Community Service Roundup: How 6 Retailers, 1 Supplier Are Giving Back (August 2016)
By Kristina Hurtig on Aug. 09, 2016CHICAGO -- In this roundup of charitable efforts by convenience stores and their suppliers, you will find new partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of America and PathWays PA, golf tournaments that netted substantial lump sums and more.
Click through to read more about these initiatives.
Casey’s General Store
From Aug. 1 to Sept. 5, all Casey’s General Store locations in the company’s 14-state area will raise money to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) send kids with muscular dystrophy and related diseases to summer camp, all at no cost to their families. The Ankeny, Iowa-based company is selling pinups for $1 and $5, with the goal of helping send more than 900 local kids to MDA Summer Camp. This year’s pinups also include a “buy two, get one free” coupon for 7UP products. In 2015, Casey’s General Stores raised $1.4 million during the summer camp pinup program.
GPM Investments
Richmond, Va.-based GPM Investments donated $12,443 to Make-A-Wish of Greater Virginia, a nonprofit that grants the wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions throughout Virginia. The funds were raised during a two-week campaign of collecting customer donations during checkout at 150 Fas Mart, Shore Stop and Scotchman stores in Virginia.
Speedway
Speedway raised $2.35 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during its 25th annual Speedway Miracle Tournament. The record-breaking funds will support 25 children’s hospitals. Since 1991, Enon, Ohio-based Speedway has raised more than $78 million for CMN Hospitals through initiatives that include canister and icon campaigns in the stores, bowl-a-thons and employee payroll deduction programs.
Spinx
Greenville, S.C.-based Spinx raised $115,000 during its annual Spinx Charity Golf Tournament and the funds were donated to five South Carolina charities. This year’s beneficiaries included Safe Harbor, Ronald McDonald House Carolinas, Harvest Hope Food Bank, American Red Cross of the Upstate and American Red Cross of the Lowcountry. Since its inception, proceeds from the Spinx Charity Classic have amassed nearly $1 million.
Swiss Farms
Swiss Farms, the Delaware County, Pa.-based drive-thru market, announced a new partnership benefiting PathWays PA, an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable women, teens and children stabilize their lives. On July 11, Swiss Farms began donating excess fresh-food product to PathWays PA, providing approximately 250 to 350 meals a week.
TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America, the Westlake, Ohio-based operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel-center brands, launched its annual campaign in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF), a nonprofit that helps truck drivers with financial hardship due to medical problems. During the event, guests and employees of TA and Petro Stopping Centers will be invited to make donations. As in past years, those making $1 donations will receive a commemorative wristband, and those making $5 donations will receive an SCF keychain. The campaign will run at participating TA and Petro locations through Aug. 31.
Van Holten’s
Waterloo, Wis.-based Van Holten’s—known for its pickle products—announced a long-term partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All of Van Holten’s Pickle-In-A-Pouch and new Pickle-Ice products will feature the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s logo to increase awareness and recognition of clubs nationwide. Products are distributed in all 50 states and Canada and can be found at convenience stores, grocery stores, concession stands, online and many other retail outlets.
Have a community-service announcement of your own to share? Send related news to Kristina Peters at kpeters@winsightmedia.com.