DETROIT-A gas station here on Joy Road is giving away free
food to supporters of Barack Obama, and encouraging people to cast their vote
for the president as they head to the polls.

Ayoub’s gas station on Joy Road. The Obama banners and photos haven’t been removed since 2008, when Obama first ran for president.

The station features banners and photos of Obama both in and
outside. Lebanese American Samir Ayoub Bazzi, the station’s owner says
the signs have been up since 2008, when Obama first ran for president, and they
haven’t been removed since. Ayoub is giving away free chicken wings, and said during the
2008 presidential election he gave away 50 cases of them, and as of early afternoon
today 20 cases were distributed.

He says another gas station he owns also features Obama signs
and photos.

Volunteers have been at the station all day helping give out
free food, and selling Obama hats and t-shirts.  Ayoub said after his efforts in 2008, he received a letter from
the president thanking him, and welcoming him to the White House.

 “I had a Sunoco gas station sign, I moved the sign and I put
an Obama sign. Every election day I give away free food to people. I’m supporting
the president and the election,” he said.

Ayoub says President Obama has made great strides to improve
the country, and is looking out for poor and lower class Americans. “This is
a president that doesn’t want war, but rather fights for peace,” Ayoub said.

 Al-Kimberly Taylor, one of the volunteers helping give away
free food says there’s much as stake in this election, but one of the most
personal issues for her is the futures of lower and middle class Americans. She
says President Obama has their best interest at heart.  “People in America need help,” she said. 

Ayoub stands with customers outside the station where free food is being distributed by volunteers, and supporters of president Obama.

Ayoub has become very close with the communities that
neighbor both his gas stations. The Dearborn resident has cooked and provided
free meals to less privileged families throughout the region for years.  He says a vast majority of Arab
Americans are supporting President Obama.

 “He is someone with a background and upbringing people can
really relate to. I love him,” Ayoub said.