Nittany MinitMart announced that its sixth annual Fuel the Cause campaign raised an all-time high of $183,570.91 to support volunteer fire companies across central and northern Pennsylvania.

The campaign ran from March through June and surpassed last year’s record total by almost $7,000, bringing the grand total raised since the fundraiser began in 2019 to more than $700,000. This year’s campaign will directly support 40 volunteer fire stations, impacting more than 900 firefighters and the 250,000-plus residents they serve.

“We’re thrilled to break another record,” said Nicole Masullo, Nittany MinitMart’s operations division manager. “Every year, we push harder – reaching out to sponsors, promoting the cause throughout our region, and making it easier for customers to get involved. And every year, our community shows up in a bigger way.”

Funds benefit the 40 fire companies that serve the communities around each Nittany MinitMart location, including Smethport and Lantz Corners.

Nittany MinitMart and Pennsylvania Skill games each donated one cent per gallon of gas sold, and partners like Coke, Pepsi, Jack Links, McAneny, Red Bull, Seneca, Hershey Candy, Herr’s, Utz, Swedish Match, Glacier Point and Rotella Bakery sponsored the effort. Customers joined in by rounding up their purchases, making donations in-store, and ordering from a limited-time Firehouse Foods menu, with a portion of all sales from the menu going to the campaign.

“The most important part of Fuel the Cause is always our customers,” Masullo said. “Their generosity fuels more than this fundraiser. It fuels real change for the departments that keep us safe every day.”

As volunteer firefighter numbers continue to decline across Pennsylvania, this support is more critical than ever. Donations help fire departments worry less about fundraising and focus more on serving their communities.

This year also marked the second time Nittany MinitMart successfully petitioned the governor’s office to formally recognize the impact of volunteer firefighters. Gov. Josh Shapiro declared April 9 through 15 as Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week in Pennsylvania – a huge step in Nittany’s efforts to raise awareness across the state about the issues volunteer fire companies are facing.

“Thanks to every customer, sponsor, and employee who made this year’s campaign such a success,” Masullo said. “Together, we’re keeping our communities stronger and safer.”