LYNCHBURG, Va. – Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg is concerned whether some volunteers will be able to continue due to high gas prices.
“If you [volunteer] very often, [the price] has to affect that,” said volunteer Laura Light.
“It would definitely make a big impact,” said volunteer John Osinga.
We’re told the nonprofit has about 1,000 volunteers. Many help once a week, while some come daily.
They deliver food to 550 recipients each day, five days a week throughout Lynchburg and surrounding counties.
Becky Tweedy, communications director for Meals on Wheels, says gas prices could force drivers on a fixed income to cut back.
“It is definitely a concern. We are trying to work out creative ways to help that out, whether it’s a social media fundraiser for gas cards or something like that,” said Tweedy.
Volunteers say delivering meals means so much because they see their clients like family.
“This may be their only meal that they get, or someone checking in on them, and I know what can happen if someone isn’t checked in on,” said volunteer Sarah Bonner.
They’re using their passion as fuel.
“I really think I would give something else first [before giving up volunteering],” said Light.