Columbia Falls is home to the first Dollar General Store in Montana.

The 9,200 square-foot store, which has been open since Sept. 9, had its grand opening on Saturday, where it handed out gift bags and donated $10,000 to Ruder Elementary School for its literacy programs.

Principal Brenda Krueger said she was completely surprised by the donation, as store managers kept the amount under wraps until they handed her the big check.

“I was shocked,” she said.

Krueger said the school will invest the funds into its library. The school also received 100 brand new books.

The store is one of about approximately 19,800 in the U.S., according to district vice president Tim Bartlett — the largest brick and mortar retailer by store count in the country.

The store features name brand and store brand items at a discount. Bread, for example, seemed to be about 25 cents less per loaf than neighboring stores.

It also has about 2,000 items that are $1 or less and even has a toy section.

It’s open seven days a week and will soon have 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours.

The local manager is Anthony McBride, who grew up in the area. Other local staffers are Brittney Lewis, SML and Chris Grau.

The store is located on Highway 2 and is adjacent to the Logan Health Primary Clinic.

Dollar General is also building stores in Sanders and Lincoln counties.