Author Tanya Moore once said:  "A person's world is only as big as their heart."  I am truly proud to say that at Wawa, our world is large one, filled with endless possibilities due to the caring nature of our associates and our customers.  In fact one of the reasons our customers gotta hava Wawa, is because all of our associates gotta have heart. 

It’s because of our associates’ big hearts that we are able to contribute in significant ways to the communities we serve.   One of the most meaningful ways we contribute is through our long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross.   From disaster relief store collections to volunteering to organizing vital blood donations, Wawa customers and associates have a history of reaching out to their neighbors when they are in need. 

Our commitment to the American Red Cross blood drives goes back more than two decades, and brings together many warm and giving hearts across the region.  During the past five years, more than 10,000 pints of blood have been collected at Wawa's chain wide blood drives.  As part of our commitment to providing meaningful convenience, Wawa's blood drives are open to the public.  They are staffed by Wawa volunteers, who not only give their time, but donate their blood for this important, life-saving effort. 

One leader in this area has been Harry McHugh, a 35 year Wawa veteran.  Now our “cultural ambassador,” Harry gives from the heart when it comes to the community and the Red Cross.  He has inspired the Wawa team to accomplish several great milestones, including becoming one of our Region’s largest blood donors and raising millions of dollars for victims of local and national disasters.  Harry has personally donated over 21 gallons of blood in his lifetime and currently serves as Chairman of the American Red Cross, Southeastern PA Chapter.   Just last year, he accepted the prestigious 2008 American Red Cross Humanitarian Award on behalf of Wawa.

Caring individuals with big hearts can be found in every aisle and behind every counter at Wawa.  Each year, we set a goal of raising 2,000 pints of blood at our chain-wide blood drive – and we usually exceed the goal. 

Our summer drives kick off this week and we can’t for another successful summer. From July 14th until August 31st, Wawa is hosting more than 25 blood drive sites in four of our operating states (PA, NJ, MD, and VA).  Our goal for this year is to help the American Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply by collecting 2,000 pints of blood. 

When the Red Cross comes to Wawa – one person can make a difference.  In fact at Wawa we all have a keen awareness that a single blood donation can help as many as three people!  As a leader in the convenience industry, we will keep doing our best to make it easy and convenient for you to give by offering a variety of locations and even by providing an incentive – a coupon for a free pint of 100% Wawa brand juice. 

To us, providing convenience with a cause is one of the ways we give back to the communities we serve. 

Thanks for opening your hearts!  Visit our schedule of blood drives, and sign up to save a life this summer. 

‘Till next time…