Convenience store raises money through a month-long grand opening fundraiser.
Convenience store chain Yesway has awarded $1,600 raised through a month-long grand opening fundraiser to the Reading Buddies program of Ottumwa, Iowa. Throughout the fundraiser, five cents from every cup of coffee purchased at Yesway stores was donated directly to the organization.
The check was presented at Yesway’s store in Ottumwa. The compay’s District Manager Brian Burkle, Regional Manager Doug Wald, and Store Manager Jenni Bishop awarded the check to Ali Wilson, Volunteer Engagement Director, UWWC, Lisa Oglesby, RSVP Director, UWWC, and Reading Buddies volunteers.
Reading Buddies is a new volunteer program of the United Way of Wapello County (UWWC) in partnership with the Ottumwa Community Schools that focuses on improving reading skills for 2nd and 3rd grade students.
Reading Buddy volunteers meet one-on-one with students to read together before or after school in order to help develop and improve their literacy skills.
“This fundraiser is our way of acknowledging and celebrating those who make a difference in our community,” said Thomas Nicholas Trkla, Yesway’s chairman and CEO. “We value Reading Buddies volunteers’ commitment and dedication to supporting Ottumwa’s youngest readers, and it’s our pleasure to be able to help the program to grow.”