The fifth annual 24/7 day will be celebrated on July 24 and honors the first responders who are there for the community and the c-stores that keep them going. The day was created to bring awareness to the role c-stores play in offering assistance for first responders, which are often working shifts late at night when no other stores are open. The event also helps raise donations for the Red Cross.
"This event provides a way for our 1,700 stores to express our gratitude to first responders and medical professionals for their selfless service in helping us in times of need," said Nick Unkovic, president of EG America. “We are excited to partner with NACS and the American Red Cross on 24/7 Day to celebrate them and to show our appreciation for first responders.”
The connection between c-stores and community is strong, as 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes of a convenience store. There are 150,000 c-stores in the United States, and they are responsible for donating $1 billion a year to charity.
"Just like first responders, convenience stores and their workers provide essential services, while also acting as a reliable and safe hub for members of their community to connect, socialize and share," said Stephanie Sikorski, executive director of the NACS Foundation. "So much of the work that both first responders and convenience store workers do is not seen by the public. This celebration was created to shine a bright light on their service, showing them we see how much they do, and saluting them for their incredible efforts."
“At Yesway, we believe that supporting the communities we serve is essential,” said Tom Trkla, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are proud to join with the NACS Foundation and our colleagues in the convenience store industry to celebrate 24/7 Day. We are thankful for all of those who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens and communities every day. Every community has its share of these truly special individuals, and we want to acknowledge and support them and the excellent work they are doing. On behalf of everyone at Yesway and Allsup’s, we would like to thank our hometown heroes again in 2023 on 24/7 Day.”
EG America store brands will be offering a free coffee, fountain or frozen drink to first responders in uniform on 24/7 Day. Yesway is also taking part in the celebration by offering a free, any size dispensed beverage or coffee and a 2.75 ounce Yesway Potato Chips to first responders in uniform or with a badge on July 24. The convenience retailer is also encouraging community members to share stories of hometown heroes on social with the tag #247Day.
To learn more about how to honor first responders and participate in the celebration, and to see a full list of participating retailers, visit the NACS Foundation website.