CARMI, Ill. -- Huck's Convenience Store raised $288,000 through its Huck's Karing for Kids program, now in its seventh year. The corporate and store level fundraising resulted in the collection and distribution of the money to local area children in need during this past holiday season, CarmiTimes.com reported.

It's based on "the very simple of idea of providing children whose circumstances would have prevented them from celebrating a traditional Christmas the opportunity to go Christmas shopping for themselves and their family," spokesman for Carmi-based Huck's Karing for Kids said on the Web site.

"We are excited at the support that our vendors, customers and associates have shown once again to 'Karing for Kids,'" Todd Jenney, Huck's CEO told the Web site. "We are not only able to help kids have a better Christmas, but also have the funds for a scholarship program and to conduct other philanthropic activities during the year. This program is our way of including as many people as possible in the extended Huck's family."

The fundraising event included corporate sponsorships, rummage and bake sales and other store level initiatives. According to the Web site, Huck's corporate stores, corporate office and distribution center administer the program on a local basis to help ensure that funds are allocated properly to assist in-need families within the local communities.

Huck's Convenience Stores is a 100 percent employee-owned company, with stores in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee.