With the help of a Salina-based convenience store chain, food bank shelves in some areas have been restocked. This fall’s 24/7 Travel Store Food Bank Fill-Up Campaign raised a total of $48,188.51 across all locations to support nine local food banks in Kansas.
The company says that through the generosity of its customers, team members and local communities, the Food Bank Full campaign has had a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger.
Throughout September, total customer donations reached $26,083.84, with 24/7 Travel Store contributing up to $3,000 per location for a total of more than $48,000. These funds will go directly to local food banks, helping them continue their important work of feeding families in need.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received across all of our locations,” said Jackie Hynes, Marketing Director for 24/7 Travel Store. “This campaign truly demonstrated the power of community and the importance of coming together for a common purpose.”
In Salina, both locations on Ninth Avenue and W. Crawford Street contributed to the campaign’s success. Salina – At the 9th Street location, the team raised $2,177.77, bringing total postgame donations with businesses to $4,355.54. Amber Obare, a retail associate who personally raised $1,307, reflected on the campaign: This organization provides them with that support. ”
SALINA – At the W. Crawford Street venue, the team raised $1,414.51, bringing the total donations at the game to $2,829.02. Shift manager Kim Win, who raised $840, expressed her pride in the store’s success. “Our customers have been so generous and we are excited to be a part of making such a positive impact in our community.”
Both stores presented the donation to Salina Emergency Relief and Food Bank Executive Director Karen Couch. Karen emphasized the importance of these funds, especially as the holiday season approaches. “Our annual holiday bags alone cost us over $13,000 this year. Thanks to this campaign, we can keep our shelves stocked with essentials like instant potatoes and stuffing.”
The Food Bank Full Campaign also had a major impact in other Kansas communities. The breakdown of donations to participating food banks, including donations from each location and the company’s matching funds, is as follows:
Representatives from local food banks praised the success of the campaign. “The funds will be used for Thanksgiving food baskets (approximately $7,000), and this donation will fully cover that cost,” said Kathy Berry of the Russell County Food Pantry. Dawn Jolly from the pantry expressed her gratitude, noting that meaningful conversations with customers at the register led to generous donations to the Christmas program.
