Fueling Community

May 4, 2026

There’s one household name in Iowa that’s synonymous with pizza and the glow of a small-town gas station – Casey’s. Since opening its first store in 1968, Casey’s has proudly aimed to make life better for the communities and guests they serve every day. Woven into the rhythm of daily life, their commitment extends to supporting neighbors and towns, making an impact on fundamental needs and building stronger communities through charitable giving. 

Casey’s has long believed its purpose reaches far beyond its storefronts. Their giving focuses on three pillars that reflect what matters most to their guests and team members: education, hunger and community servants, including veterans and first responders. These priorities recognize that in the towns Casey’s calls home, people know one another by name, care for each other and show up when it counts. 

“Without our team’s commitment, we wouldn’t have the impact that we do. When they are engaged, and engaging our guests, that positive impact is amplified to support the community in ways that matter most,” said Katie Petru, director of public relations, communications and community for Casey’s. “This is what puts Casey’s above the rest – that a convenience store can have such positive impact outside of our four walls.” 

To deepen that impact even further, Casey’s turned to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Through their charitable fund, Casey’s can focus on strategically supporting nonprofit organizations and charitable causes across their footprint while the Community Foundation provides the expertise and structure to amplify their impact. The partnership allows Casey’s to pair its longstanding culture of giving with charitable guidance, intentional grantmaking and a streamlined way to respond to community needs, locally and across Casey’s Country. 

“Giving back is core to who we are at Casey’s,” said Darren Rebelez, president and CEO of Casey’s, and board member of the Community Foundation. “When our team members, guests and partners come together, the impact is real and meaningful. Working with the Community Foundation gives us trusted, local expertise that allows us to stay focused on what we do best — showing up for our communities and making a difference where it matters most.”

As Casey’s continues to serve communities across 19 states, the heart of their mission remains unchanged: supporting neighbors, strengthening families and helping communities thrive.

“Casey’s has the ability to think big, and that’s huge for us,” said Bergetta Beardsley, vice president of philanthropy for the Food Bank of Iowa. “We can count on Casey’s to help us get food out the door and on the tables of families across their footprint.”

Casey’s commitment proves that a convenience store can be far more than a place to fuel up. It can be a force for good in the fabric of communities, helping them grow stronger, together.