The community literacy program at Kishwaukee College received help from the state through a $45,000 grant.

Additional reading materials will be purchased for students, and administrative costs will be paid with the grant money.

Volunteers for the program provide one-on-one tutoring for adults within the community college district.

“The volunteers are the people that make the difference,” said Kishwaukee College Literacy Program Coordinator Yvonne Hu-Cotto.

Hu-Cotto said that, as the only program of its type in the area, it provides a crucial service to those who need it.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to get the money but with some phone calls and letter writing, we ended up getting it,” Hu-Cotto said.

Program volunteer Eloise Keast said she helps students prepare for GED classes and helps people who speak English as a second language.

“There are very good rewards. You get to meet a lot of great people,” Keast said. “I’m glad they got the award, they do a really good job at Kish.”

Last year, Hu-Cotto said, about 50 volunteers gave 4,500 hours to help 300 adults improve their literacy.

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced the grant as part of the about $6.4 million being given to literacy programs across the state.

Almost 200 grants were given to colleges, high schools, community programs, libraries and company literacy programs.

Grants were available in five categories, and values ranged from $7,576 to $70,000.

“The $6.4 million shows that Secretary White is committed to this program to help people improve their lot in life,” said Pat McGuckin, spokesman for the Secretary of State. “And he will continue to provide them with the resources they need.”