Gas giveaway: Surprise Squad filled tanks for Phoenix drivers

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- If you drive a car, you don’t need to be reminded about how high gas prices are. And during the holiday season, most of us would rather spend our money on gifts for family and friends over filling up the tank. That’s why Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad and your Valley Toyota Dealers went to the Fry’s gas station at 7th street and Baseline Road Tuesday to fill up some tanks for free.

“If there was a day to give away free gas, this would be it,” 3TV’s Ian Schwartz said as he stood by a pump. “I mean, look at some of these prices -- 13 gallons is going to cost you $52. I don’t need to tell you gas prices are really, really high. So, we are going to surprise some folks here. They don’t know that we’re going to do it.”

Schwartz walked up to a man named Alfonzo, who had pulled in to fuel up. “Courtesy of our Valley Toyota Dealers and Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad, we are going to fill up your tank for free today.”

“Wow, that’s a new one for me,” Alfonzo smiled. “That’s a big surprise.” “Gas prices are high,” Schwartz noted. “Is this kind of a welcome thing?”

“Very welcome. I ran it down to almost the E,” Alfonzo said.” I don’t drive like that. This ride’s almost empty.” “So, you have to make changes in your daily life because the prices are so high. You’re almost down to fumes.” “Great! I love it! I love it,” Alfonzo said with a big grin.

Schwartz then walked over to where a mother of six children was trying to fill up her SUV. She said her name was Marcella, and she had to use some of her last dollars just to put some gas in the vehicle to get them through Friday when her husband would get paid. “We’re living paycheck to paycheck.” “I’m glad you shared that story with us,” Schwartz said. “Would a $500 gift card also help you out?” “I don’t expect that,” Marcella said.

“It’s all for you,” Schwartz said. “This is courtesy of Valley Toyota Dealers and Arizona’s Family, trying to help out families. So, I want to give you this $500 gift card. You can use it for Christmas gifts, for whatever you want.” “I like to share things like that,” Marcella said.

“Use it however you like, and if you want to use it for other folks, that’s wonderful, too,” Schwartz said. “Thank you so much for being part of Arizona’s Family and letting us help you out today. It’s wonderful.” “Thank you so much,” Marcella said with a big smile. “It’s the holiday season, and what better time with high gas prices,” Schwartz replied. “With the help of our Valley Toyota Dealers and Fry’s, we’re making it happen for folks out here on the streets.”