Community Service Roundup, June 2021
By Hannah Hammond on Jul. 07, 2021CHICAGO — This month’s community service roundup features seven convenience-store chains and two suppliers.
Click through to see how these businesses gave back in June…
Gopuff
Online convenience retailer Gopuff, Philadelphia, pledged $100,000 to support vaccinations among students at on-campus vaccine pop-ups across the United States.
The effort was part of the White House’s National Action Month in June to get eligible Americans vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
Gopuff offered $100,000 in Gopuff credits for select community college and university pop-up events across the country in Gopuff markets.
“Gopuff started on a college campus, and we are proud to be able to support students and schools across the country as we work together to drive vaccinations in local communities and among students across the U.S.,” Daniel Folkman, Gopuff’s senior vice president of business, said.
Gopuff’s previously announced Covid Health Initiative has already donated more than $1 million since 2020 to community-based organizations fighting against the spread of the coronavirus.
Volta Oil
Rapid Refill and Garrett’s Family Market, brands of Plymouth, Mass.-based Volta Oil, are celebrating hometown heroes on 24/7 Day.
Held every July 24, 24/7 Day recognizes first responders, medical personnel and Red Cross volunteers who work for their communities 24/7. The event, held by the NACS Foundation, helps raise awareness and donations for the needs of the Red Cross.
Rapid Refill and Garrett’s Family Market are supporting this year’s 24/7 Day by offering one free 28-ounce Gatorade on July 24 to police, fire, EMT, doctors, nurses, American Red Cross, National Guard and 911 dispatchers in uniform or with a badge.
It is also encouraging community members to share stories for hometown heroes on social media using the hashtag #WeHeartHeroes.
EG Group
EG America, Westborough, Mass., is launching a campaign to raise funds for Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Funds will help DAV ensure that injured and ill veterans access the full range of benefits available to them.
Through July, store employees will ask customers to donate an amount of their choosing to DAV during checkout. Funds donated help veterans know they are not alone, EG America said, by helping them get the benefits they deserve, receive transportation to medical appointments, find meaningful employment and receive assistance during times of disaster.
C-stores participating include Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill. Their goal is to raise more than $250,000.
“Recognizing and giving back to those who have served our country is vitally important to the EG Group, which is why we are proud to partner with DAV in this important initiative,” said George Fournier, president of EG America. “Additionally, many of our team members and guests are veterans themselves, so this association with DAV allows them to connect with the communities where they live and work in a meaningful way. This fundraising effort hits home for the EG Group and we're looking forward to our guests playing a key role in this effort.”
GPM Investments LLC
GPM Investments, Richmond, Va., recently sponsored Friendship Circle of Virginia’s inaugural Walk N’ Roll. More than 250 people participated in the Jne 20 event, which encouraged people to walk, roll, scooter or skate to raise money for the group.
GPM’s Fas Mart stores helped raise $23,326 for Friendship Circle of Virginia, which aims to create an inclusive community by facilitating friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities to connect.
Kum & Go
Kum & Go, Des Moines, Iowa, partnered with No Kid Hungry to tackle food insecurity and hunger. The c-store chain is working with Midwest Dairy and BODYARMOR, KIND, LifeWtr and Essentia throughout the summer to raise $85,000 to give back to the communities they serve.
“Thirteen million children in the United States live in food-insecure homes,” said Emily Bahnsen, Kum & Go philanthropy manager. “It is a privilege for Kum & Go to be part of this program with a host of generous vendors who are committed to a better tomorrow.”
Pilot Co.
Pilot Co., Knoxville, Tenn., is starting a year-round military discount program. The 10% discount on food and beverages is now available to all veterans, active-duty and retired service members, National Guard, Reserves, spouses and their immediate family members once validated through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app. Once users are verified, a green military badge will appear on the user’s profile page and a permanent saved offer tile will be on the Rewards page app.
The discount can be redeemed at participating owned and operated locations, including more than 700 Pilot Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and 680 fast food restaurants in the United States.
Pilot was founded 63 years ago by Korean War veteran Jim Haslam.
“It is our honor to provide this discount program in appreciation of the military community and all they do for our country,” said Haslam. "We are forever grateful to them for their service and this is one way we are able to give back to those who have given so much.”
Pilot also recently donated $100,000 to the Call of Duty Endowment to help place nearly 200 veterans into high-quality careers.
Weigel’s
Weigel’s, Powell, Tenn., is partnering with Tyson Foods to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Weigel’s and Tyson donated a full semi-truckload of meat products to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
“We feel immensely blessed to have achieved this prominent milestone in our history,” said Bill Weigel, chairman for Weigel’s. “We are in the food business and have considerable food suppliers and partners, such as Tyson Foods. Our success has been built on the support of our community, yet many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on their tables. There is no better way to celebrate than to give back to our community, and we are doing so with our partnership and generous donation from Tyson Foods.”
Danone North America
Danone North America’s plant-based brands, Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free, gave back in June to support the LGBTQ+ community. Silk made a $100,000 donation to True Colors United, which helps LGBTQ+ homeless youth through education, advocacy and leadership development programs. It also held a virtual Pride Parade where it featured more information about True Colors on social media.
So Delicious Dairy Free donated $10,000 to Urban Peak, a Denver-based nonprofit aimed at ending youth homelessness, which disproportionaly affects LGBTQ+ youth.
Danone North America, Denver, is one of the largest Certified B Corporations in the world. It seeks to use its business as a force for good every day, inside and outside the company, it said.
Constellation Brands
Beverage alcohol company Constellation Brands, Victor, N.Y. and Chicago, in partnership with beer brand Modelo announced a $500,000 contribution to UnidosUS. UnidosUS is the country’s largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. The contribution will provide UnidosUS with resources to strengthen Hispanic families’ financial security through financial empowerment and homeownership programs.
“One of our focus areas for our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is a commitment to serve as a catalyst for economic development and prosperity for disadvantaged communities,” said Mike McGrew, Constellation Brands’ executive vice president and chief communications, CSR, and diversity officer. “The Hispanic population is the fastest growing demographic in the U.S., and our authentic Mexican beer brands have been an integral part of special moments for members of this community for many years. As an extension of this shared cultural appreciation and inherent connection, we are proud to support UnidosUS and are committed to doing our part to provide resources and support to address systemic issues preventing a more equitable chance at success for members of Hispanic communities across the U.S.”