Rhodes 101 Stops Donates $10K to the USO

Rhodes 101 Stops convenience stores proudly donates $10,000 to the United Service Organization (USO). The company’s strong commitment to military and veterans’ causes is rooted in Founder Gene Rhodes’ active service during WWII and during the Korean conflict along with the tremendous sacrifices our troops and their families make for our country. L to R; Owner Jim Maurer with Senior and Operations Management leaders Zenna Gustafson, Scott Baumhoer, Alan Wengert, Angie DeProw, Brent Anderson, Traci Lowry, Matt Boxdorfer, Deb Austin and Paul Mills.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (JULY 6, 2016) – Rhodes 101 Stops convenience stores, a 30-location leader in the convenience store industry, is making a $10,000 donation to the United Service Organizations (USO). The USO is a leading military nonprofit that supports of our nation’s service members and military families through more than 180 locations around the world. This donation was generated through Coca-Cola fountain drink purchases made at Rhodes 101 Stops locations.

Rhodes 101 Stops is also committed to assisting military and veterans’ organizations operating in its local communities. Now through Sept. 5, 2016, military and veterans’ groups operating in Rhodes 101 Stops’ communities are encouraged to apply for donations from the company. These communities include Cape Girardeau, Biehle, Desloge, Dexter, Farmington, Fruitland, Jackson, Malden, Perryville, Scott City, Sikeston, Ste. Genevieve, Wappapello and Anna, Ill. Interested groups should complete the online application available at www.78DaysOfSummer.com/Donation. Rhodes will announce contributions in Fall 2016.

“As a small business, we understand the large impact a small organization can make on its community,” said Brent Anderson, Rhodes’ Vice President of Operations and Business Development. “That’s why we are including both smaller, local efforts along with the USO’s large scale initiatives in our mission to thank troops and their families for their sacrifices in protecting our freedom.”

“Often our men and women in uniform are separated from their home and the people they love while they serve our country,” said Kymm Carlson, USO Director of Corporate Alliances. “With generous support like this, the USO is able to deliver programs, services and entertainment that connect service members to their family, home and country.”

The USO was established 75 years ago to help boost the morale of service members serving in World War II. Some of the ways the USO continues to fulfill its mission today include connecting deployed service members with loved ones, supporting military families through moves and reassignments, assisting wounded, ill and injured service members and respectfully transferring fallen soldiers to their final resting places.

“We proudly support military and veterans causes not only because our founder, Gene Rhodes, served in the Army during World War II and the Korean conflict but also for the tremendous sacrifices that our troops and their families continue to make today,” said Anderson.

About Rhodes Convenience Stores

Rhodes was established in 1956 and employs more than 500 individuals today. Its 30 locations reside in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. As the area’s largest convenience store network, Rhodes provides a vast selection of quality products, excellent customer service and convenient locations. Nearly all stores offer drive-thru service and fresh food items while operating 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

About the USO

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, the USO is united in a commitment to connect service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Its programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.USO.org.