The NACS Foundation’s annual 24/7 Day is this Thursday, July 24. 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.
The annual event helps raise awareness and donations for the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross and spotlights our industry’s important role in supporting local heroes and the communities we serve.
"Convenience stores are community stores – more than 93% of Americans live within just 10 minutes of one. Given this, they serve as lifelines in times of crisis – offering first responders a place to assess emergency situations, recharge, reconnect and stay fueled," said NACS Foundation Executive Director Kevin O’Connell. "Further, the 24/7 operations of convenience stores means that even outside of crisis, there are deep relationships between first responders and convenience workers, and this celebration takes a day to honor and celebrate that."
This year’s theme is "We see you, we thank you." The theme was inspired by the heroic efforts of first responders and American Red Cross volunteers in recent natural disasters, specifically during Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles Wildfires.
Want to know which stores are participating? Check out the Foundation’s 24/7 interactive map featuring all participating stores and their offers.
High’s, located in Baltimore, Maryland, has been participating in NACS 24/7 Day since 2020. In 2024, High’s implemented its “High’s Hometown Hero” campaign for the first time to further recognize local heroes. “It was a social media campaign that kicked off in July, that allowed customers and High’s employees to nominate a High’s Hometown Hero from their store area,” said Michele Truelove, senior vice president of retail at High’s. “We celebrated the winners in our stores on 24/7 Day with special recognition.” The winners were picked by High’s and received a High’s swag bag and a recognition award.
New for this year, the NACS Foundation is proud to launch the First Responder of the Year Award which recognizes the unwavering dedication, courage and service of first responders who go above and beyond to protect and support their communities.
Presented on behalf of the convenience store industry and the NACS Foundation, this award highlights the shared commitment of retailers and suppliers to honor those who serve 24/7.
Interested in sharing a story about a hero you know? Share your #247Day story by joining the conversation on social media, sharing photos and stories on social with the #247Day tag to honor a first responder that holds a special place in your heart.