STANDISH, Mich. (June 3, 2020) – Shoppers and employees at Forward convenience stores throughout East Central and parts of Northern Michigan have demonstrated an outpouring of support for neighbors leading the fight against COVID-19 through donations of comfort snacks and beverages. More than 590 pounds of donated candy bars and other snacks, and 1,400 individual bottles of water, energy drinks and pop, were delivered earlier this week to frontline workers at Ascension healthcare facilities in Saginaw, Standish and Tawas, McLaren Thumb Region Hospital in Bad Axe, MidMichigan Medical Center in West Branch, along with Medallion Village Assisted Living in Sebewaing and Bayfield Assisted Living and Memory Care in Bay City.
“We’re all looking for ways to express our gratitude to the healthcare workers who continue to selflessly serve our communities during this pandemic,” said Abby Moniz, fifth-generation president of Forward Corporation. “Our employees full-heartedly embraced this opportunity to come together with their neighbors in showing support for their hometown heroes.”
Employee teams at each of Forward’s 29 Shell and Marathon convenience stores hand-decorated collection boxes and encouraged customers to donate snackable food and beverages from May 11 to May 20. In total, the grassroots effort garnered donations from shoppers, as well as a donation from Forward Corporation, that culminated in 302 pounds of chocolate and candy bars, 172 pounds of granola bars and cookies, and 120 pounds of chips, crackers and peanuts, along with 40 cases of water, 11 cases of iced tea and energy drinks, and 15 cases of soda pop and other beverages.
About Forward Corporation
Forward Corporation, a family-owned and operated Michigan company, has been in business over 90 years. With 29 Shell and Marathon convenience stores, Forward Corporation’s brand portfolio has grown to include Subway restaurants, Super 8 motels, a Quality Inn, and The LumberJack Restaurant in West Branch. Forward Corporation also owns and operates Forward Energy, a heating fuels business, and T.R. McTaggart, a custom screen print and embroidery business. Headquartered in Standish, Mich., Forward Corporation proudly employs 1,000 Michigan residents across the state.