WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — In response to news that the Family Dollar in West Memphis will be closing, one church did what they could to "shine light" into their community.
Drivers lined up as early as 7 a.m. Saturday during the second year that Faith International Church in West Memphis gave away free gas.
For the 1st 100 cars, $20 was pumped into each vehicle.
Faith International gives out gas
As gas prices continue to rise, the Tennessee Department of Transportation also is doing their part to help. They've been getting more calls for help on the interstate.
Eric Hill, a help service operator with TDOT, has 15 years of service under his belt.
"Our main objective is to keep the interstate open,” said Hill. "I like that fact that we go out and we save lives.”
Hill and his team of 5 to 7 drivers respond to calls for help every day if a car breaks down or gets a flat tire. They're now getting more calls for a different reason.
“Those gas calls are going up,” said Hill. “We're averaging anywhere between 15 to 20 plus more calls for gas.”
According to AAA, as of May 18, on average, a gallon of regular gas in Shelby County is $4.30. That's two cents higher than the state's average at $4.28.
The economic problem is now becoming a safety hazard.
“When you run out of gas, sometimes, drivers can be in the lane,” said Hill. “Sometimes, we can find them on the shoulder. Other times, they go to the median."
With more drivers stranded on the highway, Hill worries it could get worse before it gets better.
“Unfortunately, over my years, we've had fatalities where people run out of gas,” said Hill. “That's the seriousness of making sure your car has gasoline in it."
If you run out of gas, *847 is the number to call. In a matter in minutes, TDOT will respond with a free gallon of gas.
“We'll get to you and make sure you're OK,” said Hill.