By By Adam Prestridge
Masland Carpets doesn't like to sweep things under the rug.
So when the opportunity to donate to the youth in Atmore came about, the carpet manufacturer didn't have to think twice.
Just over a week ago, Mike Whitener, Masland Carpet's Atmore Facility Leader, and Sara Skelton presented Rachel Patterson Elementary School principal Beth Drew and guidance counselor Martha Gund with a check for $2,500
"We like to try to help the community in any way we can especially the school system because the children are the future of our community," Whitener said. "We've been doing it for several years now."
The money will be used in the school's guidance counselor's office to help support its Star Students program as well as help purchase self-help videos for parents to check out and brochures and pamphlets to assist parents as they help their children with their academics.
"These programs would not be possible without their donation every year," Drew said. "Masland is always so kind. They do other things for us as well. They re-carpeted the area in our office and they make available tote bags and other things that they believe the teachers could use. They are constantly wanting to know what they can do to help our staff members."
Drew explained that Vanity Fair used to partner with the school and assist them financial for the various counseling programs. Once the business shut it doors, Masland quickly jumped on board to help.
"Without Masland's support of the school we wouldn't be able to have these things," Drew said.
The money is also used to purchase weekly prizes for those students who are chosen as Star Students. It also helps pay for end-of-month parties for students who stay in the "green" as well as end-of-year parties.
Whitener said he realizes how much the money means to the school.
"They've been very receptive," he said. "Usually every year they'll send us a thank you card with all the children sign it and have a drawing. We pass it around and let all the employees see it."
And as far as Whitener knows, the carpet manufacturer will continue to support Rachel Patterson.
"As far as I know we will continue to support the community any way we can," Whitener said.