Lines Around the Neighborhood for Free Gas in Braintree

Bill Starkie, co-owner of at 258 Quincy Ave., said he usually has two employees pumping gas around noon on Fridays. Yesterday, though, was a serious exception.

Seven people, including Starkie and his business partner Kevin McGroarty, manned the pumps on June 24 for a gas giveaway sponsored by Braintree-based Liberty Bay Credit Union. Cars lined up on Quincy Avenue and surrounding side streets as Braintree police officers made sure everything went smoothly.

The free has was given out between noon and 1 p.m. on Friday, the , who will receive a gift certificate worth up to $75 for a tank of free gas if they sign up for an account in Braintree, Boston or Stoneham by Labor Day.