Community Service Spotlight

NATIONAL REPORT -- Giving back through community service efforts and charity donations is a positive force that keeps many retailers and suppliers of this industry moving ahead. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News will highlight these philanthropic efforts in this special section. Here are the latest company spotlights:

Aloha Petroleum Ltd.
Aloha Petroleum recently helped plant a seed toward another successful century for The Outdoor Circle by presenting the organization with a $2,500 donation. The Outdoor Circle recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

In other company charity news, Aloha Petroleum presented the American Red Cross, Hawaii Chapter, with a check for $4,341 to support the organization's mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

During September and October, Aloha Petroleum set up donation collection canisters at Aloha Island Mart convenience stores on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and at select Shell locations.

BP
Thirteen organizations from South Mississippi received grants from BP to promote Gulf Coast tourism and the seafood industry after the 2010 oil spill.

While $4,554,900 went to the local organizations, $33 million in grants was awarded in total across four states.

Recipients included Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association, Mississippi Gulf Coast Charter Boat Association, Pass Christian Main Street, Ship Island Excursions, Mississippi Hospitality/Restaurant Association, Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, Mississippi Hotel/Lodging Association, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Hancock County Tourism Development Board, Gulf Coast Writers Association, Hancock Community Development Foundation and Infinity Science Center.

East Coast Beer Co.
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, East Coast Beer Co. launched a fundraising initiative, Beach Haus Rally for Relief, to collect donations and assistance to help families affected by the destruction of the storm. For every case of Beach Haus Classic American Pilsner, Kick Back Ale and Winter Rental Black Lager, East Coast Beer Co. will donate $1 to the New Jersey Relief Fund organized by the state's First Lady Marie Pat Christie.

A number of East Coast Beer Co.'s distributors are also getting involved. From now until Jan. 31, , every $1 donation will be comprised of a 50-cent donation from the sale of Beach Haus beer brands, as well as a 50-cent donation from one of the local distributors.

Kohler Distributors, Ritchie & Page and Harrison Beverage are just a few of the local distributors that have already signed up to Rally for Relief and support this effort.

To join East Coast Beer Co. in this Rally for Relief, supporters can buy a case of beer, cut out and mail an original UPC bar code from the bottom of one of the cases to: East Coast Beer Co., Attn: Beach Haus Rally for Relief, 528D Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. 08742.

Kum & Go LC
Kum & Go LC donated $350,000 to the Des Moines Social Club (Iowa) for its capital campaign to renovate the downtown firehouse. The nonprofit arts organization is trying to raise $3.5 million to purchase and renovate the former Des Moines fire station in downtown Des Moines.

The Des Moines Social Club hopes to have the renovation completed next year with full programming by 2014.

Marfood USA
Through its Pemmican Brand Operation Gratitude promotion, Marfood USA was recently able to make a sizable donation of Pemmican Beef Jerky to deployed U.S. troops.

For every bag of Pemmican 3.25-ounce Beef Jerky shoppers bought between Memorial Day and Independence Day 2012, Pemmican matched the purchase with a donation of more than $20,000 worth of Pemmican Flex-pack Beef Jerky to Operation Gratitude to include in care packages to deployed military personnel that are sent out in the fourth quarter of each year.

Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based organization that sends personal care packages and letters to deployed U.S. military troops.

Royal Buying Group, Inc.
Royal Buying Group Inc.'s 12th annual scholarship program is now accepting applications. The Royal Buying Group Scholarship Program is available to eligible candidates that are high school seniors, or graduates who are planning to or are enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States that will lead to an academic degree.

Eligible candidates include Royal Buying Group (RBG) members and/or their children. All RBG affiliations are eligible, including: Shell Buying Club, Sinclair Rebate Program, LukOil Buying Club, Getty Buying Club, KwikFarms Buying Club, Gulf Advantage, Tesoro VIP Club, TETCO Advantage, Irving Oil Buying Club, Lavigne Baker VIP Club, Smoker Friendly, Pace Alliance, and NATSO participating locations.

To date, RBG has given out 20 scholarships to students that are part of their membership.

All applicants must fax or mail their completed applications in by Dec. 31, 2012 in order to be considered for this year's scholarship program.