In our industry, “c-store” doesn’t just stand for convenience store; it also stands for community store.
Convenience stores are inextricably linked to their communities, with nearly all retailers (95%) supporting some form of charitable cause, either locally (91%), nationally (47%) or both. From sponsoring youth sports teams to conducting food drives, convenience stores strengthen the communities they serve, contributing more than $1 billion each year to charitable and community groups.
Wrapping up 2020, here are some examples of retailers showing that “convenience cares” in their local communities:
On November 10, Knoxville, Tennessee-based Weigel’s presented a check to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs for $45,404.20. The check was large enough to raise and train two service dogs, Sadie and Wiggles.
The Smoky Mountain Service Dog program provides, at no charge to veterans in need, specially trained service dogs to aid in assistance and companionship. The cost to raise and train just one service dog is about $22,000 before they can be matched to a veteran.
“We are fortunate to have the support of so many customers who have made this donation possible,” said Bill Weigel, chairman of Weigel’s. “On the heels of Veteran’s Day, it gives us such joy to know we can make a difference in the lives of those that so unselfishly sacrificed for all of us.”
Stewart Spinks, founder of Greenville, South Carolina-based The Spinx Company, recently presented a check for $325,250 to Kelly Jamerson, senior director of community development for the American Cancer Society. During October, all 84 Spinx stores participated in an annual store campaign collecting donations from communities in South Carolina to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society.
“As a cancer survivor myself, I know the importance of the work that the American Cancer Society accomplishes each and every day,” Spinks said. “For the 12th year in a row, The Spinx Company is honored to support their mission and its efforts in education, treatment and research to discover more successful treatments and ultimately a cure for cancer.
Throughout December, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of tater tots at all GetGo Café+Market locations raised money for the U.S. Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots holiday campaign.
“Time after time, we’ve been impressed with the generosity of our guests. We know the holidays will be more challenging for some families this year, and we’re proud to partner with our neighbors and the Marine Corps to provide toys and gifts to the children in our communities,” said Rug Phatak, chief of staff for the Pittsburgh-based retailer.
The Markets, owned and operated by Charlottesville, Virginia-based Tiger Fuel Company, launched a new campaign to support the Charlottesville City Schools PTO Reopening Fund. As part of The Market Rewards loyalty program, customers can turn rewards points into cash and donate $1 to the local schools. Tiger Fuel Company will match each $1 contribution
“We’re thrilled to give back to our local schools and the communities we serve. This is a challenging time for all our educators and students, and we want to do our part to support this virtual learning experience. We love the idea of getting our customers involved and using loyalty points for a great cause,” said Tiger Fuel President Gordon Sutton.
Texan by Nature, a Texas-led conservation nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, recognized Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) in its second annual Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a ranking of companies with Texas operations that demonstrate a commitment to innovative work in conservation. MPC was recognized for its community investment, water conservation practices, employee volunteerism, habitat restoration, landfill diversion and reductions in energy consumption.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our work in conservation and sustainability,” said Karen Beadle, MPC vice president of environment, social and governance and stakeholder engagement. “Core to our sustainability commitment is concrete action that empowers people, contributes to progress in our communities and conserves the natural resources we all share.”
York, Pennsylvania-based Rutter’s donated more than $600,000 to charities throughout the state that focus on children, youth and education in the various neighborhoods where Rutter’s operates.
Rutter’s planned to announce several additional donations to local charitable organizations before the end of 2020.
“During these trying times, all of us at Rutter’s recognize that charities and nonprofit organizations need our support now, more than ever,” said Scott Hartman, Rutter’s president and CEO. “We take pride in supporting charities and programs that benefit children in the communities we serve.”