Gas prices have inspired another charitable giveaway, this time in Chicago, where entrepreneur and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson gave away $200,000 worth of gasoline on Thursday, according to The Chicago Tribune. 

Wilson made the distributions at 10 preselected gas stations yesterday morning, starting at 7 a.m., where lined-up motorists were allowed to fill up their tanks with up to $50 in gasoline — first come, first served — until his maximum charitable amount was reached.

Motorists line up to receive free gas at a station in the Humboldt Park neighborhood Thursday in Chicago, Illinois. Businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson gave away $200,000 worth of gas, distributed to residents at 10 gas stations in the city. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

“I am confident that with God’s help and wisdom we will get through these tough times together,” Wilson told the newspaper Wednesday. “If I can help somebody as I pass along this way, then my living is not in vain.”

Wilson has owned and operated several different McDonald’s restaurant franchises and owns Omar Medical Supplies, which imports and distributes latex gloves and other medical and safety equipment. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Chicago in 2015 and 2019, then ran as an independent for U.S. Senate in 2020. Despite his political losses, he is greatly respected in the Windy City and has launched numerous charitable efforts. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, Wilson distributed PPEs and has also participated in large-scale cash bailout efforts, according to The Tribune. 

“There is a great anti-establishment spirit that is still prevalent in the African American communities on the South and West sides,” the Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of St. John Bible Church, told The Tribune in 2019. “People are tired of the continued disinvestment, they are tired of the broken promises. It does something to the hearts of the people to see this man, who made it up the ladder, but comes back to give.”

To help orchestrate his gas giveaway, Wilson hired as many as 100 people.

Many Chicagoans expressed their gratitude for the giveaway, and Wilson maintained that the turnout underscores the deep financial need that many in the city are experiencing. He reportedly plans to hold another gas giveaway at the end of the month. 

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