MINT HILL — A Charlotte-area church is marking Good Friday by giving out over $5,000 worth of free gasoline to hundreds of motorists.

The New Beginnings Church in Mint Hill says it launched the "Fuel for the Soul" program to help ease the burden of soaring gas prices. At lunchtime on Friday, the church is giving out 334 gas cards worth $15 each at a local Sunoco station.

Church members say they want to show the spirit of giving that's part of the Easter season.

According to AAA Carolinas, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in North Carolina this week is $3.89. The auto club expects that price to top $4 a gallon this month.