WESTERN MASS. – Throughout the month of July, Cumberland Farms customers can help a disabled veteran while they fill up their gas tanks and get a cup of coffee. That’s because the convenience store’s parent company, EG America, has partnered with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to collect donations for the charity.

“DAV aids more than one million veterans in positive, life-changing ways by helping them access the benefits they earned, like healthcare, education and disability, and connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities,” said Rob Lewis, DAV National Communications director. The free services are funded by donations from the public.

This is the second year that EG America has hosted the campaign in it’s 1,682 convenience stores, which include Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf 'N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill.

“Last year, the fundraiser ran for two months. As a result, we were proudly able to raise more than $800,000 for DAV,” David Heilbronner, EG Group’s director of Brand Strategy and Advertising. “Our goal is to raise $250,000 for DAV but based on the exceptional turnout we had last year we hope to contribute much more.”

Lewis called EG America’s support “critical - especially during the current crisis for disabled veterans, who are more susceptible to the negative consequences of this pandemic.”

In addition to collecting donations from customers, the convenience stores are also offering a free cup of coffee to veterans as a “thank you.”

George Fournier, president of EG America in a statement, “We know many of our team members and guests are veterans and believe it is important to recognize and give back to those who have served our country. Partnering with DAV gives our store teams a collective purpose and allows them to connect with the communities where they live and work in a meaningful way.”

Heilbronner said that customers also enjoy the campaign and the chance to give back.

The donation program ends July 31.