Kum & Go,L.C. raised more than $80,000 for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts since Jan. 15th.

Customers who donated $1 at the registers of the more than 430 Kum & Go stores raised a majority of the money, $59,000. The remainder of the contribution was collected from donations at the company’s Store Support Center and a $20,000 gift from the Kum & Go Foundation.  

“The amount of money raised by this effort far surpassed our expectations,” said Kyle J. Krause, Kum & Go president and CEO. “Our customers and associates were looking for ways to help in response to the tragedy in Haiti and we were glad to provide them an outlet and to give additional funds.”

The West Des Moines store at 60th and Ashworth raised the most money in a store and employees received gift cards as a thank you for their efforts.  

“The response we received when we asked customers if they would like to donate to the Red Cross to help Haiti was overwhelmingly positive.  I was blown away by the generosity of our customers to the relief efforts,” said Matt Rodemeyer, general manager of the Kum & Go store at 60th and Ashworth in West Des Moines. “Our store associates were the drivers of this effort and really got involved in collecting the contributions.”

The funds collected will go to the Red Cross International Response Fund designated to help victims of the Haiti earthquake and will allow the Red Cross to continue their critical work to assist earthquake victims in Haiti.

“Families who have lost everything in an international disaster need immediate help just to make it through the first terrifying hours and days.  We are so grateful for our community partners who have reached out to help the American Red Cross bring hope back to the people of Haiti,” said Leslie Schaffer, regional executive director for the Mid Iowa Region of the American Red Cross. “As the days, weeks and years unfold, we will continue to be there until all needs of the Haitian people are met.”

Kum & Go has more than 430 convenience stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).

In January the chain also recognized Managers of the Month for Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2010

The managers included:

• Sladjana Brstina, Store #920 in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
• Angel Miller, Store #225 in Sioux City, Iowa
• Jenni Bishop, Store #651 in Albia, Iowa
• Amy Petry, Store #373 in Bellevue, Neb.

Associates are chosen as Managers of the Month for exemplifying Kum & Go values, providing patrons with the ideal customer experience and going above and beyond expectations. Kum & Go associates strive to embody the company’s seven core values of integrity, work ethic, professionalism, discipline, teamwork, family and caring in their everyday work. Managers of the Month receive a special shirt and an award plaque.