CHICAGO (WLS) — Business millionaire and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson plans to donate $1 million in free gas next week after his free gas giveaway on Thursday slowed traffic across the city but provided $200,000 worth of gas stations .
On Friday, Wilson said he plans to donate $1 million in free gas next Thursday, March 24, at 50 participating locations in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
He did not immediately provide a list of participating gas stations.
Starting at 7 a.m., each car at these gas stations will receive $50 worth of gasoline until $1 million is used up as residents grapple with high gas prices.
RELATED: What You Can Do While Driving To Save Money As Gasoline Prices Continue To Rise
Stations will also lower prices next week to allow more people to attend, Wilson said.
On Thursday, when Wilson held his first gas distribution, queues stretched for blocks across the city. By 7 a.m. at Amoco, located at 7201 N. Clark St. in Rogers Park, the 2:00 a.m. line went down Tohee Avenue to Sheridan Road.
WATCH: Lines encircle blocks at gas stations across the city
“I’ve been sitting here since 5 a.m.,” said Tiensha Scott, who was waiting at the South Lawndale Mobil at 28th Street and Keji Avenue.
“We gave money for gas, they can buy gas and continue to support their family,” Wilson said. “We went down this path. People don’t have free money these days.”
Antonio Galarza, who lives in Pilsen, was waiting for his chance with an almost empty tank. He was grateful that he didn’t have to spend $50 to fill up.
“Blessing,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who made an effort to help. It’s so nice”.
RELATED: When will gas prices drop again? Drivers from Illinois are flocking to Wisconsin, Indiana to fill up cheaper.
Evanston carpenter Ricky Kimmons said high gas prices hit him hard. He was second in line at Rogers Park. A Suburban gas station costs him $147.
“I thought, ‘Is this for real? And then I saw it on the news, so I started trying to figure out places, and I thought, “Oh, there’s one right here at the house, five minutes away.” Got up, came right here,” he said. “It helps me a lot, a lot, I just don’t know how much I value free gas now.”
On Thursday, Wilson said he would like to try this hand one or two more times.
WATCH: Willie Wilson talks about free gas distribution in Chicago
In some places, the atmosphere turned into a kind of back door where waiting people walked their dogs and made friends with others in line.
“You’re trying to provide for your family, you’re trying to…raise your kids in the neighborhood, and this is a good opportunity to help us get home from school,” Niki Hammer said.
But the free gas has caused traffic jams at most stations, making morning commuting difficult for many.
WATCH: Chopper 7 hovered over traffic jam at 99th Street and Halstead due to free gas distribution
Chicago police tried to divert motorists to ease the congestion.
While some praised Wilson for his generosity, others were unhappy with the traffic.
“Thank you, Willie Wilson!” exclaimed Melvon Thompson as she jumped. She was first in line at Rogers Park.
“I am a doctoral student. I am a struggling student. I’m unemployed and I’m really struggling,” she said.
But since some received free gasoline, others burned it in traffic jams.
“I’m sad? I mean, is it worth it, if you want gas, you want free gas, then stay in line, and if not, then find yourself something else to do, ”said Reginald Williams.
There was also some controversy as some drivers tried to fill up premium gasoline but failed.
“I use 93, but that’s fine,” said Regina Bailey. “One time won’t hurt. It’s free”.
Some angry drivers plan to file a complaint with the city.
Participating Gas Stations: Free Gas from 7:00 a.m. March 24 until $1 million is spent.
Washington Park
Super Save at 48 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL
Calumet Heights
Citgo at 9155 S Stony Island, Chicago, Illinois.
Geoffrey’s estate
Marathon at 1839 E 95th Street, Chicago, Illinois
Humboldt Park
Citgo at 1345 N Pulaski, Chicago, Illinois
small village
Mobil, 2800 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Longwood Manor
Super Save at 9811 S Halsted, Chicago, IL
Albany Park
BP at 4359 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, Illinois.
East Garfield Park
Marathon at 340 S. Sacramento Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois.
Falcon at 43 North Homan, Chicago, Illinois.
Roseland
Super Save at 11100 S State Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Manor Park
Citgo at 6700 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, Illinois.
Grand Crossing
BP at 7600 South Chicago, Chicago, IL
Bronzeville
BP at 3101 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois.
north center
BP at 3955 N Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois.
Fuller Park
BP at 4244 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, Illinois.
Bridgeport
Shell at 2477 S Archer, Chicago, IL
BP at 3047 S Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois.
Citgo at 501 W 31st St., Chicago, Illinois.
Lawndale
Amoco at 4401 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, Illinois.
Gap
BP at 342 E 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Garfield Ridge
Shell at 6434 W Archer, Chicago, Illinois
West Elsdon
BP at 4401 W 55th Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Gresham
Clark, 12:01 pm, 87th Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Cook County
Northern suburbs
Mobil, 1950 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, Illinois
Phillips at 9340 Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL.
Mobile: 9401 W Higgins, Rosemont, IL.
Shell at 2474 Thatcher, River Grove, Illinois.
Shell at 4555 N Nagle, Harwood Heights, IL
Western suburbs
Super Save at 101 W Madison, Maywood, IL
BP at 11201 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, Illinois.
BP at 5201 W Cermak Rd, Cicero, IL
Amoco at 1700 N Mannheim, Stone Park, IL
Mobile phone: 1101 N LaGrange Park, IL.
BP at 17th and Bataan, Broadview, IL
Thornton’s at 1125 25th Ave, Bellwood, Illinois.
Southern suburbs
Falcon at 18280 S Pulaski, Country Club Hills, IL
sCitgo at 13801 S Halsted, Riverdale, IL
Exxon Mobil, 1421 E Sibley Blvd, Dalton, Illinois
BP at 15857 S Halsted, Harvey, IL
Citgo at 15221 S Halsted, Phoenix, Illinois.
BP at 5548 W 159th, Oakwood, IL
Citgo at 11901 S Marshfield, Calumet Park, IL.
Shell at 11725 S Pulaski, Alsip, IL
Thornton at 147th Street and Dixie, Dixmoor, Illinois
Shell at 385 Sauk Trail, Park Forest, IL
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