'Why not?': Milwaukee gas station owner offers $10 of free gas to seniors in the neighborhood
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The owner of the BP gas station on Howard and Clement in Milwaukee is using kindness to fill tanks — and hearts.
For more than 20 years, Faisal Bhimani has been a friendly face for customers in Bay View and St. Francis, making it his mission to pay it forward.
"Whatever I make at the end of the month, I do a little math, and 10% of that, I try to give back to the community," Bhimani explained.
He knows some customers have been struggling with recent gas price hikes, which he says are out of his control.
"Whatever burden I can lower off of them, I've just tried my best doing it," he said.
That's why, at least once a month, Bhimani offers $10 worth of free gas for senior citizens.
"There's no purchase necessary, so they come in and I just set their pump up at $10," he explained Wednesday.
Bhimani keeps a jar on his counter for customers to donate to the cause, and the community always comes through.
"There's always one senior citizen that comes in, and he just drops like a hundred dollars," he said.
Bhimani matches the total each month out of his own pocket.
Then, he posts in the Bay View Town Hall and St. Francis Town Hall Facebook pages, usually the night before or the morning of the giveaway, to let folks know when to stop by.
He typically offers the giveaway for one- or two-hour periods.
Right now, $10 covers a couple of gallons, but for many, that makes a difference.
"My wife and I are retired, drawing Social Security, so we're limited income," said longtime customer John Whiting. "He is so fantastic."
Bhimani says customers have been incredibly appreciative, but he truly believes it's just the right thing to do.
"I know what it's like, right, and right now, I'm blessed enough to where I can help out. Why not?" he said.
Bhimani often hosts similar giveaways for teachers and students.
In November, he's starting a program called "Fuel Your Future," giving cash rewards to Bay View and St. Francis students for straight-A report cards and/or perfect attendance.
His goal is to always bring good to the neighborhood.