Take a Stand Against Human Trafficking

Convenience stores across the U.S. are involved in the fight against human trafficking via the Convenience Stores Against Trafficking program.

Stopping human trafficking is a serious responsibility. With close ties to the community, convenience stores are positioned to share important messages that employees and customers can use to recognize and help victims of human trafficking.

“As a convenience store owner, I care about the community and our staff cares about the community. We can spot when something isn’t right, and sometimes that is human trafficking,” said Kent Couch, CEO of the Stop and Go convenience store in Bend, Oregon.

Couch became involved with In Our Backyard, a national nonprofit known for its anti-trafficking work that operates the Convenience Stores Against Trafficking (CSAT) program. “We wanted to make a difference in our community and keep it safe,” he said.

The restroom is often the only safe place where a victim is alone and able to call or text for help. CSAT’s “Freedom Stickers” are designed to be posted in restroom stalls and contain the National Human Trafficking Hotline number, 888-373-7888, or text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733).

According to CSAT, Freedom Stickers raise awareness to 4 million people every day. More than 30,000 convenience stores and 17 state-based convenience store associations and 184 convenience store companies have partnered with CSAT.

Human trafficking survivor Sara Perkins shares in a joint CSAT and Ready Training Online training video that she frequented convenience stores multiple times a day. “As a victim, I know that if I had gone into any bathroom and saw an In Our Backyard sticker it would’ve been an open door for me to get the help I needed,” she said.

More than 148,000 U.S. convenience stores conduct 165 million transactions a day in every community, and most of these businesses are open 24/7. Longer hours of operation, public restrooms and ease of access increase the likelihood that convenience stores can help those in peril, such as victims of human trafficking or youth in need.

January is human trafficking awareness month. To learn how you can get involved in the fight to stop human trafficking and spot the signs of someone in need of help, visit www.convenience.org/humantrafficking for resources and information from NACS and anti-human trafficking groups.

In The Community

Every year, the convenience and fuel retailing 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.

SHELL GIVING PUMP FUELS 500+ LOCAL CHARITIES

From August 1 through October 31, Shell’s The Giving Pump will support 527 local charities across the U.S. Now in its second year, the pumps are located at 6,500 Shell convenience stores in 48 states, and a portion of purchases made by consumers who use the designated pump will support nonprofits such as children’s hospitals, school and literacy programs.

“We are thrilled to bring back The Giving Pump to make an even bigger impact this year and give customers the chance to support local charities across the country,” said Shannon Bryan, manager of brand and communications for Shell Retail US. “We encourage our customers to pay it forward at the pump and choose The Giving Pump on their next fill up or road trip pit stop to help us fuel the future of local communities.”

In 2021, Shell wholesalers and retailers donated more than $1.5 million, supporting 400-plus children’s charities through The Giving Pump. In the U.S., the designated giving pumps were used 7.2 million times and pumped 72 million gallons of gasoline.

VOLTA OIL TOPS $1 MILLION TO HELP CURE ALZHEIMER’S

Family-owned Volta Oil in Plymouth, Massachusetts, raised more than $170,000 during its annual campaign to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, bringing the total amount raised in its 11-year history to $1.1 million. Volta’s Purple Pump Up is the largest convenience store cause-marketing campaign in the U.S. to bolster awareness and raise funds toward the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I applaud our store personnel and the Purple Pump Up team members for another successful campaign,” said Jim Garrett, chairman of Volta Oil Company, adding, “I am also grateful to our dedicated sponsors who never fail to show their support for our communities through their generous donations.”

Eighteen Rapid Refill Convenience and Garrett’s Family Market locations throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island participated in the campaign from May 27-July 18, allowing customers the option to give donations both inside stores and at the gas pumps.

“It is incredible to see Purple Pump Up reach the $1 million milestone, a clear testament to Volta Oil’s commitment, and the generosity of its customers, to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s,” said Jim Wessler, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. “We are so grateful for this partnership which continues to have a direct impact supporting vital research and essential programs and services in our local communities.”

LOVE’S SUPPORTS TRUCKERS

Love’s Travel Stops showed its support of professional truck drivers by donating $100,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund. This is the third year the company has given to the organization that helps professional truck drivers and their families during trying times.

“Professional truck drivers are essential to the country’s success, and Love’s can’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ than supporting them during difficult times,’’ said Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer of Love’s. “St. Christopher is a great organization that helps drivers every day, and we’re glad to continue to support the organization.”

ALTA CONVENIENCE RAISES $36,523 FOR WINGS FOR LIFE

Alta Convenience’s 110 stores throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming raised $36,523 for Wings for Life, a nonprofit created in 2003 by two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner and the founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, to raise money for spinal cord research.

FERRERO USA SUPPORTS CMNH

Ferrero USA donated $25,000 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as part of Ferrero’s 31 Days of Halloween Countdown Calendar fundraiser to help families celebrate Halloween while raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Consumers who visited FerreroHalloween.com through September 15 and made a $31 donation to Children’s Miracle Network received a limited edition countdown calendar featuring Ferrero’s confections and cookies. Ferrero also donated treats to select local children’s hospitals located near the company’s offices and plants throughout North America to bring Halloween fun to young patients and their caregivers.

NACS encourages retailers to share their giving-back news on social media using #ConvenienceCares.