A small school continues to do big things.

Auburn’s Valley Christian School is an Earning for Learning champion, the seventh time it has captured the fundraising competition, a contest The Outlet Collection designed with education in mind.

Representatives from The Outlet Collection presented the school with the $10,000 first-place prize at a ceremony in the school’s chapel on Nov. 18.

First-year principal Joshua Snyder said the contribution will go a long way in supporting the school and its many programs.

The money will help fund field trips, swim lessons and classroom instruction, according to Becky Clowers, the school’s marketing and development director.

The Earning for Learning partnership program – designed to promote education in local school districts – encourages families and friends to shop at the mall over an eight-week promotional period (Aug. 15-Oct. 5) to earn points and ultimately, cash prizes for the school of their choice.

The Earning for Learning program awarded cash prizes totaling $20,000 to area schools.

Each dollar customers spent turned into points for the school of their choice.

Valley Christian School families, students and supporters brought in more than $121,000 in total receipts during the campaign. Schools are ranked by total sales divided by total enrollment.

Valley Christian School, established in 1977, has an enrollment of 140 students, preschool to eighth grade. VCS is at 1312 2nd St. SE.

Although a ministry of New Day Christian Fellowship (Auburn Free Methodist Church), VCS continues as a non-denominational school developing Christian character. VCS accepts children regardless of church affiliation, race, color or creed.

To learn more, visit www.valley-christian.com.