Lower gas prices to benefit the homeless

Members of Porterville College’s Phi Theta Kappa are partnering with Henderson Chevron on West Henderson to assist the homeless.

On Friday, Henderson Chevron owner Taha Saleh has agreed to lower the price of gas by a whopping 15 cents a gallon from 3-6 p.m.
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society at Porterville College.

Robert Evans said members of the organization will be standing at the individual pumps, offering to pump the customers’ gas and encouraging donations as their tips.
Saleh said Evans approached him with an idea to pump gas for people and then using any tips they receive to donate.

“I like the cause,” said Saleh, adding, “I threw in the kicker with the lower gas price.”
Saleh is hoping the lower price will not only attract more customers, but also make it easier for people to donate to the students.

“The funds we raise will be donated to the Porterville Homeless Connect, which will take place on Nov. 1,” said Evans.

Porterville Homeless Connect is a community event, through the City of Porterville, to raise funds to be used toward helping the homeless. Donations are encouraged, but there is also a list of large quantities of items that they need. Individual churches and organizations are challenged to raise money and buy specific items on the list.

“As for us, we will wait to see how much we can raise and ask our contact in what manner we should go about donating our funds,” said Evans.

For more on Homeless Connect, contact Lupe Diaz at ldiaz@ci.porterville.ca.us or call 782-7460.