Pumping gas for a cause

On Friday Porterville resident Rosie Munoz pulled into the Chevron on Henderson not knowing what to expect.

“I think what caught my eye was the sign. I didn’t know what it was about,” said Munoz, a student at California State Bakersfield who is studying for her Masters in Social Work, after her gas had been pumped.

Munoz and other residents took part in a local fundraising effort put on by the members of the Porterville College honor society Phi Betta Kappa and Henderson Chevron owner Taha Saleh who dropped his gas prices by 15 cents. The event began at 3 p.m. and lasted until 6.

At 3:30, cars were lined up and all of the pumps were full. As customers pulled in, club officers introduced themselves and offered to pump the gas.

“We’re pumping their gas as a courtesy and people donate to the cause, but pay 15 cents less at the pump,” stated Phi Theta Kappa President Robert Evans who added that all of the funds raised will be donated to the Porterville Homeless Connect project.

Saleh felt that he could help.

“The town has given so much to me and my family. I believe in supporting citizens,” explained Saleh, who added that he is always open to events that can help the community.

Another resident echoed those sentiments.

“Times are hard right now. Ya gotta help everybody that’s how it should be,” said Richard De La Cruz, who along with his friend Albert Duran were on their way to a surprise birthday party. Cruz added that he would do it again.

Munoz believes that these types of events help to spotlight issues and they are important.
“To create awareness! Not many are aware that these type of issues are occurring in our very own community,” she said.