Circle K Stores Add Sparkle by Decorating with Wreaths for Charity; 19th Annual Holiday Donation Program to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy

Business Wire, Nov 25, 2003

Business Editors

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 2003

During the holidays, wreaths can be a wonderful decorative touch. Whether a wreath is hung on a door to welcome visitors, on a wall or on the counter at a Circle K store -- the splash of color is sure to add a feeling of warmth during the holiday season.

Now through Dec. 31, customers may purchase a decorative wreath at all Circle K convenience stores across the country to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the independence of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

This in-store fundraiser, which is in its 19th year, encourages customers to donate to UCP in exchange for recognition on a paper holiday wreath provided by Miller Brewing Co.(TM). This year's two-sided wall decoration features the opportunity to contribute at the $1 level or the "Gold Sponsor of UCP" level for a $5 donation. Personalized wreaths will be displayed in Circle K stores through the end of 2003.

More than 600,000 UCP wreath ornaments are expected to accumulate at Circle K stores during this holiday season. In 2002, Circle K store employees and customers raised more than $570,000 during this promotion.

"Every wreath hung in our stores represents both our employees' and customers' enthusiastic support for children and adults with disabilities. We're proud to recognize each and every one of our customers for helping us to make the holidays more meaningful," said Mick Parker, company operations manager for Circle K.

Since 1984, Circle K has been a national sponsor of UCP, raising more than $40 million. Employees, customers and vendors raise funds for UCP throughout the year via coin collection canisters in every site, and special events such as golf tournaments. Last year alone, these programs contributed more than $2.3 million to the charity. Of that total, approximately $2 million was raised through coin canisters displayed on all store counters.

"In supporting UCP, Circle K and Miller Brewing Co. continue their long and rich history of supporting the independence of people with disabilities in the communities across the country," said Julie R. Jernigan, senior marketing manager for UCP. "Over the past 19 years, Circle K and Miller jointly have raised more than $73 million for UCP, making a powerful and direct impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families."

For more than 50 years, UCP has been committed to change and progress for persons with disabilities. The national organization and its nationwide network of more than 100 affiliates in 37 states serve more than 30,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families every day. UCP strives to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society -- from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities through commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion and self-determination. For more information and affiliate locations, visit www.ucp.org.

Miller Brewing Co. is in its 20th year of sponsorship of UCP. Through a comprehensive array of promotions, Miller and its nationwide network of distributors have raised more than $35 million for UCP and its affiliates.

Circle K is a registered trademark of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) or its affiliates. Circle K convenience stores are located in 18 states and seven countries. ConocoPhillips is a major international integrated energy company headquartered in Houston with operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available on www.conocophillips.com and www.circlek.com.