Nittany MinitMart, a retailer with 28 locations in Pennsylvania, raised over $24,000 for Hurricane Helene relief during the month of October. The retailer said it was motivated to give back after Hurricane Helene’s devastation left communities grappling with loss and destruction. The retailer worked with suppliers to purchase and deliver 38,304 bottles of water. The water was picked up in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and shipped to Candler, North Carolina, where it was distributed by a local church.
“We were heartbroken by the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene,” said John Martin, president of Nittany MinitMart. “Seeing people without power and water drove us to find a way to make a difference.”
Nittany MinitMart stores also raised funds through a round-up campaign held throughout October. Customers “contributed by rounding up their purchases, with every cent going toward supporting those in need. All $24,165 raised was donated to Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization providing much-needed aid and resources to those affected, helping families and communities on their path to recovery,” Nittany MinitMart said.
Nicole Masullo, division manager of operations at Nittany MinitMart, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from customers: “We run round-up programs several times a year, and this was one of our most successful ones yet. We’re incredibly proud of the compassion our customers have shown through their generosity. We know our contributions will go a long way in helping these communities rebuild.”
In The Community
Every year, the convenience retail industry dedicates billions of dollars to advancing the futures of individuals and families in our communities. The NACS Foundation unifies and builds on NACS members’ charitable efforts to amplify their work in communities across America and to share these powerful stories.
Learn more at www.conveniencecares.org.
Weigel’s Donates to Joy of Music School
Weigel’s donated to Joy of Music School, a Knoxville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free music education to children. The funds donated will help supply essential instruments and resources to the students, specifically going toward violins and MacBooks.
Weigel’s said the new violins will open up possibilities for budding string players, while the MacBooks will support both virtual and in-person learning, helping students expand their skills and access a broader world of musical resources.
Refuel Operating Company Raises $535,000 for Charity
Refuel Operating Company held its second-annual golf tournament in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Refuel said it “was an overwhelming success,” with the event raising $535,000. “Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and industry partners, this event helped us surpass a major milestone—raising over $1 million for LLS.”
“This year, we had the privilege of spotlighting our honored hero, Zach, a courageous survivor of T-Cell Leukemia. Diagnosed just four years ago at the age of 10, Zach’s unwavering strength and resilience continue to inspire and motivate us all,” Refuel said.
OnCue Donates $275,000 to St. Jude
OnCue raised $275,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its fall fundraiser, bringing the partnership total to more than $3.8 million raised over 17 years. “OnCue’s gift will help ensure families being treated by St. Jude never receive a bill from the hospital and give patients the chance to focus on what’s most important.”
During the month of October, OnCue “connected its customers to the cause through pinup sales, rounding change at the register and specialty fountain cups. Throughout pinup sales, OnCue team members had additional opportunities to show off their St. Jude support through ‘Dress as a Superhero Day.’”
Cubby’s Raises Over $35,000 for Local Schools
Cubby’s announced that through the first three quarters of 2024, its Raise Some Dough program raised $37,072 for local schools. The program raised over $12,000 in both Q2 and Q3.
Twenty-one Cubby’s locations in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota participate in the Raise Some Dough program and donate $1 for every large Godfather’s Pizza Express or breakfast pizzas sold.
Dandy Convenience Stores Donates $20,000 to Medical Center
Williams Companies, owner of Dandy Convenience Stores in northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, donated $20,000 to Arnot Ogden Medical Center. The donation “will immediately impact specialized services in the Arnot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),” Williams Companies said. Williams Companies said this contribution will aid Arnot in continuing its critical work to provide life-saving healthcare services and support to families in need.
Parker’s Kitchen Prepares Holiday Meals for Community
In honor of Thanksgiving, Parker’s Kitchen employees prepared hot holiday meals for Savannah’s homeless community by volunteering with Union Mission. “This is our most loved Thanksgiving tradition,” Parker’s Kitchen said. “Helping others is one of our key values as a company, and we’re so proud to see our Parker’s team giving their time to make Thanksgiving a little better for those in need.”
Onvo Raises $75,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness
Onvo held its annual October fundraiser in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “This year we raised a record amount of $75,000 for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition through our fundraising efforts, which included the sale of pink ribbons, raffles and corporate donations. We are thankful to everyone who donated and to everyone who worked hard to make this year’s fundraiser a success,” Onvo said.