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10News and Marathon pump some Joy to the Bay

10News and Marathon provided free gas for several drivers.
Meteorologist Grant Gilmore pumps gas as part of 10News' "Joy to the Bay" series.

Wesley Chapel, Fla. – On this day, Joy to the Bay comes in high octane.

With the help of Marathon, folks from 10News got drivers pumped up for the holidays.

“I’ve got the magical card,” said 10News traffic anchor Hilary Zalla waggling a gas card.

“What kind of octane do you want?” Meteorologist Bobby Deskins asks another driver.

“We’re spreading Joy to the Bay! Ready for some free gas?” 10News anchor Courtney Robinson asks.

We helped fuel Brianna Decker’s Olympic dreams. She plays for the U.S. Women’s Hockey team.

“Do you believe in miracles?” Deskins asked Decker.

“I do!” she said.

We propelled Becky Spencer to a new job.

“I just switched jobs, because I was actually out of work for the last two weeks,” Spencer said. “This is really amazing timing.”

10News also fed a food truck.

“Thank you,” the driver said, giving Robinson a hug.

Along the way, 10News heard how people of all walks of life scramble to make it through what can be a stressful time.

“You have to save up for Christmas, you've got to save up for presents, you have to make sure you have enough gas for the week,” explains Michael Carral. “Especially making $8 an hour at Dunkin. It's really hard.”

Judy Deese barely made it to the pump, rolling in on fumes.

“I scraped up a dollar's worth of change. I’m on empty,” she said from behind the wheel.

“And now you get a free tank,” Zalla said.

“I can’t believe it!” Deese said with a smile.

“It means a lot, because it shows the community that other people care and you're giving back and we really need that right now during the holidays,” Jess Malinchock said.

For some, the free gas means some extra presents under the tree or more food on the holiday table.

Oh, what fun we had providing a tank-full and receiving a whole lot of thankful.

“Hallelujah! Thank Jesus. That’s a blessing,” exclaimed Twyla Mills, before giving Meteorologist Grant Gilmore a giant hug.

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