National Canister Program and Verizon Phone Cards to Provide Cash and Communications DALLAS, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. today announced it is launching several initiatives to expand its Hurricane Katrina response, which combined could raise up to $1 million for disaster relief efforts. * Participating 7-Eleven(R) stores nationwide are serving as official cash-donation sites for customer contributions from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. One half of the proceeds collected will go to fund immediate hurricane relief efforts by the American Red Cross. The other half will address long-term needs with a newly created scholarship program, implemented by Education is Freedom, for qualified students impacted by the hurricane. * During October, one of 7-Eleven's valued suppliers will match customer donations up to $75,000 each for the American Red Cross and Education is Freedom, 7-Eleven's signature charity which is implementing the Katrina scholarship program, for a total gift of up to $150,000. * Customers who donate $1 or more in-store can receive a strand of Mardi Gras beads, in a campaign 7-Eleven calls "Beads for the Bayou," to show their support and participation, while supplies last. * 7-Eleven is donating $150,000 to help the American Red Cross reach its goal of $2 billion in Katrina relief funds. * The newly formed parent company of Seven-Eleven Japan and IYG Holding Company, Seven & I Holdings in Tokyo, also created a Hurricane Katrina relief campaign in Japan. Approximately 12,000 7-Eleven stores and other businesses operated by the company participated in the fund drive through Sept. 25 to benefit the American Red Cross. * The company has joined with Verizon Communications, Inc. to distribute $50,000 worth of $5 prepaid phone cards to evacuees. An initial 2,000 cards were distributed in the days after the hurricane struck to help victims contact friends and relatives. The Red Cross will distribute the remaining cards while supplies last to shelter residents in Louisiana and Alabama. "7-Eleven has a long history of helping our communities -- everyday and in times of disaster -- and this was no exception," said Nancy Lear, national manager of community relations for 7-Eleven. "Now we're stepping up our efforts because the need demands it. Recovery will take time and enormous amounts of money. We want to help increase awareness and contributions." Many 7-Eleven stores have been collecting donations for the American Red Cross since the hurricane struck Aug. 29, and immediately after the disaster 7-Eleven worked with its suppliers to provide fresh sandwiches, energy bars and Classic Selection(R) water for thousands of stranded victims. The company has hired 13 Katrina evacuees for store positions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and is continuing to interview others displaced by the disaster. About the American Red Cross American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven, Inc. operates or franchises more than 5,800 7-Eleven(R) stores in the United States and Canada and licenses approximately 22,700 7-Eleven stores in 17 other countries and U.S. territories throughout the world. During 2004, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of approximately $41 billion. Find out more online at http://www.7-eleven.com/. DATASOURCE: 7-Eleven, Inc. CONTACT: Kevin Gardner of 7-Eleven, Inc., +1-214-828-7345; or Sarah Marchetti of American Red Cross, +1-202-303-4473; or Jim Smith of Verizon, +1-212-395-7746 Web site: http://www.7-eleven.com/

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