COUNTRY CLUB HILLS (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Thousands of motorists were treated this morning to up to $50 in free gasoline as part of businessman Willie Wilson’s $1M gas giveaway. Forty-six gas stations in the city and suburbs were involved.
Twenty-seven old Ashley Smith waited a total of about two and a half hours to fill up her gas tank at the Falcon Fuel gas station at 183rd and Pulaski in Country Club Hills.
“It was definitely worth it. Getting my gas. Awesome. Thanks, Willie,” exclaimed Smith.
Country Club Hills police had a few hundred vehicles funneled through a winding line in a shopping center next to the gas station. Police Chief John Galvin says he found out last weekend that the Falcon station would be involved in the gas giveaway.
“We started preparing for it, had some meetings about it, some game plans,” said Chief Galvin.
Antoinette Dykas of Sauk Village was second in the line which formed at 4:30 in the morning. She says the wait for free gas was worth it.
“It really helps right now. I’m in between jobs and 50 dollars will fill my gas tank,” Dykas said.
By 9:00 a.m., all the numbers had been issued to motorists who would be getting up to $50 in free gasoline. Holding lucky #400, the last number, was 22-year old Markisha Clair.
“I’m so excited. I’m glad that I made it,” Clair said.
Robert Hurt was first in line. To say he was excited about getting $50 in gas was putting it mildly.
“They’re pumping my gas for me too? That is unbelievable,” Hurt said.
“It’s going to be a big help, not having to keep running to a gas station, filling up and pinchin’ pennies,” Hurtt added.
Motorists such as Kavere Holmes of Frankfort were thankful Willie Wilson spent the $1M for others.
“Willie’s a good person. He always tries to help. He’s been doing this for years,” Holmes said.
Jennie Betton, co-chair of Economic Development for Country Club Hills pumped gas for motorists at the Falcon station.
“This really helps the households in the community to have a tank of gas, where they can maybe pay another bill and not have to worry about the gas,” Betton said.
Related
Shamelah Jones was getting free gas but, since her car only takes premium, she could not completely fill up.
“My 50 is not going as far with premium gas so I really needed it,” Jones said.
Jones was still grateful however.
“It’s a great vibe, great energy. Everybody’s happy,” Jones added.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio live here.
Related
