CAPE GIRARDEAU – On Friday, July 24, the U.S. convenience store industry will unite for the eighth annual 24/7 Day, a nationwide celebration recognizing everyday heroes—including first responders, EMTs, doctors, nurses, 9-1-1 professionals, and American Red Cross volunteers—who selflessly serve their communities around the clock.
This year, Rhodes Convenience Stores will offer a free order of mac and cheese to any police officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, nurse, doctor, 9-1-1 professional or American Red Cross volunteer – to thank them for all they do and offer a visible show of gratitude from an industry also known for its 24/7 support of communities.
The event is organized by the NACS Foundation and this year’s theme “Serving Up Thanks” speaks directly to the unique relationship between the convenience industry and first responders. As some of the only stores open around the clock, especially in times of emergency or disaster, the convenience industry has a front-row seat to the bravery, sacrifice and dedication first responders show their communities without asking anything in return.
In honor of this, across the country, more than 100 convenience retailing companies and brands representing more than 30,000 stores will serve up tokens of thanks – including free coffee, free meals or branded merchandise – for first responders and Red Cross volunteers in uniform or with a valid badge. In addition to Rhodes Convenience Store’s offer, it is supporting this year’s 24/7 Day by encouraging community members to take part by sharing stories and appreciation for hometown heroes on social media using the hashtag #247Day.
Convenience stores are community stores: 93 percent of Americans live within 10 minutes of a convenience store. There are 152,000-plus convenience stores in the United States, and cumulatively, the industry serves conducts 160 million transactions daily, sells 80 percent of the fuel purchased in the country and donates more than $1 billion a year to charitable causes.
“At Rhodes, supporting our first responders is more than a one-day event—it’s part of who we are. Every day, these men and women answer the call to protect and serve our communities, often putting the needs of others before their own. We’re proud to participate in NACS 24/7 Day by offering a free order of our mac and cheese to first responders on July 24 as a small token of our appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice, and service. We invite every first responder in the communities we serve to stop by and let us say thank you.” — Robert Cisneros, President, Rhodes Convenience Stores.
About Rhodes Convenience Stores Rhodes Convenience Stores is the best-in-class choice among convenience store chains in Southeast MO, Southern IL and Western KY. Providing its guests with convenience, friendly hospitality and premium products at a value price is always Rhodes’ goal. Every visit to Rhodes starts with a friendly greeting and ends with guests getting exactly what they need including hot meals, a wide variety of snacks, cold beverages, and more. No matter which Rhodes Convenience Store you visit, we guarantee that you will have a friendly, clean and fast experience every time. About the NACS Foundation NACS Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of NACS, the global industry association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. In partnership with fuel retail, convenience and suppliers across the U.S., the NACS Foundation propels brighter futures by unifying and amplifying the philanthropic and charitable activities of the industry in communities across America. To learn more, visit conveniencecares.org, or visit us on Facebook at @TheNACSFoundation and X at @NACS_Foundation.