MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The NACS Foundation revealed its new Convenience Has Heart campaign at the NACS Leadership Forum, launching with $1,000 donations to two Miami-area nonprofits that support first responders and food-insecure residents.
| Click here for our complete C-store coverage |
Timed for the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, the campaign highlights the role of convenience stores as community hubs and trusted neighborhood partners.
“The NACS Foundation is launching the Convenience Has Heart campaign, showing what many already know, that our industry cares very deeply about the community and people that we serve,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. “We are not just convenience stores; we are community hubs and we take care to make sure we show up in all the ways our communities need.”
Supporting First Responders and Fighting Hunger
The First Responders Resiliency Foundation received its first $1,000 check. The organization offers proactive mental and physical health resources to first responders, supporting the Foundation’s Response Relief pillar.
“The First Responders Resiliency Foundation’s aim is to be proactive in providing resources and education to improve the mind and body, from simple croquetas and cafecito to connection to licensed mental health professionals for consultations and ongoing support,” said Emily Gould, LCSW, mental health coordinator for the foundation.
The second $1,000 donation was given to Food for Life Network, which aims to eliminate food insecurity and malnutrition among residents with chronic illnesses in Miami-Dade County. The donation is part of the Foundation’s Neighborhood Nourish program.
“For more than 40 years, Food for Life has made sure no one in Miami goes without a meal,” said Jonathan Welsh, director of marketing and communications for the organization, noting that more than 287,000 residents in the county struggle with food insecurity.
Industry Engagement
After the check presentations, Leadership Forum attendees wrote handwritten notes of encouragement for local first responders. The cards were paired with coupons from Wawa for a free Sizzli sandwich and hoagie. The packages will be distributed through the First Responders Resiliency Foundation and to Food for Life pantry clients.
The NACS Foundation coordinates charitable efforts within the convenience and fuel retail industry, aligning national initiatives like 24/7 Day and Neighborhood Nourish to support first responders, fight hunger, and fund scholarships for future industry leaders.
Submit Your Press Release
Have news to share? Send us your press releases and announcements.
Send Press Release
