Convenience Chains, Suppliers Continue Support

The convenience store and petroleum marketing industry continued to step up with an extraordinary response to aid rescue workers, victims and victims' families of last week's terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz Inc. took steps to assist relief efforts almost immediately following the Sept. 11 incidents, first extending carte blanche support to the Salvation Army and Red Cross. "Whatever they need. Whatever is needed," said Louie Sheetz, executive vice president, "We will do our best to meet requests."

Because so many citizens and customers are finding a personal need to help, the company announced that each of Sheetz 268 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio are placing donation canisters at the check out counter inviting customers to make contributions to the American Red Cross. Sheetz is committed to matching at least $50,000 in customer donations to assist with relief efforts, as well as, the victims and families of the recent attack on America.

"We are extremely happy to be able to assist in our country's relief efforts," said Sheetz. "We have employees and family who are being called to serve our country and others who are currently travelling abroad. I know every American is seeking ways to assist our nation. We're pleased we are able to do our part and look forward to providing further assistance in any way possible."

Sheetz has been working with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army in Pennsylvania to assist with relief efforts near Somerset, Pa., site of one of the air crashes, supplying needed products to rescue workers including food, ice, coffee and cups. The company also provided two trucks to collect and transport needed product and clothing to New York City.

Houston-based Motiva Enterprises LLC, a joint operating company of Shell Oil Co. and Texaco Inc., said Shell and Texaco stations in New York will donate two cents for every gallon of gasoline sold through the end of September as part of a "Pump Pennies" campaign.

The funds collected from this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross of New York to assist victims of the terrorist attack in New York City. Participating Shell and Texaco stations in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will donate one cent per gallon to the campaign through the end of September.

"The hearts and thoughts of all our employees are with those who are suffering as a result of the Sept. 11 incident," said Lee Fry, northeast region general manager, representing the Shell and Texaco brands. "We wish to do our part to help the victims and to show our support."

In addition to the Pump Pennies Campaign, a Texaco station in Jersey City, N.J. is providing fuel free of charge to New York Port Authority vehicles, as well as ambulances, fire trucks, police and other emergency vehicles. A Shell station in Landing, N.J. also stepped up to provide water and other supplies to American Red Cross trucks and military vehicles involved in search and rescue efforts.

"Caring about people is one of the fundamental values that defines us as a company," said Fry. "We intend to join our fellow Americans to do what we can to support the victims and their families in their time of need."

Retailers were joined in their efforts to provide assistance by several distributors including Littleton, Mass.-based Veryfine Products Inc. The juice company has donated more than over 100,000 bottles of its spring water and Fruit2O juice products to relief workers helping with the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Donations for New York were made to the Red Cross through Save the Children.

In addition, Veryfine is accepting donations from its employees, their families, friends and neighbors. For every $5 collected, Veryfine will ship two cases of Fruit2O to Feed the Children for further distribution to relief sites via the Red Cross.

"Everyone at Veryfine sends their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, as well as to the heroic rescue workers who have shown an unwavering amount of physical and emotional strength during this tragic event," said Veryfine president Sam Rowse. "We also want to thank our customers and suppliers for their ongoing show of support."
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