LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Gas prices are putting a strain on Lubbock drivers, as a gallon of regular gas costs $4.02 on average. That\u2019s six cents more than the state average for regular gas, which is reported at $3.96, according to AAA.<\/p>\n
Meals on Wheels serves more than 1,000 people in Lubbock and Wolfforth across 81 different routes every day. <\/p>\n
Lisa Gilliland, the executive director of Meals on Wheels, says her organization recognizes that every volunteer is spending time as well as money. That\u2019s why the routes are kept to about 12 miles long.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do our very best to keep them as compact as possible because we do respect the fact that our volunteers are using their own time, their own vehicle, and their own gas,\u201d Gilliland said.<\/p>\n
While the increasing price of gas may deter some drivers, Gilliland says Meals on Wheels volunteers are still dedicated to serving their neighbors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a Lubbock thing,\u201d Gilliland said. \u201cLubbock is very philanthropic; they\u2019re really good at taking care of their neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roger McCauley is one of those dedicated volunteers. He started delivering for Meals on Wheels shortly after moving to Lubbock in 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m retired now and I have the time to do things like this, to give back to the community,\u201d McCauley said.<\/p>\n
He said he\u2019s seen the need of Meals on Wheels clients clearly, something that\u2019s driving him to continue, despite the pain at the pump.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel as though what I do is important enough to absorb that extra expense and cost of doing it,\u201d McCauley said. \u201cSo higher gas prices are not an issue to prevent me from doing what I really feel is important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gilliland said Meals on Wheels is always looking for more volunteers like McCauley. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe always need more volunteers during the winter months. That\u2019s when more referrals come in,\u201d Gilliland said.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to drive to support Meals on Wheels, either. Gilliland says you can volunteer to cook the meals, pack weekend sacks, or even help in the administrative office.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a place for everyone, and I hope that people will continue to support us regardless of the economy,\u201d Gilliland said.<\/p>\n