(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Millionaire Chicago businessman and ex-mayoral candidate Willie Wilson is hoping this week's second gasoline giveaway goes a little smoother.
Last week, Wilson gave away $200,000 in free gas as pump prices have spiked, but the effort was blamed for creating chaos and traffic jams. Beginning 7 a.m. Thursday, his larger $1 million giveaway begins at 50 stations in Chicago. Each motorist can get up to $50 in gas.
"People are struggling, it's a big problem. I just want to help,” Wilson said at a Tuesday news conference to discuss this week’s event.
Wilson and his team said they are working with city and county governments to ensure things are more organized this time around.
"We've been meeting with them over the last few days so we can minimize any disruptions people may have getting to work, getting to school, getting to doctor's appointments," Richard Boykin, an event organizer, said.
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He added: ”The police have made it abundantly clear that we want to make sure that we don't block driveways, that we don't prohibit emergency ambulances and vehicles from getting through, so they are going to be there to direct traffic.”
Wilson said after the first round of free gas, he knew he had to up the ante.
"Let's hope as many people can get gasoline as possible. Then after that, we'll figure out what more we can do,” he said.
Boykin said this time, there will be queues for vehicles; motorists will receive numbers and volunteers and paid employees will be pumping the gas.
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"We're discouraging people from lining up overnight,” he said. “We encourage all the citizens who are around these gas stations, have a little patience and to plan for what may be a big turnout in your neighborhood.
“We're doing everything in our power to make this as smooth as possible. Please don't bring gas cans. Pumps will be pre-programmed and we hope to get people in and out in an orderly fashion.”
The first 400 people at each gas station will receive $50 worth of gas until the million dollars is spent. Gas stations will also be lowering their prices during the event.
For a map and a list of participating gas stations, click here.