NORFOLK, Va. — 'Tis the season to give back and one local church is giving away free gas vouchers to the community. This is the second giveaway this year hosted by Morning Star United Holy Church of $20 gas cards to the local Citgo.
The first event was held outdoors and had a large turnout but was shut down early for safety protocols.
This go-round, the Norfolk Police Department partnered with the church and held the event indoors at the STEM academy on Campostella as a better location to connect with those in need.
"Maybe this will help somebody be able to get an extra Christmas present for a child or grandchild, help somebody get to work. The Bible says, 'Freely receive, free to free to give.' So we receive freely so we're trying to give freely and be a blessing to our community," said Johnnie Felton, the pastor of Morning Star UHC.
The church said funds for this event came from a donor during the pandemic whose wishes were for it to be shared.
"It's a good look, they need help. Everybody needs help sometimes—everybody," said Olivia, a gas voucher recipient.