04-04-2025
‘When you need us, we're there:' Fuel the Cause supports local fire companies
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – The Fuel the Cause campaign is returning for another year to help firefighters fund the important work they do.
The event, hosted by Nittany MinitMart, aims to support 40 fire companies across 12 counties in Central Pennsylvania, according to a press release. It has raised over half a million dollars over the past six years since its inception. Anyone can participate by getting fuel at a Nittany MinitMart.
'For every $0.02 of every gallon of fuel purchased at Nittany MinitMart, Nittany MinitMart and PA Skills is giving back to the community of that fire company,' Division Manager Nicole Masullo said.
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Firefighter at Penfield Volunteer Fire Company Shawn Agosti says fundraisers like this are valuable because the average cost for their gear is around $4,000.
'Some departments can't even afford to get their new members gear,' Agosti said.
Without new gear to replace the current set, it can lead to potentially dangerous situations for firefighters.
'Firefighters shouldn't have to be trying to shuffle gloves between each other, or trying to find someone else's jacket because they don't have theirs or theirs is not fire retardant anymore. And that's the reality we're dealing with at some of our fire companies,' Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-171) said.
Agosti said that events like Fuel the Cause free up firefighters from having to fundraise everything themselves, which can often consume time they do not have.
'Causes like this need to happen more often across the state to get people to support their volunteer fire departments,' Agosti said. 'When you need us, we're there.'
At the end of the presentation, MinitMart revealed that all firefighters will get a $0.07 per gallon discount if they access the MinitRewards app. Fuel the Cause lasts all of April and May.
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