ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Love’s Travel Stops contributed $1.5 million to the United Way of Central Oklahoma in 2022, including over $650,000 raised by employees through the company’s annual campaign that takes place each October. Since 1999, Love’s has donated more than $9 million to the organization.

“Love’s corporate employees always look forward to the annual United Way campaign because it gives them the opportunity to give back to the community they are a part of,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s and chair elect, board of directors for United Way of Central Oklahoma. “The tremendous impact the United Way has is vital to the Greater Oklahoma City area, and it’s always great to see the numerous ways our team members are willing to help their fellow community members every year.”

For this year’s campaign, money was raised for the United Way of Central Oklahoma with the help of Love’s corporate employees who pledged funds and participated in virtual auctions and raffles. In addition, Love’s contributed a 50%match of all employee donations. Other contributions to the total included vendor donations and donations earlier this year to the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma and Urban League.

“From a record-breaking workplace campaign to countless hours spent volunteering, the generosity of the Love’s team never ceases to amaze us,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. “Love’s has a true heart for this community, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support of our United Way.”

In 2021, more than 600,000 service connections of shelter, food and/or material goods were made through the United Way of Central Oklahoma Partner Agencies. All donations raised during Love’s campaign will go to the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s 54 Partner Agencies to help address issues ranging from homelessness to food insecurities and crisis intervention.

Meanwhile, Scranton, Pennsylvania-based Onvo has raised $21,000 for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

Every October, Onvo sells pink ribbons to support breast cancer awareness in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2021, Onvo raised $10,000 through this initiative.

This year, Onvo chose to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition because of the work they do to help support local Pennsylvanians as they undergo breast cancer treatment.

“Our store teams were honored to have the opportunity to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, and it showed in their eagerness to promote this fundraiser at the store level. I’m really proud of our store teams for exceeding our goals for this fundraiser,” said Bill Donmoyer, vice president of operations, travel plazas.

Onvo is a hospitality company that serves traveling motorists through a network of businesses, including 40 travel plazas and gas stations, 23 quick-service and full-service restaurants and six hotels located throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and upstate New York.

Also, The GATE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jacksonville-based GATE Petroleum Company, and GATE customers raised $40,000 in support of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Funds were raised in GATE convenience stores in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina through the company’s “Buddy for a Buck” paper icon campaign.

From October 1-21, customers could donate $1.00 and sign their name on a paper icon displayed in the GATE store. Customers could also donate by rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar. Funds were allocated to local Down Syndrome Associations in the communities where collected.

“It was an honor to work with our local Down Syndrome Associations and meet so many amazing children and families,” said Kathy Brady, executive director of the GATE Foundation. “We are so grateful to our customers who helped make this campaign a success.”

In addition to corporate giving, the GATE Foundation conducts two paper icon and two coin box collection campaigns each year to benefit organizations that align with its mission to support efforts and services that nurture and protect the well-being of family and community.

“The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) is thrilled to have received $40,000 from the ‘Buddy for a Buck’ campaign. The monies raised will directly support the many programs and services we currently offer our families,” said Debbie Revels, DSAJ executive director. “On behalf of the staff, board of directors and our families, we send a heartfelt thank you to the GATE Foundation. Our hearts are full of gratitude.”