Pilot is its continuing its long-standing support of the American Heart Association (Heart Association) and Heart & Stroke, supporting heart health education, research and prevention efforts across the United States and Canada, according to a press release.

In 2026, Pilot’s goal is to raise $1 million for the cause. Now in its ninth campaign year with the Heart Association, Pilot and its customers have raised a total of nearly $10 million.

Julius Cox, executive vice president, chief people and administrative officer at Pilot and stroke survivor, said, “Heart disease and stroke affect millions of lives every year, including my own. After overcoming my experience, I became even more committed to taking care of my personal health and encouraging others to do the same. Every dollar raised during the campaign helps fund groundbreaking research and equips communities with life-saving tools and education they need to keep more hearts beating.”

From January 30 through February 22, 2026, Pilot is inviting customers “to turn their everyday stops into moments of impact, helping fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the United States.”

Customers can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers and contribute to the cause in a couple of ways:

• Paper hearts and round up: Customers at U.S. locations can add a $1, $3 or $5 paper heart or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign. Customers at Canadian locations can round up their in-store purchases, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Heart & Stroke in Canada.
• Donate in the app: For the first time, customers can now donate $1, $3 or $5 directly through the Pilot app when placing a mobile order.

To thank customers for their contributions, Pilot app users who join the "Heart Month Challenge" and purchase a paper heart in-store will receive an offer for a free coffee on their next visit.

Alongside the company’s fundraising efforts, Pilot said it is committed to helping its team members take meaningful steps toward better heart health. During Heart Month, the company’s employees will have access to hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources and heart health education developed by the Heart Association to support prevention, awareness and lifesaving action.