CHARLESTON, W.Va. – One dollar at a time. That’s how West Virginia’s Oil Marketers and Grocers Association, or OMEGA, raised nearly $100,000 to benefit the community.
Jan Vineyard, the executive director of OMEGA, presented a check to the West Virginia Children’s Home Society on Friday for $93,515.
“The money all stays in West Virginia,” stressed Vineyard. “It is for children who do not have a home, are looking to be adopted or are in foster care.”
The campaign got underway mid-April at OMEGA-affiliated convenience and grocery stores throughout West Virginia and wrapped up on Mother’s Day.
“We sold a paper flower that you could come in to the convenience stores and grocery stores and buy it in honor of your mother, your child or someone that you love,” explained Vineyard.
Hundreds of stores across the state participated. Little General stores raised the most money at nearly $30,000.
“Oftentimes we’re the first person somebody talks to in the morning when they come in to get their newspaper and coffee,” said Vineyard. “So our communities are our families and we want to help families in West Virginia.”
Vineyard said they raised more money this year than last despite the fact that two chains weren’t able to participate. She believes that says a lot about OMEGA members.
“We started adopting children’s charities in 2003,” according to Vineyard. “Since then we’ve given back 1-point-6 million dollars and it’s through the generosity of our customers coming into our stores and also our owners.”
To find out more about the West Virginia’s Children’s Home Society, log on to www.childhswv.org.