Emergencies don’t take vacations. They don’t even take off nights and weekends. But no matter when they strike, the compassionate actions of Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and community partners help ensure that families and individuals never face crises alone.

Wawa and its associates are also there for their communities 24/7/365. So, the Red Cross and the Wawa Foundation are teaming up to support people impacted by disasters big and small.

From February 19 through April 7, Wawa customers can donate their spare change to the Red Cross through the in-store coin collection campaign or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at the register with the difference going to the Red Cross.

In addition, Wawa coffee clutches will feature the American Red Cross logo throughout March, reminding customers of the important work the organization does in communities throughout the year.

“The Red Cross mission wouldn’t be possible without community heroes, which include Wawa associates and The Wawa Foundation,” said Jennifer Graham, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia. “We are proud to honor their dedication in March during our annual Red Cross Month celebration.” 

Local families rely on American Red Cross volunteers for comfort and hope while coping with homes fires and other disasters. In the past year, Red Cross volunteers helped thousands of people affected by home fires in the Philadelphia area alone. Red Cross volunteers were also there after Hurricane Idalia slammed Florida last year, as well as after other major disasters like the wildfires in Hawaii, flooding in California and tornadoes across the Southeast.

“The Wawa Foundation is committed to building strong communities and one of our main focuses is to support the heroes who serve our communities every day. We’re pleased to partner with the Red Cross to help them provide lifesaving services and assistance to our friends and neighbors in their greatest times of need,” said Elizabeth Simeone, President of The Wawa Foundation.

HOW YOU CAN BE A HERO

Donating spare change or rounding up your purchase at any Wawa store helps the Red Cross provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of Red Cross disaster relief activities. You can also visit redcross.org/philly to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, register for a class in lifesaving skills like CPR and First Aid, or become a volunteer for opportunities needed in the Philadelphia area.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.