Nittany MinitMart raised $176,934.02 during its fifth annual Fuel the Cause campaign to support local volunteer fire companies across central and northern Pennsylvania. The amount beat last year’s record total by more than $25,000, and all of the proceeds from the fundraiser were donated to local volunteer fire companies across central and northern Pennsylvania.
From March 28 to June 2, Nittany MinitMart and Pennsylvania Skill games each contributed one cent for each gallon of gas sold. Customers could also round up their purchases, buy special fire company merchandise and order from Nittany MinitMart’s special Firehouse Foods menu, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting the campaign.
“The most important part of Fuel the Cause is our customers,” said Nittany MinitMart’s Nicole Masullo. “We’re beyond grateful for the support from our customers, sponsors and community, who come together every year to make this event even bigger and better and who help us give back to the volunteer firefighters who keep us safe.”
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, around 676,900 of the total estimated 1 million firefighters across the United States are volunteers.
The National Volunteer Fire Council also stated that the cost to train and equip a firefighter can exceed $20,000. With smaller communities (populations under 10,000) across the United States typically protected by all-volunteer departments, the costs can quickly add up.
Nittany MinitMart is based out of central Pennsylvania and has 28 locations across the state.
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.
OnCue Donates Goods to Local Charities
OnCue donated $98,000 in nonperishable and personal care items to local food banks, including the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Our Daily Bread and other food pantries to combat food insecurity in the towns where it operates. The donated products are collected from the retailer’s stores annually to update item selection while minimizing waste.
Since 2020, the company has donated over $331,500 worth of products and donated more than $50,000 in monetary support to Oklahoma food resource centers. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma was OnCue’s biggest beneficiary, receiving more than $63,733 worth of items—equivalent to 4,615 pounds.
Citgo Donates Money to Support Hurricane Relief
Citgo supported Florida communities affected by Hurricane Debby by donating $25,000 to Team Rubicon. The funds are set to be used for debris removal, chainsaw operations, roof tarping and mucking and gutting out homes.
“With our recent experience with Hurricane Beryl in the Houston area, we understand what our neighbors in Florida are experiencing right now and we want to help with the recovery,” said Chris Kiesling, Citgo assistant vice president of light oils operations and marketing. “We have a longstanding relationship with the people of Florida and the response efforts in Perry will help them restore their homes and businesses as soon as possible.”
Love’s Donates Over $400,000 to Oklahoma Charity
To celebrate Love’s Travel Stops 60th anniversary, the retailer donated $408,000 to the United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO). The donation was split between UWCO’s 68 partner agencies, with a donation of $6,000 to each. Love’s has worked with the organization for 25 years.
The donation will “help address issues ranging from homelessness to food insecurities and crisis intervention,” the retailer said.
Mirabito Convenience Stores’ Round Up Campaign Benefits Affordable Healthcare
Mirabito Convenience Stores raised $65,000 with its Mirabito Cares Round Up campaign. The money will benefit the UHS Foundation’s Journey Campaign for the Wilson Main Tower, which will provide enhanced healthcare services to the communities Mirabito serves and neighboring areas, helping them have access to affordable healthcare.
“At Mirabito, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” said Marissa Sweeney, marketing director at Mirabito. “The success of our round up campaign is a testament to the generosity of our customers and their commitment to improving local healthcare. We are proud to support the UHS Wilson Main Tower and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community’s health and well-being.”
Casey’s Donates Money to Local Classrooms
Casey’s General Stores ran a Cash for Classrooms program throughout the month of August. The annual program encourages customers to round up their purchase to help fund grants for K-12 schools in Casey’s communities.
“Casey’s is here to make a positive impact in our communities and for guests who visit our stores every day. Our guests’ generosity helps us provide grants to local schools across Casey’s Country,” said Katie Petru, director of communications and community at Casey’s. To date, Casey’s has raised more than $4 million for schools across its 17-state footprint.