CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association (OMEGA), an organization representing convenience stores, independent grocers and petroleum marketers across West Virginia, raised $64,215 to help the children and families cared for by the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia during the “Every Child Deserves A Loving Home” Campaign, organization representatives announced today.
Attending the check presentation were, from left: Brian Waugh, Par Mar Stores; Chris Freeman, Children’s Home Society; Greg Rogers, RT Rogers Oil Co.; Traci Nelson, OMEGA; Greg Darby, Little General Stores; Joe DeFazio, DeFazio Oil Co.; Mary White, Children’s Home Society.
“Our members – the hundreds of local convenience and grocery stores West Virginians shop in every day – are very proud of this effort to make a difference in children’s lives and we are very appreciative of the public who truly supported this campaign,” said Traci Nelson, member services coordinator with OMEGA.
OMEGA-member convenience and grocery stores partnered with the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia to raise funds that will be used to support child assistance programs, such as emergency child shelters, foster care, adoption, mentoring, early intervention and numerous other family support programs throughout the state. Brightly colored, Mother’s Day-themed, paper flowers were sold for one dollar at nearly 500 OMEGA-member convenience and grocery stores from April 17 through Mother’s Day, May 14.
Mary White, director of development and philanthropy for the Children’s Home Society, said, “Our organization assisted over 14,600 West Virginia children last year and the need for help is overwhelming. This campaign not only raises awareness about West Virginia children who need help or a family to call their own, but provides our organization with a greater ability to make a positive impact on children’s lives.”
OMEGA members participating in the campaign include: Little General Store, Inc., Par Mar Stores, Go-Mart, BFS Foods, R. M. Roach & Sons/ROCS, Petersburg Oil Company, DeFazio Oil Company and TWJ, Inc. Foodland.
OMEGA has raised nearly $2.4 million dollars since 2003 for charities that improve the health, safety and wellbeing of West Virginia children. “This effort not only gives back to the communities where our members live and work, but it demonstrates the philanthropic nature of our industry. This is a win for all involved: the children, our members and the public.”
For additional information, contact Traci Nelson at (304) 343-5500, or visit the website at www.omegawv.com.
