LAS VEGAS -- Record-high gas prices could keep needy people from getting food.

Representatives from Valley Meals on Wheels organization said they're spending $2,000 a month just on gas, which is up more than $400 than last year.

That cost has caused the group to cut routes, and without these deliveries, workers said some folks here in the Valley would never eat.

"It's an uphill battle," Lonnie Palelei, one of the drivers, said. "But you know, it's one of those things. Everybody that works here wants to be doing this stuff, so motivation's not a problem."

Palelei loads and delivers meals for the group, which provides 10,000 meals a week for homebound seniors.

"Many times you open a freezer door and there is nothing in there," worker Tom Peterson said. "We provide milk as well. You open the refrigerator and you put in two quarts of milk. There's nothing there. So you realize they've been waiting for this food."

But because of record pump prices, the charity has been forced to eliminate a route, work 10 hour days and consolidate deliveries. They did this to keep the meals they deliver complete.

"We drive about a thousand miles a month and beyond that because we deal with frozen foods," Peterson said. "We have to have the vehicles on all day."

The nonprofit gets it funds from a grant that expects them to forecast their budget two years in advance.

"So, when we put in for these grants, we had no idea the gas would do what it's doing," he added. "We're doing everything we can, but frankly what we're really finding out is how important donations are."

Meals on Wheels needs everything from pet supplies and pet food to non-perishable human food, and most importantly, cash donations.

They hope to purchase newer, more fuel-efficient trucks in the next year.

For more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit the Meals on Wheels Web site.