SPARTA, Mich., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Local CITGO Marketer American Gas and Oil (AGO), with the support of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, raised more than $40,000 for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) chapter during its annual MDA Shamrock campaign. From Feb. 17 through March 24, customers in the area visited local AGO stores and purchased $1 and $5 paper shamrocks, which were displayed around the store as a sign of their commitment to supporting the charity.

"We have supported the MDA mission for 13 years and we are excited to continue this tradition in our stores every year," said Jason Berris, president of American Gas and Oil. "We are so thankful to our employees for their hard work during these campaigns and to our customers for their continued support and generosity. We are proud to support a charity that helps children and families in our community and we hope to raise many more dollars in the years to come."

The proceeds raised at the 42 participating AGO retail locations will support local clinics, care programs and support groups for children and adults coping with neuromuscular diseases and will send children from the area to the MDA summer camp.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. CITGO is the largest corporate sponsor for MDA, raising more than $160 million over the past 27 years through its network of independent Marketers, employees and corporate contributions.

CITGO is committed to giving back to the local communities it serves through its network of locally owned locations. CITGO Marketers and Retailers in Michigan like American Gas and Oil own and operate approximately 300 CITGO locations and are proud to support their communities. For more information on the positive impact of the locally owned CITGO stations, visit www.fuelinggood.com.

SOURCE CITGO