On July 24, the NACS Foundation’s held its 7th annual 24/7 Day. Every July 24 (24/7 Day), the NACS Foundation unites convenience stores across America in recognizing first responders, medical personnel and American Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock, 24/7, to serve our communities to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone.

This year, 24/7 Day had stores participate across 48 states, with over 100 retail brands and supplier partners. The NACS Foundation also announced three winners of the First Responder of the Year Award after receiving over 70 nominations.

The first-place winner, Charles Biery, of Newport, Kentucky, will receive free gas for a year courtesy of GSTV, free Keurig Dr Pepper products for a year and will attend the NACS Show to receive his award on October 15.

The NACS Foundation First Responder of the Year Award runner up winners were Angela Ryan from Rockville, Indiana and Kevin Umscheid from St. George, Kansas. Both will receive free Keurig Dr Pepper products for a year and be honored at the NACS Show.

“24/7 Day is a powerful reminder that the convenience industry isn’t just in every community, we are part of the community. From honoring hometown heroes like Charles, Angela and Kevin to seeing local retailers and suppliers show up with heartfelt generosity, this campaign reflects what’s best about our industry,” said Kevin O'Connell, NACS Foundation executive director. “It’s not about recognition. It’s about gratitude. And this year’s record participation shows just how deeply our industry values the first responders who serve us all, 24/7.”

Here is a look at how some retailers celebrated the day:

G Spot Convenience Stores:

• In Davenport, Iowa, team members surprised 25 local firefighters with sweet treats. In Tarkio, Missouri, 17 police, fire and EMS professionals gathered—lights flashing—for a celebration photo.

• One district manager spent her birthday traveling between stores to photograph and celebrate first responders in action.

Casey’s:

• Donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support communities affected by flooding in Texas.

• Contributed $1,000 to the Marshall, Indiana Volunteer Fire Department in honor of First Responder of the Year recipient Angie Ryan.

HOP Shops:

• Donated 10 cents for every coffee and soft drink sold on 24/7 Day to the American Red Cross.

• Told NACS: “NACS 24/7 Day helped us realize how much we can—and should—give back to our first responders year-round.”

Onvo:

• Honored their team member and Harford Volunteer Fire Company veteran, Edward “Chip” Chidester, with a local news story that spotlighted both his service and Onvo’s 24/7 Day commitment.

Hub Convenience Stores:

• Printed and distributed 500 custom first responder coupons to a wide network of local and regional emergency services—including sheriff’s offices, 911 dispatch, hospitals, fire departments and EMS. In one town, a police department ordered 55 mini pizzas using their coupons to feed their entire staff.

Circle K:

• Celebrated first responders across the country through store activations and digital storytelling. Coverage included a national Yahoo! News feature, recognition from the American Red Cross Southern California Region and widespread social media support.

• Contributed to the American Red Cross to support aid in the Los Angeles wildfires, Hurricane Helene and the Texas floods.

FavTrip:

• Shared a powerful reflection on how 24/7 Day unites the convenience industry, even in a highly competitive landscape. Their message on LinkedIn acknowledged the NACS Foundation for championing industry-wide collaboration and emphasized how collective gratitude can be a powerful force for good.

High’s:

• Donated 30 cents to the American Red Cross for every High’s branded water item sold in the month of June.

• Honored 15 High’s Hometown Heroes on 24/7 Day.

More information about and resources for NACS 24/7 Day can be found here. Read more about previous NACS 24/7 Day’s in the September 2024 issue of NACS Magazine.