Direct Auto Exchange hosts a free gas giveaway

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - While gas prices have recently dropped, the average cost for fuel locally is still about $3.75 per gallon.

So when Tallahassee Direct Auto Exchange gave Gadsden County and surrounding residents a chance to get free gas Wednesday, hundreds got into line to take advantage of the deal.

The giveaway started at 4 p.m. and took place at the Salem Marathon gas station in Havana. Some folks said they waited up to three hours and in lines more than a mile long to get their fuel.

With school starting for most, Direct Auto Exchange says they wanted to help make the transition back easier by giving away up to $50 of free gas per car for the lucky ones who made it past the line.

With the increase in pricing for most daily items, the dealership’s owner, Tyrone Davis, says he just wants to ease residents’ minds for one less expense.

“There are people having a hard time right now and I just wanted to give back and help the community with gas,” Davis said. “I mean you got kids going back to school, teachers going back to work and I just want to do my part to help out.”

“Thank you Direct Auto, thank you Tyrone and thank you everybody today,” exclaimed local resident Shameika Hills.

In a time where money might be tight for most, a chance to fill their gas tank for free is something many won’t pass up.

“Gas is kind of expensive so it’s a blessing that they’re giving away free gas,” said Gadsden County resident Calvin Jones. “I saw it on the news and I said well I might as well come on down.”

Some people said they almost ran out of gas waiting in line just to get some for free.

“It was worth it. My gas light came on and I got scared and said oh it’s going to give out but I put my faith in God and I made it,” shared Jones.

Hills tells WCTV she feels the reward was worth the wait.

“Oh yes! I purchase all my cars from Direct Auto and I know it was worth it! They are good people,” Hills shared.

Owner Tyrone Davis says he felt in his heart he needed to give back.

“I love to give and I love to give when I know it’s a true need and when people appreciate it. I mean people are having a hard time right now and it’s not easy,” explained Davis. “Costs of living has went through the roof and I just want to do all I can to help.”

The goal, to make life easier for those looking to catch a break.

“That helps me so much because I have to go pick them up and have to go to work and to school so it helps me a lot and you know it only takes $35 to fill my tank up,” Hills acknowledged. “So it really helped me a lot and it made me happy and made my kids happy too.”

Davis says the dealership spent about $26,400 for folks’ gas and to put the event on, helping around 540 vehicles.

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