Pennsylvania-based Nittany MinitMart’s sixth annual Fuel the Cause campaign raised a record high of $183,570.91 to support volunteer fire companies across central and northern Pennsylvania, the retailer said in a press release sent to NACS.

The campaign ran from March through June and surpassed last year’s record total by almost $7,000, bringing the grand total raised since the fundraiser began in 2019 to over $700,000. Nittany MinitMart said this year’s campaign will directly support 40 volunteer fire stations, impacting 900+ firefighters and the 250,000+ residents they serve.

“We’re thrilled to break another record,” said Nicole Masullo, Nittany MinitMart’s operations division manager. “Every year, we push harder—reaching out to sponsors, promoting the cause throughout our region and making it easier for customers to get involved. And every year, our community shows up in a bigger way.”

Nittany MinitMart and Pennsylvania Skill games each donated one cent per gallon of gas sold, along with other partner brands who sponsored the effort. Customers joined in by rounding up their purchases, making donations in-store and ordering from an LTO Firehouse Foods menu, with a portion of all sales from the menu going to the campaign.

This year also marked the second time Nittany MinitMart “successfully petitioned the governor’s office to formally recognize the impact of volunteer firefighters.” Governor Josh Shapiro declared April 9 through 15 as Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week in Pennsylvania to raise awareness across the state about the issues volunteer fire companies are facing.

“Thanks to every customer, sponsor and employee who made this year’s campaign such a success,” Masullo said. “Together, we’re keeping our communities stronger and safer.”

In other recent Nittany MinitMart news, earlier this year the retailer unveiled its Signature Burger Menu—"a limited-time lineup of hearty, made-to-order burgers perfect for grilling season.”