Retailer now operates in every state in continental U.S.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General completed its transcontinental expansion last month with the opening of its first store in Montana.

“Today marks an exciting milestone in our history as we extend our ability to provide customers with convenient and affordable access to household essentials throughout all 48 continental states,” Steve Deckard, Dollar General’s executive vice president of growth and emerging markets, said in announcing the store opening in Columbia Falls, a town of about 5,600 people along the Flathead River.

Added Deckard: “As America’s general store, we believe each new Dollar General represents positive economic impact, local job opportunities, community donations and literacy grant opportunities through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.”

Also last month, Dollar General bestowed the Because Kindness Matters award to Save the Children, noting that the humanitarian organization shares the retailer’s commitment advancing literacy, addressing hunger and extending hope through compassion and kindness.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, meanwhile, announced a $1.7 million grant to the Save the Children to help ensure children in rural America have increased access to quality education and nutritious food.

“Save the Children has a long legacy, extending over 100 years, of helping children in need in our hometown communities and around the world,” said Denine Torr, Dollar General’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy and executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

Dollar General noted that it recently partnered with the owner of the Reader’s Digest brand to create an award that would salute a nonprofit that is making an impact on the retailer’s hometowns.

The granting of the award to Save the Children was featured in the publication’s October issue.

The publication’s current issue also highlights the activities of DG employees Joi Bass, in Indianola, Miss., and Johanna Sampson, in Ardmore, Okla., which illustrate the company’s mission of serving others as good neighbors in hometown communities, the company said.