The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), the statewide trade association representing convenience stores, supermarkets, wholesalers and affiliated businesses, thanks our members Sheetz and Sunoco for assisting travelers stranded on the Pennsylvania turnpike during winter storm Jonas this weekend.
On Saturday, January 23, the Pennsylvania turnpike was closed in both directions between Breezewood and New Stanton after tractor-trailers got stuck on the highway. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) reached out to PFMA to ask for assistance in providing supplies and meals to travelers who were moved to an emergency shelter.
Sheetz’ Bedford store, located off the Pennsylvania turnpike entrance/exit, made 250 subs and provided water for stranded motorists. Associates at Sunoco APlus convenience stores in South Somerset and North Bedford prepared 100 sandwiches and donated several hundred bottles of water to the people stuck on the turnpike.
“Our sincere thanks to Sheetz and Sunoco who readily answered PEMA’s call for assistance,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA vice president of external relations. “Sheetz and Sunoco provided those travelers with a little comfort and a meal as they waited out the storm until the Turnpike reopened.”
More than 500 cars, trucks and buses were stranded from late Friday through Saturday. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured thanks to the efforts of PennDOT, PEMA, the National Guard and law enforcement.
