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Cars line up down Johnston Street for 20 cent gas at Giles Automotive

Posted at 6:00 AM, Apr 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-16 19:56:05-04

UPDATE: People have been lining up all day to get 20-cent gas from Giles Automotive.

The company is going to keep pumping the gas until the 12,000 gallon tank runs dry or 7 p.m., whichever comes first.

Bob Giles, CEO of Giles Automotive, said all money collected for the gas will be donated to area charities.

“We are thrilled we helped so many. Based on the turnout, it is painfully obvious people in Acadiana need a helping hand. We will be pumping gas until the 12,000 gallon tank we have is empty which should be later tonight," Giles said.

The event began at 7 a.m. at the Giles Automotive located at 6137 Johnston Street.

There's a 10 gallon limit.

Here's some drone footage from Giles Automotive of the event:

Drone footage of Giles Automotive gas event

To get the gas, enter between Giles Subaru and Southland Engine on Johnston Street.

Even before the event started, cars were lining up down Johnston Street to take part.

The company says with the 10 gallon limit, there should be enough gas available. Trucks are on stand by.

All money collected will be donated to three causes in Acadiana. These include Dreams Come True of Louisiana, the Outreach Center Of Acadiana that helps homeless families, and Acadiana Animal Aid.

"We're going to have a little table set up with three boxes, one for each charity, and as people drive up, they're going to drop their two dollar donation for ten gallons of fuel and obviously they can add more if they'd like. Then they will pull up to the gas pump, they will not need to get out of their car, they will not even need to roll the window down," Giles said, ensuring the line will be up to social distancing standards.

“With unemployment soaring especially in Louisiana which has been hit harder by the Coronavirus than most states it is just our way of giving back to the community and helping very worthy causes at the same time. We have a 12,000 gallon tank, and we anticipate to sell out. The monies collected and 20 cent per gallon gas will help countless families in Acadiana," said Bob Giles, CEO of Giles Automotive.

“While we will donate all funds collected customers can leave more as again all monies will be going to very worthy causes. We will also be providing refreshments to those in line and adhere to all social distancing standards," he continued.