Those traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday will be supporting a camp for disabilities.

The Petroleum Marketers of Iowa is launching its 20th Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous of Iowa in Monticello. For every gallon of gas purchased Wednesday throughout Iowa, one cent will be donated to the camp from participating petroleum vendors.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for persons with disabilities, said Charlie Becker, executive camp director. Some of the disabilities include hearing and visual impairments, autism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Parents and family members can call any time, day or night, and we’ll take care of their family member,” Becker said.

The camp began in 1974. It operates 24 hours a day with campers almost every day of the year, and it provides respite care on weekends, Becker said.

“[Respite care] is one of the most important programs we offer. We’re there 24 hours for families,” he said. “Some families have to deal with multiple feeds and many medications, and we meet their needs if they need a break. We’ll always be there for them.”

The camp, which met the needs of about 4,300 individuals last year, is supported solely on donations. It is not supported by the government or formal sponsorships, he said. This campaign is the only statewide fund raiser.

The Petroleum Marketers of Iowa also help the camp raise money with a golf tournament during the summer. Between the two efforts, about $50,000 was raised last year. Becker said they are hoping the same amount will be generated this year.

Various petroleum vendors, service stations and airports will be designated by a poster in the window, which distinguishes them as participants. Becker said he doesn’t know how many were planning to participate, but he said they all received a kit with explanations about the fund raiser, giving them the option to be involved.

“There is a potential for every petroleum marketer to participate, though all will not participate,” he said. “Usually there is a large percentage who do.”

Ron Marr, executive vice president of Petroleum Marketers of Iowa, said most gas stations pump 2,000 gallons a day, providing $20 to $25 from each station for the camp.

“It isn’t as much money as you would think. Most people think that it’s a whole lot of money,” he said.

The collaboration between the two groups began in the early 1980s during the petroleum embargo, Marr said.For more information about Camp Courageous of Iowa visit www.campcourageous.org.