Nittany MinitMart, a local convenience store chain with 28 locations across Pennsylvania including Kane and Smethport, announced they raised more than $24,000 for Hurricane Helene relief in October.

Hurricane Helene’s devastation left communities grappling with loss and destruction, motivating Nittany MinitMart to give back. They worked with their suppliers to purchase and deliver 38,304 bottles of water. The water was picked up in Ebensburg, and shipped to Candler, N.C. where it was distributed by a local church.

“We were heartbroken by the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene,” said John Martin, president at Nittany MinitMart. “Seeing people without power and water drove us to find a way to make a difference.”

The stores also raised funds through a round up at checkout program throughout the month of October. Customers contributed by rounding up their purchases, with every cent going toward supporting those in need. All $24,165 raised was donated to Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization providing much-needed aid and resources to those affected, helping families and communities on their path to recovery.