Additional Convenience Retailers to Recognize Hometown Heroes on 24/7 Day
NATIONAL REPORT — More convenience store operators are sharing their plans to honor the hometown heroes who perform vital services around the clock on July 24, also known as 24/7 Day.
Hosted by the NACS Foundation, 24/7 Day helps to raise awareness and donations for the urgent humanitarian needs of the Red Cross and spotlights the convenience store industry's important role in supporting hometown heroes.
During this year's 24/7 Day, an estimated 30,000 c-stores will recognize the first responders, medical personnel, 911 professionals and Red Cross volunteers who ensure people don't face emergencies alone, regardless of the hour, as Convenience Store News reported.
"Each day, families rely on community heroes for support during disasters and other crises," said Ann McKeough, chief development officer for the American Red Cross. "We are grateful for this partnership to help ensure people don't face emergencies alone. We hope you will join us on 24/7 Day, along with the NACS Foundation, to support this work and to thank our local heroes who do so much for all of us in our most difficult moments."
GPM INVESTMENTS LLC
GPM Investments is supporting 24/7 Day by offering a free fountain or coffee beverage of any size to members of the police and fire departments as well as EMTs with valid badge or ID on July 24.
"It is an honor to participate in 24/7 Day by giving back to those in our communities who continually give so much of themselves for our safety and protection," said Michael Bloom, executive vice president and chief Marketing and merchandising officer of GPM Investments. "We're proud to partner with the NACS Foundation on this important initiative."
GPM Investments is a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp., a family of community brands. It operates or supplies stores in 33 states and Washington, D.C. As the sixth largest convenience store chain in the country, GPM has more than 3,000 locations comprising approximately 1,396 company-operated stores and 1,625 dealer sites to which it supplies fuel.
LOOP NEIGHBORHOOD
Loop Neighborhood is offering a free fountain, frozen or coffee beverage of any size to police officers, members of the fire department, EMTs, doctors, nurses, health practitioners, Red Cross volunteers and 911 professionals who are in uniform or show a badge on July 24.
"At Loop Neighborhood, we see our success as more than a number on the bottom line. Success to us is really in the ability to give back," said Pervez Pir, president of retail for Loop Neighborhood. "We celebrate our local heroes and offer our appreciation on this 24/7 Day."
The company also encourages community members to take part in 24/7 Day by sharing real stories and appreciation for hometown heroes on social media using the hashtags #247Day and #conveniencecares.
San Francisco-based Loop Neighborhood operates 55 stores across northern California and southern California. Loop Marketplace is proud to support active and healthy lifestyles by carrying organic, natural and gluten-free products. Aside from just fresher products, Loop also offers items more specifically targeted to female and millennial customers. Additionally, each location offers seating areas equipped with Wi-Fi to further enhance the experience.
TEXAS BORN
Texas Born (TXB) will offer a free bag of TXB jerky and a free one-liter bottle of TXB premium electrolyte water to doctors, nurses, EMTs, police officers, sheriffs, members of the highway patrol, members of the fire department, 911 dispatchers and American Red Cross volunteers in uniform or with a badge on July 24.
"First responders, medical personnel and volunteers go above and beyond every day to keep our communities safe and healthy, and we couldn't be more grateful for their service," said Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB. "As one of many TXB community initiatives, we are honored to continue our part in 24/7 Day. This year's offerings to these incredible individuals is the least we can do to say thank you!"
The retailer is also encouraging community members to post their stories and appreciation on social media.
Spicewood, Texas-based TXB operates more than 47 convenience stores throughout Texas and Oklahoma.
TRI STAR ENERGY
Tri Star Energy's Twice Daily and Sudden Service convenience stores offered a free medium fountain drink or coffee to all first responders who are in uniform or show their badge for 24/7 Day. The offer is eligible at all Twice Daily and Sudden Service locations.
"We're grateful for all first responders and the services they provide to our nation," said Steve Hostetter, CEO of Tri Star Energy. "Now it's our turn to serve our local first responders in the Middle Tennessee and greater Huntsville, Alabama, areas on 24/7 Day."
According to the NACS Foundation, other c-stores participating in 24/7 Day include 1 Stop, Admiral, Apple Market, BreadBox, California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, Casey's General Stores, The Convenience Group LLC, Delek, ExtraMile, E-Z Mart, Fas Mart, Fast Market, GPM Investments, GSTV, Handy Mart, High's, Holiday Stationstores, The Hub Convenience Stores, Huck's, Jiffy Stop, Jiffi Stop, Li'l Cricket, Maverik, Minit Mart, NENA, Next Door Store, Pilot Co., Quik Stop, R-Store, RaceTrac, Rapid Refill & Garrett's Family Market, Roadrunner Markets, Rutter's, Scotchman, Shore Stop, Spinx, St. Romain Oil, Town Star, Village Pantry, Wawa, Yesway, and Young's.
Alexandria-based NACS is a leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. NACS is a trusted adviser to retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries.