CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association (OMEGA) is kicking off a statewide campaign on Monday, April 16 to bring attention and funding to the children and families cared for by the Children's Home Society of West Virginia. The campaign will run through Mothers Day, May 13.
There are approximately 3,000 West Virginia children in some type of out-of-home care today due to crisis in the family. In addition, there are nearly 1,000 children available for adoption.
Jan Vineyard, president of OMEGA, which represents convenience stores, independent grocers and petroleum marketers in the state, said, "We are asking the public to consider honoring their mother, sister or friends by supporting an organization that works to help children in distress. I would encourage individuals who see the campaign in their local convenience or grocery stores to join us in assisting West Virginia children."
Media events are scheduled for April 16 at a One Stop store in Charleston, and Par Mar Stores in Parkersburg and Fairmont; April 18 at a Go-Mart in Morgantown; April 20 at a Stop In Food Store in Lewisburg, Little General Stores in Beckley, Princeton, Chapmanville and Calvin and a Par Mar Store in St. Albans.
Vineyard said OMEGA has partnered with the Children's Home Society of West Virginia to raise funds that will be used to support child assistance programs, such as emergency child shelters, foster care, adoption, mentoring, early intervention and numerous other family support programs throughout the state. The stores will sell brightly colored, Mother's Day-themed paper flowers for $1 at nearly 500 OMEGA-member convenience and grocery stores across the state.
Mary White, director of development and philanthropy for the Children's Home Society, said, "This campaign will not only raise awareness about West Virginia children who need help or a family to call their own, but through the graciousness of the public, will provide our organization with a greater ability to make a positive impact on these children's lives."
The OMEGA members participating in the Mothers Day Campaign include Little General Stores Inc., One Stop, Par Mar Oil Co., Prima/7-Eleven, BFS Foods Inc., DeFazio Oil Co., Go-Mart Inc., Mini-Giants Inc., TWJ, Inc. (Foodland), Bigley Foodland Fresh, R. T. Rogers Oil Co., H. C. Lewis Oil Co., Tri-State Petroleum Corp. and Stop In Food Stores.
OMEGA raised more than $61,000 during this effort last year and more than $1.3 million dollars since 2003 for charities that improve the health, safety and wellbeing of West Virginia children. "This effort not only gives back to the communities where our members live and work, but it demonstrates the philanthropic nature of our industry. This is a win for all involved: the children, our members and the public," Vineyard said.
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