The NACS Foundation this week, in conjunction with the NACS Leadership Forum in Miami Beach, Florida, donated $1,000 each to two Miami-area nonprofits to help further their work of providing services to first responders and food pantries in the area. The effort is part of the NACS Foundation’s newly launched Convenience Has Heart campaign.
The Convenience Has Heart campaign— strategically launched the week leading up to Valentine’s Day—was created to tangibly show how convenience stores are community stores, and how much the industry cares about its neighbors.
“The NACS Foundation is launching the Convenience Has Heart campaign, showing what many already know—that our industry cares very deeply about the community and people that we serve,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation, during the event. “We are not just convenience stores; we are community hubs and we take care to make sure we show up in all the ways our communities need.”
The First Responders Resiliency Foundation, which provides care for those who voluntarily sacrifice their physical and mental well-being for others, received the first $1,000 donation. Support for this group ties back to the NACS Foundation’s Response Relief pillar, which supports local first responders who frequent convenience stores as a safe place to connect and recharge.
“The First Responders Resiliency Foundation’s aim is to be proactive in providing resources and education to improve the mind and body—from simple croquetas and cafecito to connection to licensed mental health professionals for consultations and ongoing support. Donations such as this one ensure first responders get the education and treatment they need,” said Emily Gould, LCSW, mental health coordinator, First Responders Resiliency Foundation, at the event while accepting the donation.
The other recipient was the Food for Life Network, which is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity and malnutrition for those living with chronic illnesses in Miami-Dade County. This support falls under the Foundation’s Neighborhood Nourish pillar.
“For more than 40 years, Food for Life has made sure no one in Miami goes without a meal. More than 287,000 residents struggle with food insecurity and more than 14% of children lack consistent access to meals,” said Jonathan Welsh, director of marketing and communications, Food for Life Network.
After the checks were presented, attendees at the NACS Leadership Forum wrote personal, hand-written messages of thanks and encouragement for local first responders. The cards were then filled with coupons provided by Wawa for a free Sizzli and a free hoagie, and will be given to Miami first responders through the First Responder Resiliency Foundation and to Food for Life food pantry clients.
The NACS Foundation unifies the convenience and fuel retailing industry's charitable efforts—turning fragmented local giving into coordinated national impact. Through programs like 24/7 Day and Neighborhood Nourish, more than 30,000 stores now work together to honor first responders, fight hunger and invest in future industry leaders through scholarships. Learn how you can get involved here.