CHICAGO — A Chicago businessman’s gift to drivers in Chicago caused major traffic headaches in the city.
Willie Wilson, who previously ran for mayor of Chicago, announced Wednesday on social media that he would donate $200,000 worth of gas beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday, “to alleviate some of the pain that Chicagoans are experiencing because of the highest fuel prices in 14 years.”
This Thursday starting at 7:00 am we are donating $200,000 worth of gas to alleviate some of the pain that Chicagoans are experiencing because of the highest fuel prices in 14 years.
— Dr. Willie Wilson (@DrWillieWilson) March 15, 2022
See Willie Wilson's Facebook Post for full details and a list of participating gas stations. pic.twitter.com/I079oBlMyo
Ten gas stations across the city participated in the event, giving each vehicle $50 in gas until the $200,000 was exhausted, WGN reported.
On the Facebook post where Wilson announced the giveaway, commenters pointed out the long lines of people waiting for gas. Regina Cox posted, “it’s sooo many people at the gas station on 28th and Kedzie the line is all the way down to 26th and Kedzie wrapped around all the way pass Homan and 26th. Well I missed out on this one. We got up out the bed a 3:30am yall and left out at 345am yall people spent the night out there and it don’t start until 7am.”
Gas prices Thursday in the Chicago area averaged $4.54, above the national average of $4.29, according to AAA.
The free gas was offered to anyone, and was not based on need, The Chicago Tribune reported. No drivers were asked to give any information, and the gas was given on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the participating gas stations also lowered their base price of gas during the giveaway.
“I am confident that with God’s help and wisdom we will get through these tough times together,” Wilson told The Chicago Tribune. “If I can help somebody as I pass along this way, then my living is not in vain.”
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