Above:  Shell’s “The Giving Pump” fundraiser for children’s charities runs through October 31.

It’s “Giving Pump” or “Spirit Pump” season at many gas stations across the U.S. as fuel retailers dedicate a portion of the proceeds of specially designated pumps to benefit nonprofits, many of which are charities focused on children’s health care, literacy and welfare. Shell’s initiative, for instance, began in August and runs through October 31 at more than 6,500 stations across the U.S. On a recent day, I pulled up to a purple-wrapped pump at my local Shell station, where my fill-up helped to support Children’s National Hospital. On that day at least, I felt good about buying gas.

Last year, Shell wholesalers and retailers donated more than $1.5 million to support over 400 children’s charities through The Giving Pump. That’s a terrific story worth telling.

There’s a lot of opportunity to do good and to do better in this world."

In “Crafting Your ESG Story,” we explore another kind of story that businesses increasingly find themselves needing to tell investors, boards of directors and the other businesses with which they transact. We talked to executives at Parkland USA and Hightowers Petroleum, who told us how they approach reporting their environmental, social and governance initiatives.

Tanner Krause, CEO, Kum & Go, shared what corporate social responsibility means for the Des Moines, Iowa-based convenience retailer in this month’s Big Question interview. As Krause notes, “there’s a lot of opportunity to do good and to do better in this world.”

Also not to miss: “Creating a Caring Community,” a recap of the NACS Foundation’s fourth-annual 24/7 Day; “The Pinch of Inflation,” a look at how retailers are managing expectations as consumers tap the brakes on spending; “Security Check,” tips for amping up the safety of your c-store; and “Small Business, Big Voice,” how small retailers are making a big splash on social media.

If you’re headed to Las Vegas next month for the NACS Show, October 1–4, you’ll find lots of helpful information here to help you plan your time at the Show. Read “Unleader of the Pack,” a profile of Scott Stratten, best-selling author and founder of the firm Unmarketing, for a sneak peek at the general session he will headline on “Unleadership.”

Finally, I need to brag just a bit. This is our largest September issue ever! A huge thank you to our advertisers, many of whom are NACS members, for supporting our work. And a hearty thanks to you, dear reader, for spending time with us.

See you next month in Las Vegas at the NACS Show!