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Wal-Mart superstore
manager Charlie Rogers presents Coventry Superintendent Kenneth
DiPietro and Knotty Oak’s Social Studies curriculum coordinator
Charles Blanchete a check for $5,000 during the store’s grand
opening preview. |
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COVENTRY - Some people go to stores like Wal-Mart to save money. But
last night, public officials and others went there to receive it.
During a preview for the grand opening of the Coventry Wal-Mart
Supercenter in the massive Centre of New England mixed development, the
store announced $16,750 in community grants. That money includes funds
for neighborhood organizations, and $5,000 for the Coventry Public
School System.
"The generous donation from Wal-Mart will be used for a student-led
initiative to eliminate vandalism known as 'S.A.V.E.'-Students Against
Vandalism Everywhere," said Superintendent of Coventry Public Schools
Kenneth DiPietro.
See WAL-MART, Page A-4
"Wal-Mart has a long-standing relationship with Coventry schools. They
support our schools with funding for special projects as well as the
Teacher of the Year schools. We appreciate and value our partnership
with a community leader like Wal-Mart."
The store's manager, Charles Rogers, said the company's employees
appreciate its philanthropist.
"Our associates are very proud that they work for a company that
provides financial assistance to organizations right here in Coventry,"
said Rogers. "Donations will be distributed to community groups that
truly make a difference in the lives and well being of people in our
community."
The grand opening will be held today at 8 a.m. Rogers said the
209,018-square foot store features 36 general merchandise departments,
including sections for organic foods, jewelry, lawn and garden items,
health and beauty aids, apparel and accessories. There will also be a
Tire and Lube Express, a pharmacy, a one-hour photo lab, a Regal Nails
salon, a SmartStyle hair salon and a Subway restaurant. The Wal-Mart
Supercenter the only one of its kind in Rhode Island.
"This is the best thing they could have done," said Coventry resident
Stephen Ferreira, who was at last night's preview event. "It's a lot
cheaper in prices. You just can't go wrong. Now, everything's all in
one. You can do your clothes shopping, your food shopping, everything."
Major Richard Schmitter of the Coventry Police said the $3,500 his
department will receive will go to "helping keep our community safe,"
while Hopkins Hill Fire Chief Frank Brown said the $3,500 donated to the
fire department will "enhance firefighter safety and training."
Upon opening, the new store plans to employ more than 450 people,
according to the company. Rogers said the new location is looking to add
another 100 to 150 employees over the next few months.
"We know this community welcomes not only the Wal-Mart shopping
experience, but the good jobs, benefits and great career opportunities
at Wal-Mart they have heard about," he said. |