Community Service Spotlight: EG America, Little General Stores & OnCue
NATIONAL REPORT — Giving back through community service efforts and charitable donations is a positive force that keeps many retailers and suppliers of this industry moving ahead. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News highlights these philanthropic efforts in this special section.
EG America
EG America raised $800,000 for DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support to veterans and their families.
Throughout the month of November, guests visiting EG America's Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N' Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill stores were encouraged to donate $1, $5 or an amount of their choosing to DAV.
The 2024 fundraiser, the company's sixth consecutive year, surpassed all previous years' donation amounts. In total, Westborough, Mass.-based EG America has raised more than $4 million for DAV since the inception of the partnership.
"We are proud to partner with DAV and continue our support of the tremendous work the organization does for our nation's veterans," said John Carey, EG America president and CEO. "We are thankful for the generosity of our guests and the commitment of our team members for making this fundraiser a success year after year."
Little General Stores
Beckley, W.Va.-based Little General Stores made its annual $5,000 donation to the local Toys for Tots program helping ensure that families in need had gifts underneath the Christmas tree this past season.
"We know that the holiday season can be a trying time for families in southern West Virginia," said Greg Darby, president and CEO of Little General Stores. "We are honored to be able to give back to our community and to support those in need."
Representatives from Little General Stores and Toys for Tots gathered at the Little General Store on Harper Road in Beckley for the check presentation.
"Little General is honored to be able to help out many charities throughout the year and one of our favorites is Toys for Tots … what they do for children during such a special time this Christmas, it’s wonderful for all of us," said Charles Houck, director of public relations for Little General Stores."
Nittany MinitMart
Central Pennsylvania-based Nittany MinitMart raised more than $24,000 for Hurricane Helene relief in October. The retailer, which operates 28 locations across Pennsylvania, worked with its suppliers to purchase and deliver 38,304 bottles of water.
"We were heartbroken by the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene," said John Martin, president of Nittany MinitMart. "Seeing people without power and water drove us to find a way to make a difference."
The stores also raised funds through a roundup at checkout program throughout the month of October. The $24,165 raised was donated to Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization providing aid and resources to those affected.
"We run round-up programs several times a year, and this was one of our most successful ones yet," said Nicole Masullo, division manager of operations at Nittany MinitMart. "We're incredibly proud of the compassion our customers have shown through their generosity. We know our contributions will go a long way in helping these communities rebuild."
OnCue
OnCue raised $275,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during its fall fundraiser, bringing the partnership total to more than $3.8 million over 17 years.
During the month of October, OnCue connected its customers to the cause through pinup sales, rounding change at the register and specialty fountain cups. Throughout pinup sales, OnCue team members had additional opportunities to show off their St. Jude support through "Dress as a Superhero Day."
Along with in-store efforts, Stillwater, Okla.-based OnCue hosted its annual golf tournament for its business partners. The retailer also put on its St. Jude Walk with friends and family.
POET
POET, a producer of biofuels, donated more than $629,000 through its 2024 Community Impact Grant Program. The program was established by POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin so that individuals and organizations operating in POET's home communities can apply for funding to support projects that create a positive impact. Each grant is awarded to causes that fall under one of three categories: the Earth, the Community and the Next Generation.
The 2024 POET Community Impact Grant Program — which included its Sioux Falls, S.D., headquarters, all 34 POET bioprocessing locations and its Savannah, Ga., terminal — received nearly 1,400 applications. POET ultimately awarded nearly 150 grants, totaling $629,000, across its footprint.
"For almost four decades, POET has been committed to making a positive difference in the world," said Alyssa Broin Christensen, POET vice president, team and community Impact. "We understand that change starts at home — in the communities where we live and work. The Community Impact Grant Program is our way of supporting organizations and individuals who are just as passionate about improving their communities as we are."
Eligible parties apply online for a chance to receive a grant from their local POET location. Team members at each respective location then select and award grant recipients. This year’s recipients included local fire departments, schools, libraries, parks, food pantries, and a variety of youth programs, among many others.
The Spinx Co.
The Spinks Family Foundation awarded more than $1.2 million to 153 local organizations in 2024. The money raised is a combination of the foundation's monthly donations, grant awards, annual Spinx store campaigns and the annual Spinx Charity Classic Golf Tournament.
Each year, Greenville, S.C.-based Spinx hosts an annual golf tournament to benefit local charities. Beneficiaries are selected by the Spinks Family Foundation board and are granted a three-year term. The 2024 Spinx Charity Classic was the most profitable golf tournament in company history, raising more than $150,000 for the local charities. The 2024 beneficiaries were American Red Cross, Gateway House Inc., Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army and United Ministries. These organizations will remain Charity Classic beneficiaries through 2026.
"We are deeply committed to investing in the communities we call home and empowering the organizations that work tirelessly to serve those in need," said Stewart Spinks, founder of Spinx. "This year's grant recipients reflect a broad spectrum of causes that align with our mission of strengthening the fabric of our local communities."
Stewart's Shops
Stewart's Shops customers donated more than $885,000 to Holiday Match this season. With Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Stewart's Shops doubling those donations, more than $1.75 million will be distributed to support local nonprofit children's charities throughout upstate New York and Vermont.
Following the fundraiser period, Stewart’s Shops Chief Operating Officer Chad Kiesow worked shifts at the retailer's Nassau, N.Y., and North Creek, N.Y., shops to thank its partners for their hard work and its customers for their generosity during the Holiday Match season.
"Working a shift or two in a Stewart's Shop is always humbling, you get a better appreciation for what our partners do day in and day out for our communities," Kiesow said. "It is a great opportunity to learn what we can do better. It also is the perfect opportunity to thank the customers who support us all year."