OKLAHOMA CITY & WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass.—Love’s Travel Stops has donated $1,036,900 to the United Way of Central Oklahoma through its annual employee campaign in 2021. Since 1999, Love’s has donated more than $8.5 million to the organization.
Money was raised for the United Way of Central Oklahoma by Love’s corporate employees who pledged funds and participated in virtual auctions and raffles. Love’s also matched employee contributions by 50%. Other components contributing to the total included vendor donations and donations earlier this year to the Homeless Alliance and Positive Tomorrows.
“Love’s corporate employees really enjoy the annual United Way campaign because they can give back to organizations in the town they live in and that are important to them,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “The life-changing work the United Way does is vital to the Greater Oklahoma City area, and I’m amazed to see the numerous ways our team members step up to help their fellow citizens each year, especially this year when they donated a record amount.”
In 2020, more than 60,000 residents received shelter, food and/or material goods through the United Way of Central Oklahoma. All donations raised during Love’s campaign will go to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s 55 partner agencies to help address issues ranging from homelessness to food insecurities and crisis intervention.
Gulf Oil Helps Youth
Gulf Oil has donated $25,000 to the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Boys & Girls Club in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The donation benefits the club’s technology room through upgrades and resources, including Adobe software, new computers, a 3D printer and in-house technology support.
The donation was presented to the Jordan Boys & Girls Club by members of the Gulf leadership team at a Gulf-hosted event this September. Devin McCourty, NFL Patriots defensive back, also joined the event and spoke of his support and hosted a Q&A session ranging from football strategy to community involvement from student members in attendance.
"As a company, we are focused on giving back to the Chelsea community and the other communities in which we operate," said Eric Johnson, president and CEO of Gulf. "Our partnership with the Patriots has allowed us to recognize and act upon a passion we share with the organization for creating and fostering opportunities for our local youth."
About 50 Jordan Boys & Girls Club members in the fifth, sixth and seventh grades were invited to join in the event this September. Along with the Q&A segment, Gulf surprised those in attendance with Gulf- and Patriots-branded giveaways and photo opportunities with the Patriots mascot and cheerleaders.
"Bridging the digital divide for kids within the Boston area has been an initiative of mine throughout my time in New England. It has been refreshing to work with Gulf as they aim to do their part in helping students gain access to the tools they need," said McCourty.
Gulf has donated $75,000 this year in support of youth organizations in the Boston community, including the Red Sox Foundation's RBI program and programs through the American Cancer Society.