Convenience Stores' Charity Donations Soar
NEW YORK -- Throughout the end of 2007 and into 2008, three convenience chains raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, and their subsequent donations will help several worthy causes, including Toys for Tots, the United Way and the Children's Miracle Network.
During November and December, Reading, Pa.-based Redner's Warehouse Market and Quick Shoppe customers purchased thousands of paper Choo Choo trains for $1, which were then hung in the stores. The proceeds went to Toys for Tots, the company stated.
The campaign, which is in its 26th year, raised $104,993 and generated more than three tractor trailer loads of new, unwrapped toys for various Toys for Tots programs throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland, according to the company.
The company's employees also helped push the campaign forward, and six Redner's associates sold more than 1,000 trains each, the company stated.
Meanwhile, the United Way of Eastern New Mexico reached its 2008 fundraising goal thanks to a $30,000 pledge from Lonnie and Barbara Allsup, owners of the Allsup's convenience store chain, the Clovis News Journal reported.
The organization collected approximately $580,000, exceeding its goal by $15,000, the group's executive director, Erinn Burch, told the paper. "They continue to be our No. 1 individual donors. We were so happy to get their gift again this year," she said. "Since Friday, we added about 30 donations from businesses and individuals."
The organization will distribute campaign funds to nearly 20 local charity groups in Curry and Roosevelt counties of New Mexico, according to the report.
"We are absolutely thrilled about exceeding the campaign goals," United Way campaign chairwoman Jamie Ingle told the paper. "All the giving is a sign of how the community is a caring community and looks out for each other. Every person who got us there helped us reach our goal."
In other community service news, S&S Food Stores, a chain of more than 50 convenience stores headquartered in Lake City, Fla., will present a $90,869 check to the Children's Miracle Network and Shands Children's Hospital, courtesy of the fundraiser held at its stores, according to an article in the company's newsletter.
Of its stores, 37 exceeded their goals for the campaign, the report stated.
During November and December, Reading, Pa.-based Redner's Warehouse Market and Quick Shoppe customers purchased thousands of paper Choo Choo trains for $1, which were then hung in the stores. The proceeds went to Toys for Tots, the company stated.
The campaign, which is in its 26th year, raised $104,993 and generated more than three tractor trailer loads of new, unwrapped toys for various Toys for Tots programs throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland, according to the company.
The company's employees also helped push the campaign forward, and six Redner's associates sold more than 1,000 trains each, the company stated.
Meanwhile, the United Way of Eastern New Mexico reached its 2008 fundraising goal thanks to a $30,000 pledge from Lonnie and Barbara Allsup, owners of the Allsup's convenience store chain, the Clovis News Journal reported.
The organization collected approximately $580,000, exceeding its goal by $15,000, the group's executive director, Erinn Burch, told the paper. "They continue to be our No. 1 individual donors. We were so happy to get their gift again this year," she said. "Since Friday, we added about 30 donations from businesses and individuals."
The organization will distribute campaign funds to nearly 20 local charity groups in Curry and Roosevelt counties of New Mexico, according to the report.
"We are absolutely thrilled about exceeding the campaign goals," United Way campaign chairwoman Jamie Ingle told the paper. "All the giving is a sign of how the community is a caring community and looks out for each other. Every person who got us there helped us reach our goal."
In other community service news, S&S Food Stores, a chain of more than 50 convenience stores headquartered in Lake City, Fla., will present a $90,869 check to the Children's Miracle Network and Shands Children's Hospital, courtesy of the fundraiser held at its stores, according to an article in the company's newsletter.
Of its stores, 37 exceeded their goals for the campaign, the report stated.