SHEBOYGAN, Wis. -- CITGO Q Mart stores in the Sheboygan, Wis., area again collected toys and games for needy children to brighten their 2009 holiday season. From November 30 to December 20, Sheboygan-area motorists showed their support for local children in need by making donations at five Q Mart and Quality State Oil locations across Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls. Community residents donated more than 600 toys, and CITGO fuel supplier Quality State Oil matched the money raised to bring the total cash donation to more than $2,000.
"Six years ago, my son and I made a promise [image-nocss] that we would do something every holiday season to support our neighbors in need," said Mel Krajniak, manager of the South 8th Street CITGO Q Mart, who drove the effort to help local people. "The need for assistance is greater than ever. We are extremely fortunate to have our partners at other Sheboygan CITGO Q Mart stores and our local fuel supplier Quality State Oil join in our toy drive efforts. All of those who donated should be proud that they helped keep the spirit of the holiday season alive for many children who would otherwise have gone without."
After 2008's outpouring of support from the local community, Krajniak was able to recruit four additional CITGO Q Mart locations as dropoff points for toys and donations in 2009. She was also able to bring Sheboygan-based fuel supplier Quality State Oil into the effort as a collection point and to provide matching funds for the cash donations received at each CITGO Q Mart location.
"Living and working here, I know that the Sheboygan community is incredibly supportive. However, we were concerned since everyone was hit by the economic downturn," said Scott Stangel of Quality State Oil. "It is heartwarming to see such an overwhelming response to Mel and the local Salvation Army's call for support. Seeing the enthusiasm that the CITGO Q Mart customers have in getting behind this effort reminds me why I love this community, and brings back the spirit of the holidays."
In addition to supporting the local chapter of the Salvation Army, Sheboygan area CITGO Q Mart stores and Quality State Oil are leading supporters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), raising more than $500,000 over the past 20 years to help local children and families suffering from neuromuscular disease.
Separately, Tulsa, Okla.-based QuikTrip Corp. recently collected toys for its 17th annual Toys for Tots drive, reported News On 6 TV.
"When we get collections that are this big it goes so far to help us reach our goals of helping out children in need," said Staff Sergeant Berger, the Toys for Tots coordinator.
The marines who are partnered with QuikTrip for the 2009 toy drive brought two seven-ton trucks to haul the toys away for sorting and distribution, and found so many toys they had to make a second trip, said the report.
"Not only the QuikTrip employees and division people donate money and go out and buy the toys, but our customers come in and they drop off toys at the QuikTrip locations, so it's not just our employees but our customers help as well," QuikTrip spokesperson Mike Thornbrugh told the news outlet.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.