Like so many small and lean businesses in the area, Mt. Airy Learning Tree has been hit hard by COVID-19. Now as a result of course cancellations in the first few days of the pandemic and diminished revenue from lower enrollments in online classes, the organization finds it necessary to go on pause until next summer, according to a Nov. 15 press release from Executive Director Stephanie Bruneau.

The remainder of MALT’s current fall term will continue through the first three weeks of December. Following the recess, they plan to reopen to develop in-person programming for fall 2021.

“I’m very hopeful for MALT’s long-term future,” Bruneau wrote in an email. “We’ve been a part of the community for 40 years, and the roots of the Mt. Airy Learning Tree are deep. When we are able to resume operations, we’ll take all that we’ve learned during these past few months, and we will emerge from hibernation strong.”

The group is accepting donations to get them through the recess and into the early part of their reopening phase. The link to contribute is https://mtairylearningtree.org/donate/. All donations are tax deductible.