HOUSTON -- CITGO Petroleum Corp. has launched the fall installment of its Fueling Good program, which is in its fourth year of recognizing and rewarding local heroes who make a difference in their communities. Starting today, non-profit organizations can enter to win a share of $60,000 in CITGO gift cards by submitting their stories at www.FuelingGood.com. Up to 12 organizations will receive $5,000 in gift cards when the contest ends, said the company.

"Because giving back to our communities is a core principle for CITGO and its network of nearly 6,000 locally owned retail locations, we designed the Fueling Good program to recognize those people and organizations that give so much to make positive, lasting changes in their communities," said Dr. Dario Merchan, vice president of government and public affairs at CITGO. "It fact, fueling the engine of good and promoting positive change is a way of life for our corporation and employees. So, we are always very proud to honor our local Fueling Good heroes and are excited about helping even more organizations this fall."

Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can submit an entry online from now through Oct. 16 if they are based in the 27 states and Washington, D.C., where CITGO operates, and if they are focused on one of CITGO's four pillars of good: Environmental Protection and Restoration, Education and Social Investment, Energy Assistance and Conservation, and Health and Well-being.

From Oct. 17 to Nov. 28, the general public can vote online for the entry that is doing the most good. The twelve highest-scoring entries will each be awarded $5,000 in CITGO gift cards redeemable for fuel and convenience store purchases at any of the nearly 6,000 locally owned CITGO retail locations, according to the announcement. Winners will be named in December.

Houston-based CITGO is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products.