Community Service Roundup, July 2021
By Hannah Hammond on Aug. 16, 2021CHICAGO — This month’s community service roundup features six convenience-store retailers and one supplier who gave to people in need in July.
Click through to see who was featured this month …
TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America, Westlake, Ohio, is launching a campaign to help professional drivers in need. Through Labor Day, customers will have the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar in the travel stores and fuel islands.
All proceeds will go to the St. Christopher’s Trucker Relief Fund (SCF), which helps professional drivers who are out of work due to an illness or injury.
“TA began its support of SCF in 2010 and has since raised nearly $3 million for the organization. We are honored and humbled by the support we receive from TravelCenters of America and its generous customers,” said Donna Kennedy, director of SCF. “Professional drivers always support each other and we are confident when they see the point-of-sale fundraiser at TA registers across the country, they will be proud to help. This campaign will have an immense impact for those in need.”
Spinx
Spinx, Greenville, S.C., donated $78,000 to four local charities after raising money at this year’s Charity Classic, which took place in May.
The American Red Cross, Safe Harbor, Loaves and Fishes and the Greenville Free Medical Clinic all received donations. Representatives from each organization were invited to enjoy Spinx Day on July 8 at the Greenville Drive game where a ceremonial check was presented.
“It was an honor to provide this money to our beneficiaries this year, especially after such a difficult 2020,” Stewart Spinks, company founder and chairman, said. “I am so proud of our team, vendors and partners for their charitable contributions, and I look forward to an exciting tournament again next year to continue to provide for those in need within our community.”
Spinx chose beneficiaries that are aligned with its corporate charitable mission, “Spinx & Kids: Mind, Body, Spirit. Growing healthy kids where we live, work and play.”
Rutter’s
Rutter’s, York, Pa., teamed up with its suppliers to support its Feeding the Frontline initiative. On July 24, Rutter’s, along with Hershey, Hormel, Martin’s Snacks and PepsiCo, gave away free meals in conjunction with NACS 24/7 day.
The free meal consisted of a sandwich or wrap, a bag of Martin’s chips, a regular-sized fountain drink and a standard Reese’s or Hershey’s candy bar. The offer was available to all first responders in uniform, Rutter’s team members, American Red Cross Volunteers, Class A CDL drivers, medical personnel and active-duty military members.
“Rutter’s is extremely excited to bring back Feeding the Frontline for the second year in a row,” said Chris Hartman, Rutter’s director of advertising. “We’re proud to continue our support of the frontline workers in our communities and we want to thank our great partners for their collaboration in 2021.”
Maverik
Maverik, Salt Lake City, Utah, is benefiting Feeding America through its Round Up Your Change for Feeding America campaign. Customers can round up their transaction to the nearest dollar to help fight hunger through Sept. 6 across all Maverik stores.
“Our communities have supported us for more than 90 years, and it’s important to Maverik to give back,” said Chuck Maggelet, president and chief adventure guide of Maverik. “Because of the pandemic, the demand for food remains at an all-time high. We’re proud to team up with Feeding America to help our neighbors with food resources that will fuel their favorite adventures.”
Maverik participated in its first Round Up Your Change for Feeding American initiative in February, and donations generated more than $180,000 for local food banks. That followed the chain’s $150,000 donation to Feeding America in January.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.
Love’s, Oklahoma City, Okla., donated $100,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund.
“Professional truck drivers keep America moving, and this is one way we’re thanking them for all they do for the country,’’ said Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer of Love’s. “St. Christopher is a great organization that helps drivers every day, and we’re glad to continue to support the organization.”
Love’s first donated to the fund in April 2020, when it gave $100,000 to help drivers during the coronavirus pandemic. The relief fund helps with expenses like rent, mortgage and utilities as well as provides health and wellness programs for drivers.
TXB
TXB, formerly Kwik Chek, honored first responders, medical personnel and Red Cross volunteers as part as the NACS Foundation’s 24/7 Day.
On July 24, the Bonham, Texas-based chain offered its private-label products—all curated, packaged and made in Texas—including a free bag of locally sourced TXB jerky and a free TXB 1-liter premium electrolyte water to its hometown heroes. The offer was available to doctors, nurses, EMTs, police officers, sheriffs, highway patrol, fire, border patrol, 911 dispatchers and American Red Cross volunteers in uniform or with a badge.
“Especially over this past year, first responders, medical personnel and volunteers go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and healthy, and we couldn't be more grateful for their service,” said TXB CEO Kevin Smartt. “As one of many TXB community initiatives, we are honored to continue our part in 24/7 Day, and this year's offerings to these incredible individuals is the least we can do to say thank you.”
Sparkling Ice
Sparkling Ice, the fizzy flavored water brand from Preston, Wash.-based Talking Rain Beverage Co., announced the winner of its second annual Cheers to Heroes contest. The contest received more than 1,000 nominations and celebrates everyday heroes across the country.
This year’s winner is Michael Bayer, from Ballston Lake, N.Y. He receives a $10,000 grand cash prize.
Bayer served for 25 years in the U.S. Navy and now spends his time as a local food pantry and volunteers at a local cemetery. He also volunteers at a local children’s choir.
“I was humbled to have been nominated, honored to have been selected as a finalist, overwhelmed and grateful to those who voted for me,” said Bayer. “Winning this contest will enable me to participate in my youngest son’s promotion ceremony to Major in the US Army in January 2022 in Hawaii and visit with two of my grandchildren. I also plan to increase my involvement in National Cemetery services such as the Wreaths Across America Program. I hope my volunteer activities inspire others to open their eyes and hearts to volunteer opportunities and realize that in helping others, they will be fulfilled themselves.”
The first-place runner up Kay Menashe and second place winner Ryan Dwyer were also rewarded $7,500 and $5,000, respectively.