On July 24, convenience retailers around the U.S. participated in the NACS 24/7 Day initiative, which recognizes first responders, medical personnel and American Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock, 24/7, serving our communities to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. The annual event helps raise awareness and donations for the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross and spotlights our industry’s important role in supporting local heroes and the communities we serve.

“We know that our operations are 24/7, but we often don’t talk about things beyond just the convenience that we provide,” said Stephanie Sikorski, NACS vice president of marketing and director of the NACS Foundation. “Thank goodness that our stores are the fabric of communities and that we have 24/7 operations. Whether it’s a snowstorm or a hurricane or a wildfire, because our stores are across the U.S. and centralized to those communities, it means that first responders have parking lots to set up shop and water and access to gas to be able to get to those sometimes-remote communities to do what they do,” Sikorski said.

In 2018, 24/7 Day launched with three retailers: Sheetz, Wawa and RaceTrac. In 2020, the program grew more than 500% with more than 18 different retailers participating across more than 20,000 store locations. “It’s amazing to be able to say thanks and recognize heroes across the U.S.,” Sikorski said. “I don’t know [any] other industry that has this [type of celebration] from an industry standpoint.”

For more on 24/7 Day and how you can particpate in future years, visit www.conveniencecares.org.