Sheetz Teams with Salvation Army for Christmas
ALTOONA, Pa. -- The holidays came early this year for some Altoona-area children, thanks to employees of the family-owned convenience chain, Sheetz Inc., and the Salvation Army.
In its 12th year, the Sheetz Family Christmas program raised over $350,000 and helped more than 3,600 needy children in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The Salvation Army identifies needy families within each of the communities where Sheetz stores are located. Then, Sheetz employees take children from these families on a shopping trip to fulfill their Christmas wishes.
"We see this as a wonderful opportunity to be involved with and give back to our communities by helping those who are truly in need," said Stan Sheetz, president and CEO. "It's because of the thoughtfulness of our employees, the kindness of our vendors, and the generosity of our communities and friends that we have been able to continue this unique and special holiday tradition for 12 years."
Each year, Sheetz vendors, employees and friends in these communities work together to help make Sheetz Family Christmas a success. Local department stores open early to cater to shoppers; vendors donate money and supply food and goodies for the children; local fire companies and churches donate banquet facilities for the events; local bus companies and drivers donate time and services to transport shoppers; and Sheetz employees donate their time to lead fundraisers and take the children shopping.
Sheetz Family Christmas began in 1992 when Sheetz employees in Blair County, Pa., raised money to help needy families during the holidays. Today, nearly 4,000 Sheetz employees and volunteers from every Sheetz operating area participate in the shopping days at over 40 different retail locations. Nearly all of the 9,600 Sheetz employees raise money to support the program, hosting a large celebrity golf tournament in the summer and planning numerous fundraising events at each store throughout the year. The company also receives a number of monetary donations and product contributions from employees and company vendors.
To date, Sheetz employees have raised more than $3 million for Sheetz Family Christmas and helped more than 25,000 children.
In its 12th year, the Sheetz Family Christmas program raised over $350,000 and helped more than 3,600 needy children in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The Salvation Army identifies needy families within each of the communities where Sheetz stores are located. Then, Sheetz employees take children from these families on a shopping trip to fulfill their Christmas wishes.
"We see this as a wonderful opportunity to be involved with and give back to our communities by helping those who are truly in need," said Stan Sheetz, president and CEO. "It's because of the thoughtfulness of our employees, the kindness of our vendors, and the generosity of our communities and friends that we have been able to continue this unique and special holiday tradition for 12 years."
Each year, Sheetz vendors, employees and friends in these communities work together to help make Sheetz Family Christmas a success. Local department stores open early to cater to shoppers; vendors donate money and supply food and goodies for the children; local fire companies and churches donate banquet facilities for the events; local bus companies and drivers donate time and services to transport shoppers; and Sheetz employees donate their time to lead fundraisers and take the children shopping.
Sheetz Family Christmas began in 1992 when Sheetz employees in Blair County, Pa., raised money to help needy families during the holidays. Today, nearly 4,000 Sheetz employees and volunteers from every Sheetz operating area participate in the shopping days at over 40 different retail locations. Nearly all of the 9,600 Sheetz employees raise money to support the program, hosting a large celebrity golf tournament in the summer and planning numerous fundraising events at each store throughout the year. The company also receives a number of monetary donations and product contributions from employees and company vendors.
To date, Sheetz employees have raised more than $3 million for Sheetz Family Christmas and helped more than 25,000 children.