GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The cost of gas isn’t just hurting your pocketbook. It’s also impacting the work of non-profits in our area.
Some nonprofits need to travel daily to offer services.
A gallon of regular unleaded gas is inching close to the $5 mark. That’s a hefty price for Curative Connections, a non-profit agency that provides low-cost rides for seniors and people with disabilities to everyday appointments and errands.
Right now, they average 4,400 miles and 3,800 rides per month.
Director of transportation, Tina Whetung says the cost is catching up to them.
“Right now we are facing a deficit or a shortfall of about $42,000 for the year and that’s only if the fuel prices maintain where they are right now,” said Whetung.
Whetung says in 2021, Curative Connections spent $85,000 on fuel.
Now, not even halfway through 2022, they have already spent $75,000.
“We’re anticipating our fuel expense to be about $180,000 this year,” said Whetung.
Whetung says they are hoping to intergrate ridesharing or use smaller vehicles instead of buses.
“Our funding is very limited, so what we have is what we get. Cutting services is hopefully not one of the things we have to consider but it may be a reality at some point,” said Whetung.
Paul’s Pantry relies on its truck fleet to travel more than 1,200 miles a month to feed people in Northeast Wisconsin. All that gas is paid for by community donations.
“We’re grateful that the community has been so generous over the years to put us in a position to weather the storm if you will when it comes to gas prices. But there is certainly an impact,” said Assistant Executive Director at Paul’s Pantry, Bob Hornacek .
Hornacek says the food pantry is still feeling the sting of rising gas prices.
“We’ve certainly had to increase our budget a little bit to not just pay for gas prices but the food we purchase. Those items cost more, a lot of it is because of the added cost of fuel and transportation so we’re feeling it on both ends as well,” said Hornacek.
Paul’s Pantry and Curative Connections hope no matter what the pump ticks up to, they can count on the community to keep them on the road for people in need.
To donate to Curative Connections in Brown County you can send a check to Curative Connections at 29020 Curry Lane, Green Bay, WI 54311, or use the QR code below.
To donate to Paul’s Pantry CLICK HERE.
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