NACS is supporting the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination (VCV)—formed earlier this year with seven leading veteran organizations—to help promote a nationwide public service announcement campaign to encourage full vaccination and help end the COVID-19 crisis.
The “Call to Arms” campaign messaging blends iconic imagery with a humorous twist to enlist “the tatted, the toned and the sun-deprived” arms and encourage Americans to get vaccinated because “better times are within arm’s reach.” The ads end with a simple and direct call to action: “Don’t wait. Vaccinate.”
NACS is sharing some of the images and messages on its social media platforms. NACS members can also post the assets with #ThisIsOurShot, a play on the popular song from the Broadway musical Hamilton.
The campaign is one deliverable from VCV, which is aiding local and state officials with COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the United States. The participating veteran organizations are working toward the common goal of ensuring each American who wants the vaccine has equitable access to it.
“Our industry supports everyday heroes like veterans, and this campaign moves forward important logistical issues and messaging that can help us fight the pandemic,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard, adding that 65% of NACS retail members are incentivizing employees to get vaccinations.
VCV’s members include Team Rubicon; Wounded Warrior Project; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; Student Veterans of America; Team Red, White & Blue; The Mission Continues; and the Travis Manion Foundation.
NACS retailer and supplier members interested in reaching out to one of these groups to discuss strategic partnerships can contact Jeff Lenard at [email protected].
Kwik Trip Named ‘Best Place to Work’
Speedway LLC raised $11 million for kids treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the United States in 2020. Donations made by daily contributions from customers, business partners and employees throughout the year helped meet the unique needs of 81 children’s hospitals.
In addition to monetary contributions, Speedway donated 7,000 N95 masks and 3,000 surgical masks to 11 children’s hospitals located in initial COVID-19 hotspot areas to help protect medical professionals on the front lines treating the youngest members of the community.
“Speedway really fueled miracles for our member children’s hospitals in 2020,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “The 30-year partnership that stores, employees and member hospitals have developed together is reflective of Speedway’s culture to help kids in the communities where they operate, and their critical support was appreciated more than ever during the pandemic.”
Speedway’s partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals began in 1991 and has since raised more than $133 million. In 2020, Speedway’s annual Speedway Miracle Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, raised more than $2 million. This event is one of the largest golf events in the United States benefiting CMN Hospitals. Each year, Speedway organizes the Miracle Children Program, where patient families share their stories to raise awareness of the need for children’s hospitals and how changing kids’ health can positively change the future of their communities.
“I am extremely proud of what our team was able to accomplish with CMN Hospitals fundraising in 2020, despite the challenges we faced with the pandemic. The level of support from our customers, vendor partners and employees was remarkable,” said Tim Griffith, president of Speedway.
Glenn Plumby, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Speedway, talked about how deeply the company is committed to community involvement as the largest CMN Hospitals contributor within the convenience store industry in Convenience Matters podcast episode 74, “Miracles by Speedway.” Listen at www.conveniencematters.com.
IN THE COMMUNITY
OnCue Helps Fight Hunger
Oklahoma-based OnCue donated $40,000 of nonperishable food and personal care products to several local food banks in conjunction with a limited-edition cup that will raise funds for The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Programs.
The Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies have witnessed a 30% increase in need among Oklahomans facing food insecurity during COVID-19.“We have all been deeply impacted this past year, but when one in four kids in Oklahoma were hungry before the pandemic, it makes sense why we are witnessing a whole new level of need,” said Laura Aufleger, president of OnCue. “Food is essential, and we are grateful we can come together to support The Regional Food Bank and their partner agencies, and specifically, programs like Food For Kids.”
Enmarket Raises $160,000 for Local Charities
Georgia-based Enmarket raised $160,000 for local charities through its charity golf tournament on March 23.
“Our involvement with this fundraiser reflects the spirit of our mission statement to enrich life,” said Brett Giesick, president of Enmarket. “This event and others such as our store fundraiser for Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run and the Savannah Hockey Classic also demonstrate our interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle and our dedication to the betterment of our community. We are grateful to the many vendor partners that helped make these donations possible.”