RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — Update: June 22, 10:00 p.m.
A fundraiser for a Rancho Cordova gas station manager who accidentally priced premium gasoline at 60 cents per gallon is now going toward his supporting family.
The GoFundMe account was originally set up with the intent to pay back the gas company, but the GoFundMe creator said the gas company didn't accept the funds.
"Despite that this was a mistake, John (Szczecina) was still terminated last week and is doing his best to support his family. Funds will now be used to cover living expenses, bills, and help support John and his family during this difficult time," the GoFundMe post said.
Since the cause is different than what people originally donated toward, the poster said people can request a refund from GoFundMe HERE. The request has to be put in by June 28. After that point, the remain donations will go to Szczecina and his family.
Original Story:
A GoFundMe page now sits at more than $24,000 after a gas station manager was fired in Rancho Cordova for making an error that priced premium gas at 69 cents per gallon.
That's quite a difference from the average price of gas in California, which is about $6.40. In Sacramento, the cost per gallon for premium gas is about $6.74, according to AAA.
More than 1,000 people have donated to the fundraiser as of Monday, citing various reasons.
"I figured the story was worth a gallon of gas. Good luck to you," wrote Leonardo Hernandez.
John Szczecina was fired from a Shell gas station after he misplaced a decimal point at a gas station, according to ABC7. Hundreds of drivers ended up getting the cheap gas for several hours before the mistake was discovered costing the gas station $16,000, according to ABC7.
"I saw you and chatted with you quite a bit at this gas station. Sorry, you're having to deal with all of this... I hope my contribution helps you out a bit man!" Jason Zedlitz wrote.
Others wrote they heard his story and donated from as far as Hawaii.
"John, I donated because it is such a breath of fresh air in this world where you accepted responsibility for your mistake and accepted the consequences. I [am] very sorry this happened to you and I do hope, in the end, you have a very happy outcome. With love and aloha from Kauai!" wrote Nancy Williams.
Some of the top donations include $1,000, $300 and $200.
Fuel-Saving Tips
With the cost of gas likely staying high for now, AAA has these tips to share to help people save on fuel costs.
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Slow down and drive the speed limit
- Avoid idling to warm up your engine
- Use the cruise control to maintain a constant speed and save gas
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