Love’s Travel Stops donates $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs, $500,000 to Catholic Charities
Donation made to United Way of Central Oklahoma’s COVID-19 Relief Fund
OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 21, 2020 - Love's Travel Stops has donated $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County and an additional $500,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, the company announced Monday. The $1.5 million donation was made to the United Way of Central Oklahoma's COVID-19 Relief Fund and earmarked for the two nonprofits.
The Boys & Girls Clubs and Catholic Charities, both United Way partner agencies, have seen an increase in demand for services due to the pandemic. The Boys & Girls Clubs have safely provided additional programs, meals and support for children, and Catholic Charities has extended its homelessness response initiatives during the pandemic.
"The support that the Boys & Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities and United Way have provided during the pandemic has been the lifeblood for so many in our community," said Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer for Love's. "We are proud to assist these long-standing partners of Love's and help enable them to continue their outstanding work."
"We are so grateful for the partnerships we have enjoyed for the past 25 years with Love's Travel Stops, the Love family and the United Way of Central Oklahoma," said Teena Belcik, Boys & Girls Clubs' president & CEO. "This generous gift will provide academic and other support for students and their families throughout the pandemic, while observing strict COVID-19 safety protocols at all of our Boys & Girls Club Hope Centers. Without this vital support, many youth in our community would be at home alone without supervision, internet access, online learning support or food, and would be falling further behind in school. We have the incredible honor of serving youth in Oklahoma County, and this gift helps ensure children and their families have the opportunity to succeed during these unprecedented times."
"Catholic Charities is thrilled at the generosity of Love's Travel Stops and its partnership with the United Way of Central Oklahoma to provide such an impactful gift to help those most at risk due to the coronavirus - the homeless, those who lost jobs, those needing food assistance," said Executive Director Patrick J. Raglow. "Catholic Charities will apply these funds to help individuals currently homeless or at risk of homelessness because of the pandemic. Catholic Charities and those we are privileged to serve are grateful to Love's for this awesome and timely gift. May God bless them and all who keep the needs of the poor close to heart."
About Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is the nation's leading travel stop network with more than 540 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 29,000 people. Love's provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings and more. Love's has 400 truck service centers, which include Speedco and Love's Truck Care locations. Love's and Speedco combined is the largest oil change, preventive maintenance and total truck care nationwide network. Love's is committed to providing customers with "Clean Places, Friendly Faces" at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County (BGCOKC) is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a proud partner agency of United Way of Central Oklahoma. Our mission is "to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens." BGCOKC offers evidence-based national programs in the areas of academics, the arts, college and career planning, athletics, health and nutrition, anti-bullying, drug and alcohol prevention, inclusion and diversity, and leadership. These programs contribute toward achieving our three Priority Outcomes of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Strong Character & Citizenship. For additional information, please visit www.bgcokc.org.
About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities has been providing services to build a stronger community for more than 108 years. Helping in 46 counties of Central and Western Oklahoma, services include: Counseling Services, Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance, Family H.O.P.E. Case Management, Immigration Legal Services, Refugee Resettlement Services and Homeless Services. Guided by Catholic teaching, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City serves those in need, regardless of their faith, through transformative, empowering and dignity-affirming social service programs that seek to eliminate material, emotional and spiritual poverty across Central and Western Oklahoma. To learn more, call 405-523-3000, visit ccaokc.org, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.