FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2024
Contact: HOP Shops Marketing, Ann Gilbert
Telephone: (844)246-7511
Email: [email protected]
Here for Heroes, Here for You: Convenience Store Industry Unites to Celebrate 24/7 Day
Sixth annual event celebrates first responders while raising funds for disaster relief
Florence, KY – On Wednesday, July 24, HOP Shops is celebrating hometown heroes and joining tens of thousands of convenience retailers and suppliers across the United States to celebrate 24/7 Day. HOP Shops will give a FREE Fountain Pop or Coffee on 7/24 and every day afterwards, to any first responder in uniform or wearing a badge – including police, fire, EMTs– to thank them for all they do to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. We’ll be taking lunch to the 3 Fire Stations in Florence KY as a big THANK YOU!
Held on July 24 each year, 24/7 Day was created to highlight the partnership between first responders and convenience stores. Hosted by the NACS Foundation, the event also helps raise awareness and donations for the Red Cross and spotlights the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s important role in supporting emergencies, disaster relief and crisis situations, 24/7/365.
In addition to HOP Shop’s offer, it is supporting this year’s 24/7 Day by encouraging community members to take part by sharing stories and appreciation for hometown heroes on social media using the hashtag #247Day. We will also be sharing stories about our local First Responders that visit our HOP Shops every day and presenting them with a Certificate of Appreciation.
“At HOP Shops, we deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of our local First Responders. Their unwavering commitment to our community inspires us every day. We are proud to participate in this year’s NACS 24/7 Day as a way to give back and show our gratitude for their invaluable service.” – Tim, Director of Store Operations
Convenience stores are community stores: 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes a convenience store. There are 152,000-plus convenience stores in the United States, and cumulatively, the industry serves approximately 160 million customers per day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and donates more than $1 billion a year to charitable causes.
People are impacted by emergencies every day, including the communities that HOP Shop’s serves:
- On average, the Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes. From small house fires to multi-state national disasters, the American Red Cross goes where it’s needed so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.
- Every day, more than 21,000 people receive assistance from the Red Cross, whether they need lifesaving blood, relief after a disaster, support with the challenges of military life, skills that save lives or international humanitarian aid.
- The Red Cross responds to an average of 65,000 disasters every year and 95% of its disaster relief workers are volunteers.
- Every Red Cross donation helps change lives, and an average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need
“We hope you will join us in supporting the heroes who are always here for us, helping others and giving so much of themselves in times of incredible need,” said Nathan Measom, Director of Cause Marketing for the American Red Cross. “Our continued partnership with the NACS Foundation is one of the most important ways we highlight the work done each year in communities across the United States, which is not often seen by public. It’s our honor to shine a light on these heroes and thank them for their incredible effort.”
“The 24/7 Day celebration was born from the realization of the deep connection between first responders and the convenience store community,” said Stephanie Sikorski, Executive Director of the NACS Foundation. “We’ve heard too often that ‘nothing good happens after zero-dark-thirty,’ but our research shows that these small hours are when first responders and convenience stores unite across a range of efforts, from setting up for a disaster relief effort or simply getting a cup of coffee or healthy snack during a shift to keep energy high. We are proud to support these efforts, which keep our communities strong.”
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About HOP Shops
HOP Shops is a leading chain of convenience stores dedicated to providing exceptional service, quality products, and a welcoming atmosphere for our customers. With a strong commitment to community engagement, HOP Shops offers a wide range of products, including fresh food and beverages, everyday essentials, and fuel. Our stores are designed to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. HOP Shops is also proud to be the Home of the World Famous Disco Bathrooms, offering a unique and fun twist to the convenience store experience. We take pride in supporting local initiatives and fostering a positive impact in the areas we call home. For more information, visit our website at www.hopshops.com.
About the NACS Foundation
NACS Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of NACS, the global industry association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In partnership with fuel retail, convenience and suppliers across the U.S., the NACS Foundation propels brighter futures by unifying and amplifying the philanthropic and charitable activities of the industry in communities across America. To learn more, visit conveniencecares.org, or visit us on Facebook at @TheNACSFoundation and Twitter at @NACS_Foundation.