Businesses give away gas cards

Raleigh, N.C. — With gas prices in the state over $4 a gallon, many local businesses are using free gas cards to bring in customers.

“I think good businesses are trying to figure out ways to get people through their doors and to motivate people to stay active in the communities. I think this is a way to get people to spend money in the community,” CJ Bouchard, of Planet Fitness, said Wednesday.

Planet Fitness is giving away four $250 gas cards.

Gym customer Sarah Smith said the money would help with high gas prices.

Red Hughes, owner of Red’s Dance Hall in Raleigh, said when his company started giving away gas cards, sales went up.

At least seven local hotels have also started offering gas card deals.

Even a local church is getting involved. Southbridge Fellowship recently gave away $4,000 worth of free gas.

“Our desire is to be an accurate representation of who Jesus is. People’s lives will be transformed. Whether that’s our church or another church, or any church really, our desire is to show the love of Christ to people,” Southbridge Fellowship Pastor Jon Cullen said noting gas cards are a way to show that love.

Raleigh Metal Recycling and Goldsboro Metal Recycling officials announced Wednesday the company will begin providing $50 bonuses each month to all employees to help pay for a tank of gas due to record high prices at the pump.