PHOENIX - It's an unlikely safe place.
The popular Valley gas station has been selling sodas, snacks and helping at-risk youth at the same time for decades. So it may be a surprise to learn that QuikTrip is more than just a local caffeine and gas tank fill-up spot.
QuikTrip manager, Jason Hasty, says they take about 10 calls a month from youth who need immediate help in the Valley. The company has been partnered with the National Safe Place organization since 1991 and QT has been a Safe Place location in the Valley since 2001.
Safe Place is a national nonprofit organization helping at-risk youth in crisis situations. Employees at QT are trained right away to make sure the children and teens get help immediately. The youth are typically ages 12 to 17.
If a child or teen walks into a QT looking for help, the employees are taught to give them food, drink and shelter. Then, employees from UMOM, a place that helps people experiencing homelessness, will assist from there.
"Our employees are generally pretty happy to help," Hasty said. "Anytime there's a genuine youth that needs services, I think they're willing to help and be part of that. It's always good to help somebody out when they need help."
Other locations around the Valley that you might not expect to be havens for youth in need are Valley Metro, light rail stations and even libraries.
Safe Place awareness is taught to students in schools and then places like QT sponsor different campaigns throughout the year.