More than 250 students in the Bradford Area School District will have the opportunity to attend plays this year, thanks to $4,000 in donations from Big Lots.

In celebration of the store’s grand re-opening at the Bradford Mall in Foster Township, officials on Friday presented George G. Blaisdell Elementary School Principal Erin Waugaman and Floyd C Fretz Middle School Principal Tina Slaven with $2,000 checks.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing that they’re doing for the schools,” said school district Superintendent Katy Pude.

Without the money, school officials would not be able to afford to go on such trips, she said.

A total of 200 second-grade students will head to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to attend a production of “Pete the Cat” later this month.

“But it is difficult to keep finding the funding for that. This (donation) is perfect,” Waugaman said.

At Fretz, about 180 seventh-grader students will attend the play “The Outsiders” in Buffalo, N.Y., in November.

Beyond the financial boost to the elementary schools, the store’s re-opening also provides a boost to the area’s economy.

For Sherri Geary, economic development director for the county, MBC Development has done a good job of bringing businesses to the mall property. In last few years, the Bradford Mall has seen the addition of businesses like Sheetz, Taco Bell and Dunham’s Sports.

“(Big Lots) is a great investment in the community and a great resource for shoppers looking for other choices,” she said.

Dee Tavano, Big Lots store manager, who cut the ribbon during the ceremony, said customers are excited about the 30,310-square-foot new store.

“It’s all positive stuff,” she said.

Pete Mensinger, district team leader for Big Lots, said the store is brighter and newer than the former location, just down a few storefronts at the mall.

Big Lots has been at the mall for many years. Headquartered in Columbus, Big Lots Inc. is a non-traditional discount retailer operating 1,432 stores in 48 states.