JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE: All available free gas spots have been filled, and are no longer accepting phone calls or requests.
One Jacksonville leader is giving away free gas this weekend.
Councilmember Reggie Gaffney, who currently represents District 7 and is running for State Senate, will host a gas giveaway Saturday at the 76 gas station on Lem Turner Road and Dunn Avenue from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Gaffney is collaborating with two local churches that will supply volunteers, and with his son Reggie Gaffney, Jr., who is running for his father’s council seat.
So how is he paying for it? Gaffney told Action News Jax Thursday he is using his own money. “I’m giving personally, $4,000 and my son is giving $4,000 of his own money to make this happen.”
Constance Stephens is one of about 25 seniors who have already reserved their spots. “Everybody don’t have money to buy the gas, because the gas is so high,” she remarked.
“The seniors need a lot of help [because] you have to go different places, you have to go to the doctor,” she explained.
Gaffney says each person will be getting $20 worth of gas, and on Thursday, regular gas was going for $4.19 a gallon for regular gas, so each person would be driving away with nearly 5 gallons (4.77) worth of free gas in their tank.
“It’s a big help because every senior don’t have $20,” Stephens emphasized.
There are 300 total spots available to pre-register, and about 100 people have signed up so far. There will be additional spots available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
Stephens says she’s grateful this was an option for her, and other seniors in her same situation. “It feels wonderful,” she said.
You can reserve a spot by calling the following phone number (904) 945-2146.
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