CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Drivers in Chicago lined up early Thursday to get free fuel courtesy of Chicago businessman and philanthropist Dr. Willie Wilson, for his second round of a gas giveaway.
“The need among the community is so great,” Wilson said. “Soaring gas prices have caused a hardship for too many of our citizens.”
The self-made millionaire found success in business through his own medical supply company and as a former franchise owner of several McDonald’s. He is now using his fortune to help others.
“People have to get to work to make money for their family … That’s what moved me to do this,” Wilson told NewsNation.
Chicagoans can full up their tank up to $50 per person until the money runs out. However, unlike the $200,000 gas giveaway last week, vehicles will not be allowed to line up overnight, but that didn’t stop people from lining up early.
Each gas station will allow 400 cars between 7 a.m. to around 10:30 a.m. The gesture will help ease the effects of inflation and serve as lifeline for working Americans.
Wilson says gas was the best contribution for the nation’s current crisis.
“I started to do food but I said if I do the food then people will come and buy and that’s it, but if people can get to work they can buy their own food, ” Wilson said.
His gesture has drawn mixed criticism, but Wilson says he will continue to “keep putting his critics behind him and keep doing good.”
He says if gas prices continue to rise, he may host another giveaway.
Other states and businesses are coming up with their own incentives to reduce the pain at the pump.
Reps. Mike Thompson of California, John Larson of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois are calling for an energy rebate of $100 per month for individuals or $200 for couples, with the criteria similar to the standards used for stimulus checks.
In California, where gas prices are among the highest in the country, Governor Gavin Newsome is proposing a rebate that would give registered car owners $400 per vehicle, capped at $800.
Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft have tacked on gas surcharges to help drivers offset the rise in prices.
A recent NewsNation poll found nearly one-third of Americans think Joe Biden bears the most responsibility for the rise in gas prices, compared to just 28% who thought Russia was mostly to blame.
