Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss writes about non-profit organizations in our area and their basic needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
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Big Brothers Big Sisters matches youngsters with mentors who can help them reach their potential.
“We primarily serve children in the greatest need, including children from low-income and single-parent households, teen foster youth, and children of incarcerated parents,” explains the group’s CEO Joe Radelet. “Through consistent interactions and supportive mentoring with a Big (adult mentor), our Littles (children) improve academically, achieve better attitudes and relationships, and avoid risky behaviors.”
The non-profit’s goal for 2015 is to mentor at 640 children. Right now, more than 100 children are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
“By donating wish-list items to Big Brothers Big Sisters — like tickets to Schuster Center performances or gift cards to fun places like Scene 75 — you can help create special moments for our Littles,” says Radelet. “Experiences like these help a Big and Little connect, which is crucial to helping a Little develop the confidence and skills they need to perform better in school, and to have healthier relationships with kids at school and with their family.”
What they need
- Tickets to college basketball and football games
- Tickets to shows, theater and other events
- Gift cards and discount cards at restaurants for when Bigs and Littles eat out
- Craft supplies for Bigs and Littles to make things
- Books for Littles to read (elementary and middle school)
- Games
- Bicycles
- Sports equipment (new or like new)
- Individuals, groups and companies can all make a difference — if you have season tickets to various events around town. If you know in advance that you won't be able to use your tickets, you can donate them to Big Brothers Big Sisters to create special moments for the Littles.
Wish-list items can be dropped off or mailed. The organization’s headquarters is located at 2211 Arbor Blvd., Moraine, Ohio 45439 (near the I-75 Dryden Road exit). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, contact the organization at (937) 220-6855.
ANOTHER WAY TO HELP
The group’s annual fund-raiser, “Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” is slated for Saturday, March 21, at Poelking Woodman Lanes, 3200 Woodman Drive, in Kettering.
The 1 p.m. session is filled, but you can still register for the 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. sessions. Individuals, groups or companies can register teams of five; each person is asked to raise between $75 and $100. On March 21, teams celebrate by enjoying two games of bowling, pizza, drinks and chances to win prizes.
For more information, check out www.bbbsgmv.org/bowl
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