Advance Auto Parts announced a three-year extension of its support of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the kick off to its 2020 in-store fundraising campaign. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 15, customers at more than 5,900 Advance Auto Parts and independently owned Carquest stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are invited to donate $1, $5 or $10 at checkout to support AHA’s “Life is Why We Give” campaign and help in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

According to the AHA, heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S. In fact, someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 43 seconds. In addition, studies show people with high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity and those who have heart disease or have survived a stroke may be more vulnerable to serious complications from COVID-19. Funds raised through AHA’s “Life is Why We Give” fundraising campaign help support innovative research and lifesaving tools and information needed to improve cardiovascular health for millions of Americans.

“The difference the American Heart Association makes in the lives of our customers, communities and team members is truly lifesaving, and the need to support its mission and research is at an all-time high, especially with the documented connection between COVID-19 and heart health,” said Tom Greco, CEO of Advance Auto Parts. “Through our campaign, we can do our part to care for our communities by helping raise funds for important research, as well as CPR training and other programs designed to help all of us live healthier, longer lives.”

Advance Auto Parts began its support of AHA in 2018. Last year, the company raised more than $1 million dollars for AHA, more than any other participating company in the nation.