Long lines of cars stretched for blocks near Chicago-area gas stations on Thursday, signaling that local businessman Willie Wilson was footing the bill for motorists to top off their tanks not just once, but for a second time this month.

Motorists could keep filling up for free until Wilson's tab reached $1 million. Willie Wilson, a local businessman, said it all started when he was making a trip to the gas station last month, and decided to help others in need that weren't in his same income bracket.

Some drivers waited for more than an hour to collect their $50 worth of gasoline, with many saying it was worth it.

Gas prices have been rising nationwide. On Thursday, the cost of gas inched close to $5 per gallon in the Chicago metro area, up from a little more than $3 a year ago.

Chicago police said the giveaway slowed traffic Thursday morning but that the department has not received any reports of fights, automobile collisions or other major problems related to the giveaway.