Kum & Go Supports Suicide Prevention

It’s OK to not be OK. That’s the message Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go is spreading through a new partnership with Please Pass The Love. Together, the two groups are collaborating on the “Stick By Me” suicide prevention initiative.

The stickers, featuring crisis lifelines and resources via text, phone and QR code, are shared with students and educators at more than 1,000 schools across Iowa for no cost through Please Pass The Love. Kum & Go also will display the stickers in restroom stalls at its 400-plus stores in 11 states.

“I’m not shy in talking about my own mental health journey,” said Kum & Go CEO Tanner Krause. “These past few years have brought a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on all of us. I’m proud to say I’ve sought out my own mental health resources which have provided me valuable guidance on how to live my life.” (Read our interview with Krause in the September 2021 issue.)

“Stick By Me” was launched in February 2022 as an urgent community response to numerous suicides of young Des Moines area students. Please Pass The Love used its leading role in Iowa as an education-focused advocacy organization to provide suicide prevention resources to educators and students of all ages by sharing crisis information and encouraging them to talk about their mental health and well-being.

Through “Stick By Me” messaging, Please Pass The Love is asking schools, businesses and other service-based nonprofits to display the stickers and make the support resources available to their communities. Kum & Go stores and restrooms offer a heavily trafficked display for countless community members who may be in need.

“Please Pass the Love’s focus on transforming mental health and suicide prevention in youth is the perfect alignment with Kum & Go’s core values and purpose,” said Reed Rainey, COO at Kum & Go. “We are honored to play a role and positively impact the communities in which we serve, live and do business by being a partner in their Stick By Me initiative.”

In The Community

Every year, the convenience and fuel retailing industry dedicates billions of dollars to advancing the futures of individuals and families in our communities. The NACS Foundation unifies and builds on NACS members’ charitable efforts to amplify their work in communities across America, and to share these powerful stories.

Learn more at www.conveniencecares.org.

RAISE A CUP TO FOLDS OF HONOR

Stillwater, Oklahoma-based OnCue and Folds of Honor teamed up again to offer a limited-edition fundraiser cup. OnCue is donating 50 cents for each cup purchased through June 30, and proceeds will go to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides academic scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled service members.

“Folds of Honor aligns with our community mission to support children through education, and with both organizations having Oklahoma roots, it just made sense,” said Laura Aufleger, president of OnCue. “It’s a privilege to work with Folds of Honor again and give thanks to our veterans and their families for their sacrifices.”

The two groups partnered in 2019 and raised $10,000 in scholarship money through sales of the cups.

“Helping to provide an education to the spouses and children of America’s heroes truly changes lives. OnCue understands that, and we’re excited to be working with them on this important mission,” said Brandon Baker, the regional impact officer in Oklahoma for Folds of Honor.

ENMARKET DONATES FUEL TO ASSIST WITH TORNADO CLEANUP

After a devastating tornado struck Bryan County, Georgia, in early April, Savannah-based Enmarket donated 500 gallons of diesel fuel to assist residents with cleanup efforts in areas around Pembroke and Black Creek.

Enmarket partnered with Badger Rental Services to help fuel fleets of trucks, tractors and construction equipment provided by volunteers who helped clean up trees and storm debris.

“Because of Enmarket’s generosity, we loaded up and refueled the good people who are giving their time for our neighbors,” said Garrett Shurling, president and CEP of Badger Rental Services.

“Tons of pickups, trailers, skid steers, tractors and excavators have been showing up every day, and you would not believe the difference in just a few days after the hard work of so many. Although some places are still in total devastation, our neighbors have restored a kind of new normal to tons of families.”

ENERGY NORTH SUPPORTS MDA FOR 18TH YEAR

Energy North Group (ENG) of Lawrence, Massachusetts, hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock fundraiser campaign in March to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This year the company marked its 18th year of support for MDA by raising $101,415 for the organization.

"This is an initiative that brings people together for good," said Pat O'Connell, executive vice president, ENG. "The MDA makes a tremendous difference in the lives of all those affected by neuromuscular diseases."

ENG, Haffner's and Tradewinds gas stations, car washes and convenience stores made MDA shamrocks available for customers to purchase as direct donations. ENG also donated $2 for every car wash purchased.

WAWA LOVES NURSES

The Wawa Community Care Vehicle made a special visit to nominated hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic during Nurses Week, May 6-12, to serve up to 300 cups of coffee per visit as a way of extending Wawa’s appreciation to health-care heroes.

“We appreciate the tireless efforts and ongoing commitment nurses have shown these last challenging years and want to continue doing our part of showing appreciation to healthcare heroes with the Coffee & Care Tour,” said Chris Gheysens, president and CEO, Wawa, based in Pennsylvania. “We hope our visit brightens the days of thousands of nurses in the community and lets the healthcare community know they can always count on Wawa.”

Social Shares: NACS encourages retailers to share their giving-back news on social media using #ConvenienceCares.