The National Association of Convenience Stores has developed a partnership with the American Red Cross to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for NACS member companies. NACS is the first retail-focused association to partner with the American Red Cross on such a program.

"NACS and the American Red Cross are closely aligned in how they make a meaningful difference in communities," says NACS president and CEO Henry O. Armour. "Convenience stores are in every community in the country and they often are the only retailer open in times of episodic events. This agreement, developed with our NACS Foundation, will help advance the existing programs in which convenience stores provide immediate access to donations as well as food, fuel and beverages for volunteers."

The announcement and the partnership is aligned with the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters each year, most of which are home fires, and deploys volunteer disaster relief workers to support their efforts. Donations are crucial to the success of their missions and NACS will be working closely with its members to help them achieve their goals.