From staff reports
CLARION – Yasir Bhatti believes in small communities and wants to help strengthen Clarion County. Bhatti is the owner of the University Korner store located at the site of the former 7-Eleven on Main Street in Clarion.
Because of his strong belief youth need more physical activity, social interaction and character values, Bhatti decided to donate a portion of all gas sales to the Clarion County YMCA, indefinitely.
“I see kids buried in their cell phones and I think we will see the negative effects of this in the future. People in general have less ability to get along. I want to help by supporting a cause I believe in – the Y,” said Bhatti.
Bhatti believes in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and sees the positive effects the YMCA has on children in the community.
“I hope partnerships like this can happen more often,” said Bhatti. “I want this to be a domino effect in Clarion County and I challenge other local businesses to consider ways to give back to build a better future.”
The idea is simple; purchase gas at University Korner and one penny for every gallon pumped goes to the Clarion County YMCA. Bhatti will write a monthly check to the facility.
“The amount the University Korner store is donating each month is significant,” said Jesse Kelley, Clarion County YMCA branch director. “A penny might not seem like a lot, but over the year it could total $5,000 or more to the Y, helping provide scholarships to many underprivileged children. We hope residents will consider pumping gas at University Korner to help support the Clarion County YMCA.”
The University Korner store opened last year and began offering gas in June. Gas prices are competitive, plus University Korner takes an additional five cents off per gallon when customers scan their loyalty card.
The University Korner store is piloting the gas program in Clarion and hopes to expand it to other stores in the near future.
Bhatti and his family have lived in Clarion County for over five years and own five other stores including the Choice Store in Knox, and stores in Marienville, Kane, Butler and Altoona.