Dear Friends and Family,

       I have been a volunteer, donor, and committed supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County for the past four years. I believe that investing time in a child as a friend, role-model, advocate and resource is one of the most influential things you can do to improve the life of a disadvantaged child.

       I met my little Amber 3 years ago. Although she is almost 18, I still refer to her as my little sister. I also, unofficially, have two little brothers in the program: Jeremy and Jerry. They are, respectively, 14 and 13, and full of energy and eagerness for attention and approval.

      Last weekend I recruited Jeremy and Jerry to help at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Pancake Breakfast - at 7 am in the morning on a Saturday. Jeremy said to his younger brother “Well, we’ll have to go to bed like it’s a school night” but neither grumbled about the hour or the prospect of bussing tables for free all morning. They were helpful, and beaming with pride from all of the accolades they received for their hard work. I treated them to some homemade salsa and fudge at the Farmer’s Market, and then drove them home. On the drive they talked about their problems with family members, friends, and girls. I did my best to listen and offer advice, but what both of these boys need, and I can’t provide, are “Big Brothers”. They need a volunteer who can be a strong and reliable male role-model, and can offer thoughtful advice from a male point of view. They need direction and support on a regular basis, and a caring and trained mentor is able to provide that.

      Recruiting, training, matching, and supporting a volunteer mentor is a costly and time-consuming process. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County needs your support to help match boys like Jerry and Jeremy with the mentors they desperately need. Life in Appalachian Ohio is dismal for many of the children we work with. Intergenerational poverty, abuse, lack of educational opportunities, and unreliable adult role-models are common challenges for the children BBBS helps. If you are able, please take a moment and make a donation to support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County. Every small donation helps. Donations can be accepted through May.