The grocery and convenience-store industries are stepping up to help flash flood victims in Central and South Texas.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding struck Central Texas on the morning of July 4, killing more than 100 people.
Convenience stores are known for stepping up during natural disasters, and the Kerr County flooding is no different, with many chains starting fundraising campaigns and posting messages of support.
Fort Worth, Texas-based Yesway is pledging a $100,000 donation to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. It is also encouraging customers, employees and supplier partners at its 444 Yesway and Allsup’s c-stores to make donations at the register to benefit the foundation.
Through July 31, donations of $1, $5, $10 or more can be made at the register. Those donations will help families and first responders recover and rebuild, Yesway said.
“Our hearts are with the families, first responders and entire communities whose lives were forever changed by these floods,” said Tom Trkla, Yesway’s chairman, president and CEO. “We are not first responders, but as neighbors and fellow Texans, all of our over 3,100 employees in the state feel a deep responsibility to help however we can. It is with gratitude and humility that we offer our support and ask others to join us. Even a small donation can be a lifeline for someone in need. Yesway has always believed in the power of community. While no single act can undo the devastation, we hope that, together, we can provide relief, restore hope and remind those suffering that they are not alone.”
C-store chain Refuel Operating Co. LLC, based in North Charleston, South Carolina, has stores in Texas and nearly 500 team members who call Central Texas home, co-CEO Travis Smith said on LinkedIn.
The Refuel Cares Foundation will be donating funds to the Central Texas Community Foundation and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
- Yesway is No. 19 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of largest U.S. convenience-store chains. Refuel is No. 38, Toot’n Totum is No. 72 and TXB is No. 131.
“I’m a native Texan, born in the Texas Hill Country and fortunate to have spent nearly 40 years of my life in this great state,” Smith said. “Having spent my high school and college years in Austin, I’ve made countless memories up and down the Guadalupe. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Texas — and brings joy to so many who visit it year-round from Kerrville all the way down to New Braunfels. Texas is a big state, but it’s truly a small community. In times of crisis, Texans always come together. We lift one another up. We show up. And we rebuild — side by side.”
Toot’n Totum, which has more than 95 locations around the Texas Panhandle, said through its Change for the Better campaign, customers can round up their purchases or donate any amount at checkout to help provide aid to those affected by the floods.
The Amarillo, Texas-based company will match the first $7,500 in donations made through the campaign, which ends July 25.
Kevin Smartt, CEO of Spicewood, Texas-based TXB (Texas Born), said the c-store chain is supporting relief efforts through donations and supplies in the hardest-hit counties. Smartt encouraged others to join them in giving, and provided links to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Central Texas Community Foundation – Wilco Cares and Ark of Highland Lakes.
“Texans take care of Texans, and I’m proud of the TXB team for stepping up. If you’re in a position to help, I hope you’ll consider donating or sharing these resources with others,” Smartt said.
Grocery stores give back
Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in the region. This includes up to a $250,000 match for customer and member donations, which will soon be accepted online or in stores and clubs across Texas through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign.
Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are also partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide hot meals, assist with laundry and offer showers. They have distributed food, water and other supplies as well.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends, and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially families of those who have lost loved ones,” said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
H-E-B, which started in Kerrville—one of the flooded areas—is working closely with the Red Cross, local officials, and first responders. The San Antonio-based grocer has also sent aid to support efforts in San Angelo, Marble Falls, and other affected areas.
“Our teams are staying close to the hardest-hit areas, and we will continue to provide needed support as these tragic situations evolve,” H-E-B said in a statement.
United Supermarkets announced Tuesday that it will conduct a contribution campaign at its stores to support flood victims. Customers can donate at store registers by adding any dollar amount to their grocery bill at checkout. Online shoppers can also donate while using the app or website.
The Lubbock, Texas–based grocer, which operates 99 locations, is also donating $10,000.
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