Kum & Go, L.C. announced a major fundraising effort to benefit the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

Kum & Go will contribute three cents from every gallon of gas sold on April 8 at 41 Springfield area locations to the organization, which supports the Springfield Public Schools. The announcement came on the one-year anniversary of the chain’s expansion in the Springfield community with the purchase of 37 Cody’s convenience stores.

Based on last year’s sales on the same day, the chain estimates it should raise at least $8,000, but could easily exceed that amount depending on the number of gallons of gas purchased on April 8 this year. 

“We are excited to mark our anniversary in the Springfield community with this large fundraising event for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools,” said Kyle Krause, president and CEO of Kum & Go, which 430 convenience stores in 11 states. “Giving back to the communities we serve is a part of our company philosophy and we look forward to making this contribution.”

Kum & Go has a history of giving back in the Springfield community, most recently offering customers the opportunity to contribute $1 when they make a purchase to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. Among other things, the company has also been a sponsor of Rock’n Ribs and collected donations for the Children’s Miracle Network and Victory Mission.

“We are very excited that Kum & Go is making a strong commitment to the Springfield Public Schools through this contribution,” said Nancy Fazzino with the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. “We are asking people to fill up their cars at Kum & Go stores on April 8 to benefit the schools. The more gas that is sold, the more that Kum & Go has committed to contribute. We are hoping this will be very successful for us during a time when we need the funds the most.”

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools supports nearly 24,000 students in a variety of ways. The Foundation has an annual grant program which awarded over $150,000 in 2009 for a classroom projects and equipment. In addition the Foundation has a voucher program, which provided more than 300 winter coats and hundreds of clothing and hygiene items this school year alone. This May the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will award over 70 scholarships to graduating seniors in need of financial assistance to continue their educations. The vision of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is to promote educational excellence for every child by working with the public school system and the community.