Queens Centers for Progress(QCP) held a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to celebrate the end of its “Giving Pump” fundraiser, a months-long community-led donation initiative.
The local nonprofit partnered with Charanjit “Channi” Singh, owner of Mukti Petroleum Management, Inc., to hold the fundraiser at his Exxon gas station located at 178-02 Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows.
During the ceremony, Singh presented a check of $4,235 to QCP at their Children’s Center Apple Preschool located at 82-25 164th St, Jamaica. Singh and his wife, Sandeep Kaur, were presented with thank-you cards made by the children in the program, followed by a school tour.
Singh pledged to donate one penny per gallon of gas sold from one specially branded pump at the Fresh Meadows station. Triobor Printing wrapped the pump with QCP’s logo and artwork, creating a visible symbol of the children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities that QCP supports.
Singh said that it is vital to give back to the local community. “It’s our honor to support causes like this, and we hope it inspires others to do the same. Our commitment to helping our community will continue, and we look forward to future opportunities to give back.”
Terri Ross, Executive Director of QCP, emphasized the event’s significance for the organization. “Today’s visit goes beyond receiving this generous check and is a celebration of community spirit, the generosity of local businesses, and the powerful impact that partnerships can create,” Ross said. “The funds raised through the ‘Giving Pump’ campaign will directly support QCP’s essential programs, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the resources and care they need.”
Founded in 1950 as the United Cerebral Palsy of Queens, the QCP has served more than 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the support of over 400 dedicated staff members, QCP helps children and adults maximize their skills, foster independence, and improve their overall quality of life.
