Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
When the Carpers owned and operated the IGA grocery store, the community was always blessed with their open-hand policy they had regarding giving to the community and the schools.
They haven’t changed, purchasing the local gas stations in recent years.
The IGA Express and Gopher Market have been offering many different items with Craig County and the school’s names and logos on them since they were purchased by both Mike and Richard Carper.
Mike shared that they decided to order masks and then gaiters.
“I was a little skeptical about ordering these at first, because at the time, it seemed that more people were pushing against them,” he said. “However, when you go into a restaurant or to a doctor’s office you have to have one.”
The first shipment I got in of 48 were gone so fast, Mike said, so I ordered multiple times since.
The two chose to help the schools in Craig County by donating $2 per mask and gaiter sold at both stores and this week, they wrote their first check to the school system for $578.
The masks sell for $9.99, and gaiters are $12.90 and $2 per mask will go towards the CCPS.
Mike noticed they are getting short again and will be placing another order soon.
“Personally, I like the gaiter because it doesn’t blow off and all I have to do is this,” he said as he pulled the gaiter over his nose.
However, the masks have earpieces that are adjustable, unlike most that people purchase.
They have a variety of colors and plain camo along with those that have Craig County, Rockets or Cougars written on them.
Mike also added that they are assisting people in downloading the new Exxon app to get their points – Exxon Mobil Rewards+, which gives people points towards their gas purchases.
“I have some people who have over 1,000 points,” he said. “That is $10 off your fuel purchase. If you got 10 gallons, that means you only paid $1.69 per gallon. It’s crazy!”
They are still running the donation of giving $2 per mask or gaiter sold to the Craig County Public Schools. He also noted that the company that makes the masks for him, Ohio Pyle Company, also donates seven percent of his purchase cost to the CCPS.
“It feels good to be able to help our schools,” Mike shared.
The Gopher Market is also already setting people up for gardening with broccoli, cabbage, cherry tomato plants as well as beautiful hanging baskets from Craig Creek Gardens, with potting soil ready at hand. They will add their full line of plants after the frost season ends.
They invite you to add the Exxon App to get your gas discounts and buy a mask or gaiter to help support CCPS.
