The National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation is launching its inaugural First Responder of the Year Award. The winner will be recognized during the convenience-store industry’s annual 24/7 Day celebration on July 24.
The NACS Foundation said the award will spotlight standout first responders who went above and beyond in a time of critical need for communities across the United States, which saw a year marked by several natural disasters including historic wildfires, flooding, hurricanes and more.
Nominations are open to submit 9-1-1 dispatchers, nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, American Red Cross volunteers and other first responders. Nominators must fill out a form to share the story of the first responder who they feel has gone above and beyond. Anyone can nominate by filling out the form here by July 7.
“The convenience industry has a front-row seat to the first responder community’s work, often operating the only stores and gas stations open during times of disaster or critical need,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. “Realizing that so much of what these heroes do is out of public view, we wanted to recognize their compassion and dedication to keeping us safe.”
NACS Foundation expands Future Fund Scholarship Program
The NACS Foundation is also expanding its Future Fund Scholarship Program for 2025. This year’s program will provide 16 scholarships of $3,000 each, thanks to the support of Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), NACS said.
The scholarships will help convenience-store employees, and the children of employees, cover tuition costs for undergraduate or community college programs.
Applicants are eligible if they work for a NACS retail member company, or if they are the child of a member employee, and are enrolled in fall 2025 academic studies. Applications close June 13. For more details and to apply, click here.
“This expansion of the Future Fund allows us to honor the hardworking individuals who power the convenience store industry and invest in their potential to lead, innovate and transform our sector,” O'Connell said. “Thanks to Keurig Dr Pepper's partnership, we're proud to offer a larger program that can make a greater impact for employees, their families and the communities they serve.”
The NACS Foundation is the charitable arm of NACS, Alexandria, Virginia, the association for convenience and fuel retailers with more than 1,000 retail member companies. The NACS Foundation has awarded scholarships through the Future Fund for more than 30 years.
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