Though construction work around the Superior Town Pump may make it look like the station is closed, assistant day manager Steven Mellen wants customers to know that business is running as usual. 

“There are still pumps open on the west side for both gasoline and diesel,” Mellen said. “We also have more diesel pumps in the back where the semis park. It might look a bit awkward out front, but we’re open and serving customers just as we always have.”  

Mellen is also helping lead one of Town Pump’s most impactful annual efforts — the “Be a Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need” food bank fundraiser.

“No, before I started at Town Pump, I wasn’t aware of the annual fundraiser and here it’s been going on for 24 years,” he said with a smile. “Everyone in the facility knows how to accept donations. Customers can round up their purchases to the next dollar, and that change goes directly to the food bank.” 

Some customers, he added, go above and beyond.

“We have folks who’ll add another $5, or even come in just to donate. Someone can walk in, hand us $100, and we can process it right at the register. It couldn’t be easier, and those small round-ups really add up each day.”

Rose Duncan, treasurer of the Community Food Bank of Mineral County (CFBMC), shared just how much the support means. 

“From Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, we served 1,005 individuals across 487 households,” Duncan said. “That includes 403 adults, 415 seniors, and 187 children under 18.” 

She added that the upcoming Town Pump fundraiser running through November 30 provides a critical boost. Donations made locally are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $9,000 by the Town Pump Charitable Foundation.

Founded in 1999, the Foundation focuses on meeting Montanans’ basic needs and supporting education. Over the past 23 years, Town Pump’s campaign has helped raise more than $52 million for Montana food banks, including $12.2 million in direct grants. Food insecurity continues to rise across the state. Montana food banks now serve over 35,000 families each month, according to Town Pump.

“The convenience stores bring in the majority of donations each year,” said Mellen. “But every Town Pump property, from casinos to hotels, takes part. The funds raised stay right in the local area.”

Customers visiting any Town Pump location in October and November will be asked if they’d like to donate a dollar or more. Employees ask every customer, every time because, as the company notes, “You can’t get a yes without asking the question.”

It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference. So, while construction might make the Superior Town Pump look closed, the doors, and the hearts of its employees, are very much open.