Press
South Carolina Credit Unions Successfully Kick Off Week-Long Gas Give Away
COLUMBIA, SC – Several credit unions from around South Carolina joined together this week to offer free gas fill-ups. The event kicked off at 7:30 Tuesday morning at the Breakers Convenience Store in Florence. Events were also held in Charleston on Wednesday and Columbia on Thursday.
“So far we’ve given away over 1,700 gallons of gas to 300 people” said Anne Shivers, CEO of Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union. “The response has been great, and we’ve heard back from so many thankful drivers. One driver this morning mentioned that her car was on E and was still two days away from getting paid” Shivers said.
The offer of free gas kicks off the second year of the ongoing campaign, referred to as MADTAG.
MADTAG, sponsored by the Credit Unions of South Carolina, highlights the good deeds being done in our local communities and those who are making a difference.
“Another highlight of the event came during the first event on Tuesday morning” said Robert Harris, CEO of Health Facilities Federal Credit Union. “One of the first vehicles in line stalled, and the car behind him sacrificed his spot in line to give this stranger a jump-start. It really highlighted the whole theme of this event, and that’s showing the good deeds that happen every day in our community” Harris said.
While MADTAG representatives estimated about 200 cars in line for a free fill-up at Tuesdays event, the Florence Police Department put that number closer to 500.
“$20 will only fill my truck up to about a quarter of a tank,” said Woodrow King, one of the drivers who received free gas at the Florence event. “But, the wait is well worth it,” King added, “with gas prices as high as they are right now.”
Doing good deeds for drivers in South Carolina was the main focus of the event, though the Credit Unions of South Carolina have benefitted by strong media coverage in every market.
“Last year the gas giveaways totaled more than $240,000 in earned media coverage from television, radio, and local newspapers” said Bo McDonald, President of Your Marketing Co and organizer of the MADTAG gas giveaways. “So far this year before the Greenville event even takes place we’re estimating almost $250,000 in earned media” McDonald noted. “It was impossible to turn on your local television news, tune into a radio station, or open your newspaper and not see the words ‘credit union’ somewhere” McDonald said.
One additional give-away will be held in South Carolina this month in the Upstate. Each event offers the first 100 drivers in line a free fill-up with up to $20 worth of regular gasoline. For more information on the MADTAG initiative, visit www.madtag.org.