Freedom Express, a local convenience store chain, has partnered with Citgo, its gasoline supplier, to present “Spirit Pumps,” which helps local not-for-profit organizations raise funds for specific projects.

Sheila Cobb, community liaison for Freedom Express, said, “We’ve been partners with Citgo for 16 years. I always knew about the program, but I couldn’t get anyone to partner with us.

“Citgo wants to be involved in helping communities and organizations, and we’re happy to tag along with that.”

Cobb said the process for a not-for-profit to apply is relatively simple, but there is an annual limit on the number of campaigns each year.

“So what happens is a non-profit organization will apply to have a fundraiser with us, and when we say ‘yes,’ we will re-decal a dispenser with either a school bus theme for a school or a helping hand decal if it’s a business or organization,” she said.

“We’ll leave it a minimum of eight weeks, and donate 2 to 5 cents for every gallon pumped at that dispenser. At the end of the program, we’ll figure out how many gallons were sold, multiply that by the denomination, and then make out a check for up to $2,000 that we donate to the organization.

“We guarantee at least $1,000 and the maximum is $2,000.

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“This is probably the easiest fundraiser for any organization to have. They really don’t have to do anything. Citgo sends advertising and markering materials to the organization for free, and those who wish to utilize the heck out of social media can and do. Jefferson School had a blast involving students and parents and teachers in their fundraiser.”

Locally, the program got started late last year.

“Last December was our very first program; it was with Eisenhower School,” Cobb said. “The second one was with Jefferson Elementary School. The third one was with Warsaw Christian, and the last one for this year was with Magical Meadows. We only hold three campaigns a year.”

Cobb said she appreciates that there are people who want to make Kosciusko County a better place to live, and that Freedom Express is happy to play a role.

“We know each organization has a specific intention for the donation. So it’s just great to help them fulfill their goals,” she said. “I personally get to meet some wonderful people in the community that I would not get to meet if not for the campaign. And we get to help the organization do good things.”

To apply for a 2019 fundraiser, call  Cobb at 574-269-1506, ext. 2, or e-mail her at [email protected]. The application deadline for each fundraising season is Jan. 31.