QUINCY, ILL. -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Illinois got a big shot in the arm Tuesday.

The Department of Human Services is giving several agencies in Illinois four and a half million dollars over a three year period.

The Quincy and Springfield chapters will get a chunk of that.

"Absolutely it'll help fill a gap. As we all know money is much more difficult to come by. This is a new thing. There are 14 agencies out of 16 agencies," says Kathy Brink.

Kathy Brink says the money will help recruit volunteers, provide monthly activities and training for volunteers.