Photo Courtesy Of Willie Wilson/ Instagram
Chicago businessman and politician Willie Wilson is set to give away $1 million worth of free gas at nearly 50 locations in the windy city.
On Mar. 18, Wilson announced the massive giveaway via a statement posted on his Twitter account.
“MEDIA ADVISORY: Wilson Announces $1 Million worth of free gas as Cook County residents experience the highest fuel prices in 14 years. Fifty participating gas stations agree to lower their prices to serve more families, & invites press, elected officials, & clergy to pump gas,” the tweet said.
The official statement went into more detail about it, which would take place on Mar. 24 at Mobil, 2800 S. Kedzie.
“Each vehicle will get $50 in gas until $1 million is exhausted. This comes after Dr. Wilson donated $20,000 for free gas.”
On Mar. 17, the 73-year-old politician donated gas to Chicago residents, which reportedly caused
hours of gridlock across the city. Lines formed two hours before the giveaway began at 7 a.m. at Pulaski Rd. and Montrose Ave. The local police even had to temporarily close a gas station because some patrons attempted to skip others, but it still proved successful.“The need among the community is so great,” Wilson said in his most recent press release. “Soaring gas prices have caused hardship for too many of our citizens. The average price of regular gas has gone well over $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50 percent from last year.”
He continued, saying he was “confident” that Chicago residents would overcome the “tough times” they have been going through due to inflation.
“I am confident that with God’s help and wisdom, we will get through these tough times together. This is our second gas giveaway in one week. The need is great, and I want to help.”
On Mar. 21, he tweeted an updated list of gas stations participating in the latest giveaway, saying that it was the most current one.
To avoid traffic congestion, the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications and Chicago police also released a statement saying they will be working with Wilson to “provide city and department resources.” They added that they will “ensure public safety during his gas giveaway at participating stations located in the city of Chicago.”
Wilson, originally from Louisiana, has been known for using his wealth to contribute to philanthropic efforts, including paying for other people’s property tax bills and donating thousands of face masks during the pandemic. His business endeavors have also included owning several McDonald’s franchises, a medical supplies company, and producing a gospel music TV program called Singsation, which won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award in 2012.