Wawa Doubles Contributions to N.J. Fund

MILLVILLE, N.J. -- Convenience chain Wawa Inc. donated $10,000 to the Carmen DeGregorio Hero Fund, bringing the total amount of money raised to $20,000, the Bridgeton News reported, citing Sgt. Daniel Baer.

Baer accepted the check from Wawa earlier this week, and told the paper the police department and DeGregorio's family were appreciative of the contribution, which will go to help the fallen officer's family with expenses and college tuition for his teenage children, according to the report.

DeGregorio died in November while on duty. He was rescuing a woman who was being assaulted by her boyfriend at a Wawa store. DeGregorio was a father to twins Carmen F. DeGregorio III and Virginia Lynn DeGregorio, with his wife, Adrienne, according to the report.

Wawa was honored to be able to help DeGregorio's family, Michele Dougherty, spokeswoman for Wawa, said in a letter to the police department cited by the paper.

"We want to let you know that we consider retired officer Carmen DeGregorio, and all of the officers at the Millville Police Department, who serve and protect our communities, as heroes of the highest caliber," she said in the letter. "All of us at Wawa offer our deepest sympathy to Mrs. DeGregorio and the DeGregorio family, his friends and fellow officers."

Wawa's donation was made up of contributions by customers and employees and a match by Wawa's Corporate Charities Committee, the paper reported. The total amount collected totaled $4,820, while Wawa gave an additional $5,180, according to the report.

The memorial fund was set up by the Millville Police Department and will allocate 75 percent of the donations to an educational fund for the children, while the remaining funds will be used to assist the family with expenses, the report stated.
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