In turn, they are forced to take desperate measures and sell their own belongings - like CDs, TVs and tools - for gas money.

“Three dollars a gallon we can't handle. We were able to make ends meet, but now we’re stretching and we can’t afford anything,” said one woman who did not want to be identified.

On Monday, she went to Gary's Steals And Deals in Portage to sell TV, DVDs and video games for the sole purpose of getting enough money for her fiancé to fill up.

“It's getting to the point where he's going to see if he can give somebody $20 and ride with them and sell the car. It's that bad,” she said.

She's not the only one. Gary Vaughn, the shop's owner, said last week a trucker temporarily sold Gary his tool set so that he could have enough money to fuel up for one more load before payday. Once payday came, he bought the tools back.

“Some people go to the bank and borrow money in a loan format. So this is really an outlet for them to pay bills on a short-term basis,” Vaughn said.

Although Gary benefits from this extra business, he and those selling their old treasures feel these gas prices have to come down.

Rich Klindworth reports: People Sell Belongings To Pay For Gas

Previous Stories: April 24, 2006: Gasoline Nears $3 Locally April 21, 2006: Can Corn Save Us Gas Money? April 21, 2006: Gas Availability A Concern April 20, 2006: No End In Sight For Rising Gas Prices April 19, 2006: Why Pay $3 Per Gallon Of Gas? Drive For Free! April 18, 2006: Store Accused Of Gas Gouging April 10, 2006: Are Gas Prices Hurting Our Economy?