In-store campaign asks customers to purchase Miracle Balloon for local kids.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) is proud to announce that more than 550 Stripes Convenience Stores will be raising funds this month for needed pediatric equipment, treatments and recovery to benefit local sick and injured kids.

Donations from the ninth annual Miracle Balloon icon campaign will flow directly to 12 member children’s hospitals throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Now through April 28, Stripes employees are rallying to help their nearest CMN Hospital by asking customers to “purchase” a $1 Miracle Balloon paper icon. Each donation at the register will be rewarded with a free 12-ounce Stripes Slush Monkey and a buy-one-get-one free Smokin Barrel Peanuts or Trail Max snack promotion.

“For nearly 10 years, Stripes Convenience Stores’ commitment to giving back has made a powerful impact on the communities in which it operates. Our spirited employees and generous customers have collectively raised more than $2.8 million for local children’s hospitals and $772,000 last year alone,“ said Steve DeSutter, president and CEO of Stripes Convenience Stores.

Of particular note, DeSutter stated that Stripes long-time commitment now exclusively funds the Child Life Services program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital serving the needs of children in the Texas Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley. “CMN Hospitals make a dollar-at-a-time contribution go a long way to provide a needed pediatric resource for an entire community.”