Gilberts gas station manager picked for community service award

If you have a favorite gas station, you're likely familiar with its employees and might even chat with them for a few minutes when you pop in. But to those who frequent Gilberts' only gas station, manager Laura Britto is not just a known face but an important fixture of the community.

Britto is the driving force behind Gilberts Mobil Mart's efforts to raise and contribute money over the years to a slew of causes and organizations in town, from pretty much every football, basketball and baseball team to partnering with the police department for events like "Cop on Top" and Special Olympics Illinois fundraisers.

That's why the village board selected Britto for the yearly community service award given out by the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.

Britto's gas station has donated money to local families in need, such as for hospice and funeral expenses, and is a faithful sponsor of the Community Days festival and the Gilberts Elementary School 5K race.

"Pretty much everybody knows that if they need a donation, whether it's money or if they want products (food and drinks), everyone knows to come to me," Britto said.

The village plans to honor Britto at a future board meeting, Trustee Dan Corbett said.

"Laura gets involved basically in anything that has to do with anything," Corbett said. "We have the 'Cops vs. Kids' basketball game, and Laura would offer to provide all the snacks and water and Gatorade for the kids - just because she's Laura."

Britto, of Belvidere, gives credit to gas station owners Jim Hill of Carpentersville, Don DeBolt of Hampshire and Ed Newby of Lake in the Hills. The gas station, where she's worked for a decade, gave out about $10,000 in donations and sponsorships last year, she said.

"When I started, I was very hesitant because I was new working here. My first year I thought, 'They're going to kill me if I give $100 here and there.' Then I went to them and they said, 'You just do what you feel is right,' " she said. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the ability to do it."

But if it weren't for Britto, none of it would be happening, Corbett said.

"She's a part of the community. It's more than just money," he said. "She's all about helping people."

Britto says that contributing to the community is her way of thanking customers who've been loyal over the years.

"When the little kids come in and they are wearing a shirt that has our name on it, or they come in to thank me or the parents thank me for helping," she said, "it's really rewarding."