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Airbase/Lomax Carpet & Tile Mart is bringing back a popular teacher appreciation event — just in time for back-to-school.

The flooring, carpet and rug retailer will host its annual Teacher Appreciation Classroom Rug Giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 20.

From 8 to 9 a.m., the first 50 teachers at each Carpet & Tile Mart in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware will receive a free area rug for use in their classrooms. The giveaway is limited to teachers only, who must present a valid teacher ID, certification, or suitable proof that they are currently a teacher at a school in the chain’s geographic footprint.

“Teachers bring incredible value to each of our local communities and we are grateful for the contribution they tirelessly make, day in and day out, to educate and shape our future neighbors, community members and leaders,” Michael Longwill, Carpet & Tile Mart president, and third generation owner/operator of the family-owned company, said in a statement. “In our 55th year, we’re thrilled to once again have an opportunity to give back in some small way to these classroom heroes.”

A total of 650 rugs will be given away — 50 at each of the company’s 13 stores. Among the company’s nine Pennsylvania stores, Carpet & Tile Mart operates one location in Berks County, 3515 N 5th Street Highway, Muhlenberg Township; one in Chester County, 351 N. Schuylkill Road, North Coventry; and one in Montgomery County, 772 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville.

Longwill added that teachers often reach into their own pockets to furnish their classrooms.

“We want to recognize in our own small way what the teachers of our community do for our families, especially over the last two years. In today’s uncertain environment we can always count on our teachers to be there for our children,” he said.

This is the fourth year for the classroom rug giveaway, which started in 2018. It was not held in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In past years, lines have formed outside the store locations hours before the 8 a.m. start time, according to Ted Dastick, director of advertising for Carpet & Tile Mart. Last year’s event didn’t generate the same level of response, which Dastick said was understandable, given the ongoing pandemic.

“We hope this year is as good as, if not better than, our previous events,” he said in an emailed response to questions. Dastick added that the company has been receiving inquiries from teachers about the event, and there is interest on the company’s social media. He said his only advice is to get to the store early.

While the first 50 teachers will receive a free rug, Dastick said all the teachers that come will receive a special offer — even if they aren’t among the first 50.

To stay up to date on information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/AirbaseCarpetandTileMart

Carpet & Tile Mart is a 13-store chain of flooring superstores headquartered in New Castle, Del. The company was founded in 1967 as Airbase Carpet Mart.

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