Serving Up Thanks: Today is 24/7 Day!

Today, more than 105 retailers from across all 50 states, as well as a number of industry supplier partners, are celebrating 24/7 Day—our industry’s thank you to first responders for all they do for communities across the country.

Once again, this was a record-breaking year for participation. More than 35,000 stores are giving out special thank you’s and goodies—from “Lifesavers for lifesavers” and free snacks to complimentary coffees and fountain drinks to first responders in uniform or with a badge.

Our interactive map lists all participating locations across the country. Sort it by state or store to find a location nearest to you, or to share with a first responder in your life that deserves a token of appreciation.

Now in its eighth year, 24/7 Day has become a true nationwide celebration, with doctors, nurses, EMTs, 9-1-1 operators and American Red Cross volunteers all invited to visit a participating local convenience store and take advantage.

“We know first responders don’t do it for recognition—they do it because they genuinely care about people,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. “Every year, we gather as an industry to honor this commitment because we see firsthand the sacrifice, dedication and bravery it takes to run toward danger when the rest of us are evacuating or fleeing.”

The 24/7 Day celebration was conceived from the realization that first responders are one of the most frequent visitors to convenience stores, particularly in the small hours. As Sheetz’ Nick Ruffner recently put it, “We aim to give the same service at 2 a.m. that you’d receive at 2 p.m.” That very attitude that makes c-stores a safe place to connect and caffeinate before, during or after a shift.

From this small seed, the NACS Foundation has grown the event into a true coast-to-coast celebration where barbecues, live bands, food trucks and smiling faces welcome first responders and thank them for all they do.

Today, the NACS Foundation will also honor three First Responders of the Year. After a nationwide search, one winner and two runners up from across the country will be celebrated in their towns for demonstrating exemplary service to their communities, going above and beyond the call of duty to be true beacons in their community. We will be sharing more from these celebrations and more about the winners next week.

For more information or to learn more, visit www.247Day.org or contact Kevin O’Connell at [email protected].