Citgo stores make the holiday brighter for local children
For the second consecutive year, CITGO Q Mart stores across Sheboygan collected toys and games for needy children to brighten their holiday season. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 20, Sheboygan area motorists showed their support for local children in need by making donations at five Q Mart and Quality State Oil locations across Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls. More than 600 toys were donated by community residents and the money raised was matched by local CITGO fuel supplier Quality State Oil to bring the total cash donation to over $2,000. These generous donations mean that more than 500 families will have a brighter holiday this year.
“Six years ago, my son and I made a promise that we would do something every holiday season to support our neighbors in need,” said Mel Krajniak, manager of the South Eighth Street CITGO Q Mart who is driving the effort to help local people. “This year, the need for assistance is greater than ever. We are extremely fortunate to have our partners at other Sheboygan CITGO Q Mart stores and our local fuel supplier Quality State Oil join in our toy drive efforts. All of those who donated should be proud that they helped keep the spirit of the holiday season alive for many children who would otherwise have gone without.”
After last year’s outpouring of support from the local community, Krajniak was able to recruit four additional CITGO Q Mart locations as drop-off points for toys and donations in 2009. She was also able to bring Sheboygan-based fuel supplier Quality State Oil into the effort as a collection point and to provide matching funds for the cash donations received at each CITGO Q Mart location.
“Living and working here, I know that the Sheboygan community is incredibly supportive. However, we were concerned since everyone was hit by the economic downturn,” said Scott Stangel of Quality State Oil. “It is heart-warming to see such an overwhelming response to Mel and the local Salvation Army’s call for support. Seeing the enthusiasm that the CITGO Q Mart customers have in getting behind this effort reminds me why I love this community, and brings back the spirit of the holidays.”
In addition to supporting the local chapter of the Salvation Army, Sheboygan area CITGO Q Mart stores and Quality State Oil are leading supporters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising more than $500,000 over the past 20 years to help local children and families suffering from neuromuscular disease.
