Gasoline giveaway: New charity works to fill tanks of the poor
Friday, July 11, 2008
BY CHRIS KILLIAN
Special to the Gazette
KALAMAZOO -- A local religious group has launched what it believes is a first-in-the-nation assistance program for low-income people having trouble paying for gasoline.
The nonprofit program operates under the name Free Gas USA Inc., and it's taking applications for gas grant cards that range in value from $50 to $1,200, depending on people's needs and circumstances.
``Those in need can get assistance with food and other needs, but with the cost of gas today, we thought that they should get help with that, too,'' the Rev. William Stein said. ``We looked around and couldn't find another program like this. We are unique in that regard.''
The program is affiliated with Baptism Ministries USA, an interdenominational ministry based at the Church of the Brethren, 394 S. Drake Road, in Oshtemo Township, of which Stein is the pastor.
In order to be eligible for a gas card, a person's yearly income must be at or below the ``very low income limit'' category as defined for specific geographic locations by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Stein said. That number in Kalamazoo County is $21,200.
Anyone in the United States and its territories can apply for a gas card, provided they are U.S. citizens.
The gas cards are awarded monthly and there is no limit to the number of cards a person can apply for, Stein said. To save on mailing costs, those interested in the program can only access application documents on the group's Web site, http://www.freegasusa.org/.
Each applicant also must include a copy of his or her most recent tax return and referral letter from a human service agency or church stating their need, Stein said.
The group has been receiving donations from private individuals, churches and corporations for months and is planning a national gasoline rally sometime later this summer to drum up more dollars, Stein said.
The group also participates in Meijer Inc.'s Community Rewards Program which allows customers to direct a portion of their total purchase price to a charity or other assistance organization.
Although Stein wouldn't say how much money the group has accumulated so far, he did say that he isn't concerned about running out of money anytime soon -- at least with a little divine intervention.
``We're perpetual,'' he said. ``As long as there's a need, we'll be here, the Lord willing.''
©2008 Kalamazoo
© 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.
NOTE: Rev. Stein is the pastor of Baptism USA Ministries, not the Church of the Brethren.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Free Gas, USA
FREE GAS, USA
By Pastor Mary Gault
The hottest topic of conversation these days appears to be the price of gasoline. Fingers of blame point to dwindling oil reserves, other countries consumption, speculators, oil guzzling vehicles, and the falling value of the U.S. dollar. Businesses are raising their prices to cover the extra cost for transportation of their goods. The higher prices impact all of us to varying degrees. In order to get your business, gas stations, grocery stores, car dealerships, and even realtors, are offering the public free gasoline.
But the most affected are those whose income falls at or below the poverty level. They are the ones who have no cushion to cover any higher prices. Food, clothing, medicine and gasoline to name a few living expenses, all are increasing with no promise of relief. Getting to work now becomes problematic in areas without adequate public transportation.
Therefore, to help those in need a new 501(c)(3) charity has been formed. It is called Free Gas USA, Inc. and is based in Kalamazoo. Michigan. (Visit our website at: http://www.freegasusa.org/. It’s mission states: Recognizing the importance of gasoline as a means to sustain our nation’s economy, Free Gas USA, Inc. is dedicated to provide advocacy and financial grant assistance for needy Americans. In order to facilitate this goal we partner with public, private, philanthropic and religious organizations to maintain and/or enhance the dignity and overall quality of life of our clients.
By Pastor Mary Gault
The hottest topic of conversation these days appears to be the price of gasoline. Fingers of blame point to dwindling oil reserves, other countries consumption, speculators, oil guzzling vehicles, and the falling value of the U.S. dollar. Businesses are raising their prices to cover the extra cost for transportation of their goods. The higher prices impact all of us to varying degrees. In order to get your business, gas stations, grocery stores, car dealerships, and even realtors, are offering the public free gasoline.
But the most affected are those whose income falls at or below the poverty level. They are the ones who have no cushion to cover any higher prices. Food, clothing, medicine and gasoline to name a few living expenses, all are increasing with no promise of relief. Getting to work now becomes problematic in areas without adequate public transportation.
Therefore, to help those in need a new 501(c)(3) charity has been formed. It is called Free Gas USA, Inc. and is based in Kalamazoo. Michigan. (Visit our website at: http://www.freegasusa.org/. It’s mission states: Recognizing the importance of gasoline as a means to sustain our nation’s economy, Free Gas USA, Inc. is dedicated to provide advocacy and financial grant assistance for needy Americans. In order to facilitate this goal we partner with public, private, philanthropic and religious organizations to maintain and/or enhance the dignity and overall quality of life of our clients.
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