TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the BP portfolio, has hosted anti-human trafficking briefings at select sites nationwide in collaboration with TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking).
“TAT Junction Briefings are free, in-person events designed to train truck stop and travel center employees and facilitate communication and collaboration with law enforcement. Presenters will provide an overview of human trafficking, explain how truck stop and travel center employees may be encountering human trafficking and share red flag indicators and local examples,” TA said.
The briefings are held quarterly at TA locations located within 10 miles of a major interstate or highway junction, with two to three sessions per day to accommodate different shifts of workers. In addition to TA employees, other nearby truck stop and travel center employees are invited to participate.
“It’s important that we are providing every opportunity we can for our team to be trained to recognize human trafficking,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TA. “I have personally witnessed the impact our team members can have as the eyes and ears of the highway. We look forward to building stronger relationships with the local law enforcement community and thank TAT for the opportunity to host these important meetings at our sites.”
TA has supported TAT for more than 10 years and donates a portion of funds raised in its annual TA Charity Golf Outing to TAT. In 2024, TA donated over $100,000. This past January, in recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, TA made a $10,000 donation to TAT.
TA also plans to “continue providing annual human trafficking training to all team members and display TAT posters in guest-facing areas, providing information on how to get help.”
Access more information from NACS about anti-human trafficking efforts in convenience stores.
In The Community
EG America Donates to Toys for Tots
EG America supported Toys for Tots and the U.S. Marine Corps through its annual holiday toy drive. Team members at its headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts, brought in toys to donate to children in need for the holidays. “In addition, Novelty Inc., Starmaker, Global Consumer Products and Lynco Products, all of which provide toys, novelty items and accessories for our stores, also donated items,” EG America said.
Circle K Supports Wildfire Relief
As the Los Angeles area worked to recover from devastating wildfires, Circle K supported the American Red Cross to help local communities. Circle K offered 40 cents off per gallon on fuel purchases on January 16 and donated a portion of the proceeds from the event to Red Cross relief efforts in California.
More than 240 Circle K locations across California, Oregon and Washington participated.
7-Eleven Revamps Youth Education Program
The 7-Eleven Cares Foundation, an arm of 7-Eleven Inc., launched its revamped Project A-Game youth education and development program. The initiative is now anchored by a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, “aiming to empower youth across the country through hyperlocal, community-based engagement.”
As part of the program’s refresh, 7-Eleven invited its franchise owners to apply for a $1,000 matching grant from the 7-Eleven Cares Foundation to support their local Boys & Girls Club or another eligible youth education organization.
Alltown Fresh Supports Heart Health Month
In honor of February’s Heart Health Month, Alltown Fresh launched a two-month campaign to fight heart disease and benefit local children’s hospitals. Alltown Fresh locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York offered a Breakfast Power Bowl, with a portion of sales going to a regional hospital in each state where Alltown Fresh operates.
“Heart Health Month is a meaningful opportunity to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health and extend our support to local hospitals making a difference in children’s lives,” said Laura Derba, Global Partners LP senior vice president of retail operations.
Kent Kwik Runs Round-Up Charity Campaign
Kent Kwik brought back its Round Up for Charity campaign for the months of January and February. “When you visit any Kent Kwik Convenience Store, you’ll have the chance to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar—whether at the register or the pump. Every penny goes to an incredible cause: PBRC (Permian Basin Rehab Center),” Kent Kwik said.
Kent Kwik said the donations will help kids with disabilities and special needs with things from physical therapy to speech therapy and other essential services. Last year the retailer “donated a record-breaking $110,000 to PBRC.”