“We See You. We Thank You.” Convenience Stores Nationwide Honor First Responders During Annual 24/7 Day

On Thursday, July 24, the US convenience store industry will unite for the seventh 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 serve our communities around the clock. Yesway, one of the fastest-growing convenience store chains in the United States, with Yesway and Allsup’s stores located in Texas, New Mexico, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Nebraska, proudly announces its participation, joining convenience retailers and suppliers nationwide to honor first responders and raise funds for the American Red Cross.

This year, Yesway and Allsup’s stores will show appreciation by offering:

• A free 30.4 oz Core Hydration water to all first responders on July 24*
• A free fountain drink of any size from July 21 to July 24

These complimentary items are available to firefighters, doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, Red Cross personnel and 911 operators in uniform or with valid identification as a token of gratitude for their continued service and dedication.

“At Yesway, community support is central to our mission,” said Tom Trkla, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yesway. “We are honored to stand alongside the NACS Foundation and our industry peers in celebrating 24/7 Day. First responders are the lifeblood of the communities we serve, and  this annual tradition is one meaningful way we can express our gratitude for their courage, commitment and tireless efforts.”

This year’s theme “We See You. We Thank You,” speaks to the often-unheralded work that first responders do—running toward disasters when others must evacuate or flee. The national 24/7 Day celebration raises awareness and recognizes these heroes from one of their largest supporters— convenience store retailers and industry suppliers. Across the country, more than 90 convenience retailing companies and brands will honor first responders with unique offers, and the event will also raise awareness of and donations for, the Red Cross.

Convenience stores are vital hubs in every community: 93 percent of Americans live within 10 minutes of one. With more than 152,000 convenience stores nationwide, the industry cumulatively conducts 160 million transactions daily, sells 80 percent of the nation’s fuel and donates more than $1 billion a year to charitable causes.

Emergencies occur every day and the American Red Cross, supported by convenience industry partners like Yesway, plays a critical role in helping those affected:

• The Red Cross responds to an emergency every eight minutes
• Each year, it addresses an average of 65,000 disasters
• 95 percent of its disaster relief workforce are volunteers

“We hope you will join us in supporting the heroes who are always here for us, helping others and giving so much of themselves in times of incredible need,” said Nathan Measom, Director of Cause Marketing for the American Red Cross. “Our continued partnership with the NACS Foundation is one of the most critical ways we highlight the work done each year in communities across the United States, which is not often seen by the public. It’s our honor to shine a light on these heroes and thank them for their incredible effort.”

“The 24/7 Day celebration was born from the realization of the deep connection between first responders and the convenience store community,” said Stephanie Sikorski, Executive Director of the NACS Foundation. “We’ve heard too often that ‘nothing good happens after zero-dark-thirty,’ but our research shows that these small hours are when first responders and convenience stores unite across a range of efforts, from setting up for a disaster relief effort or simply getting a cup of coffee or healthy snack during a shift to keep energy high. We are proud to support these efforts, which keep our communities strong.”

*Offer valid only on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

To find the Yesway or Allsup’s store closest to you, visit Yesway or Allsup’s and to share stories and appreciation for hometown heroes and first responders on social media using the hashtag #247Day.