Local News

Operation Give Thanks fundraising campaign underway

Kwik Fill's "Operation Give Thanks" is a November fundraising campaign that supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families through in‑store donations, fuel sales contributions, and special merchandise -- with proceeds going to veteran charities.

It continues to expand its charitable footprint across the tri-state region, operating throughout all Kwik Fill locations in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Scott Anderson, who has served as the director of advertising and media with United Refining Co. for 10 years and has headed the department for seven, has been part of the initiative since its inception in 2022. According to Anderson, the program has experienced exponential growth; what began in its first year with $176,000 has now also expanded to a network of 20 partners. The fundraising momentum has climbed steadily each year, bringing in over $200,000 in its second year, approximately $315,000 in 2024, and reaching $417,000 last year.

Designed to support veterans and their families, the initiative raises crucial funds and distributes them to organizations dedicated to their care. The program currently spans 308 locations across the tri-state area, and Anderson is thrilled by its year-over-year expansion.

“It's great to see how communities get together each year and continue to give back so much,” Anderson said.

Community members can get involved in several practical ways, starting with the purchase of a $10 promotional coffee mug available at any Kwik Fill station. The mug grants patrons free coffee from the purchase date through Nov. 30. Additional support items can be purchased online at operationgivethanks.com. For the most universal way to give back, drivers simply need to fuel up and a portion of all gasoline sales from Veterans Day, Nov. 11, through the end of November will automatically contribute to the program.

As a direct beneficiary of the campaign, the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center continues to grow in part because of increasing financial support it receives each year. According to AVVC President Tom Eaton, the campaign is the backbone of their operations, stating that the center’s success would not be impossible without it. Anderson shared a similar sentiment, recalling his first walk-through of the AVVC at its launch in 2022 and expressing his amazement at how much the facility had expanded when he visited again last year.

From the campaign’s inception, large-scale organizations have anchored the initiative. Operation Homefront has agreed to keep its portion of the donations local, funding projects entirely within the tri-state Kwik Fill market area. On the front lines, the Special Forces Trust delivers critical battlefield support, offering anonymous mental health resources so soldiers can get the assistance they need without stigma.

Anderson’s dedication to the veteran community shines through when he reflects on the initiative’s incredible journey.

“I love to see how big it's gotten,” he said, emphasizing that understanding the daily realities of military personnel and honoring their service remains the core mission. “To witness what soldiers are going through and acknowledge what they've done for us is huge.”

As the program continues for its fifth year, awareness of it still needs to be spread. Anderson shared that recently, URC has begun raising funds at the office to expose the program to more of the local population.

Now a staple of the annual campaign, the “Boots on the Ground” initiative was conceived in year two as a way for community members and URC and Kwik Fill employees to directly thank local heroes.

Volunteers gather at 53 Kwik Fill locations to greet veterans and show appreciation. Twenty local Kwik Fill locations are actively contributing to the program, a figure that continues to climb as more stations step forward to support the cause.

Held earlier than previous years, this year the “Boots on the Ground” portion of the campaign is shifting from Veterans Day to this Friday from 7 a.m. to noon. The event will feature complimentary coffee for veterans and a prize wheel while providing a dedicated opportunity for community members to interact with local heroes. Alongside the morning activities, patrons can contribute throughout the month by making in-store donations and writing their names on commemorative pin-up cards to be proudly displayed at all participating Kwik Fill locations.

For Anderson, the most rewarding aspect of the entire initiative is the personal interaction with the veterans, particularly the opportunity to listen to their unique experiences.

“Listening to some of the stories told--incredible accounts of all kinds,” Anderson recalled.

A veteran himself, it is clearly a highlight of the program.

"I think it's just another way to show our support, and physically being in the location to interact with the veterans throughout the day," said Anderson. “The impact hits not only the people coming into the store but also us here, simply being able to have those conversations.”

Heading into its fifth year, the campaign has proudly raised more than $1 million over its first four seasons. This achievement was made possible by the dedicated backing of the corporate office in Warren, alongside Kwik Fill employees, regional partners, and local communities.

Looking ahead, Anderson is confident that the initiative will continue to expand and deepen its impact. He expressed gratitude for the community’s resilience, and how donors have continued to step up despite the pressures of inflation. Reflecting on that vital support, Anderson noted that the veterans give so much and the community response could never fully reciprocate that sacrifice.

“They've given so much. With the help of everyone, we're just getting started.”