taught all my kids, so I know what he invests to augment the classroom experience,” continued Cooper. “We are looking forward to having all Valle Crucis students in one place again this school year and want them to be inspired to learn.”
The funds will be used for Mr. Shack’s science classroom. Donations to the VCPTSO are needed to help all teachers outfit their new learning home base and can be made in any amount on the organization’s website (https://vallecrucisptso.com/).
“I am so thankful for the contribution that Lisa Cooper and the Mast Store made to Valle Crucis School,” said Shack. “The new science lab will be available to every teacher in our school. The equipment being purchased will last for decades and have a generational impact on learning here in the Valle.
“I am grateful to live and work in such a strong and caring community where partners like the Mast Store will step in and help everyone rise to their potential - today and every day.” shared Shack.
Mountain Strong apparel and stickers are still available for those wishing to purchase and show support for the mountain communities. Each purchase helps make a difference and impacts the future of Western North Carolina.
“We are thankful for the continuing support and love shown by our customers and guests,” said Cooper. “Choosing to shop at the Mast Store helps us make an impact in our local communities and purchasing Mountain Strong merchandise sends a big message of support to those who have lost so much.”
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