Burlington Donates $5K To D146's Fulton Elementary School

TINLEY PARK, IL — The newest Burlington location in Tinley Park has snipped its ribbon and officially opened its doors on Friday. The business moved around the corner to the freshly remodeled Tinley Park Plaza, and donated $5,000 to a Tinley Park elementary school to celebrate.

On Friday, Store Manager John Smeltzer presented the giant check, made out to Community Consolidated School District 146's Fulton Elementary School. The school is located at 6601 W. 171st St., Tinley Park.

Smeltzer told Patch the purpose of the donation, made through Burlington's long-standing partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org — a national, tech-based nonprofit that connects donors and sponsors with PreK-12 teachers and schools to help equip more classrooms and students with school supplies — is to help supply teachers and schools with anything that they need most.

"Teachers often have to spend money out of their own pocket, so this gives us an opportunity to give back to the communities that we're in, and to help them to continue to educate and do what they're supposed to do without causing hardship on themselves," Smeltzer said. "A lot of teachers are really committed to their programs and their students, so that's what the program is for, and we're glad we could help."

Fulton Elementary Principal, Megan Mitera, was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, accepting the large check on behalf of the school. Mitera told Patch that the donation will touch a combined total of about 400 staff and students.

"We're just really grateful," Mitera said. "We're looking at some of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics), social emotional and maybe some indoor recess ideas for when the teachers are able to go shopping."

Mitera said the school has been in contact with the company and Adopt a Classroom for about a month before the opening, adding that they are "great to work with."

"Again, we are just super grateful," Mitera said. "This is going to touch many kids and teachers — all just to improve and give us more resources in the school."

Burlington is officially open as of Friday. The new location has approximately 65 associates and is still hiring. On Saturday, customers will receive a free Burlington umbrella at the location, while supplies last, no purchase necessary.

Burlington was formerly located around the corner at 7061 W. 159th St. The national retailer is now located at 16001 S. Harlem Ave. The new store's hours are Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m to 11 p.m.