More Than Writing a Check: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Written By: Rick Siegel | Issue: 2021/11 – November

Rick Siegel

We all get approached by one cause or another, and for the most part very worthy causes, for our financial support. 

And often, we give what we can to help. 

But what gift would be bigger, more valuable, than money?   

Would anyone argue that time is not more valuable than money? Ask anyone who has lost a loved one. 

Writing a check, financial support, philanthropy is always needed; anyone involved with a 501(c)(3) will tell you that. 

But to give of one’s time, the value of committing to helping others through volunteerism is something that cannot be minimized.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization whose sole purpose is to help children – boys and girls who might need a little something extra. BBBS has been providing that little something extra since 1904, offering one-on-one mentoring to over 170,000 children in its 117 years across the United States.

In today’s world where often both parents work, in some cases where a child might be living with only one parent, or living in a home with a relative, an additional layer of compassion might be needed. A mentor to help with problem-solving, a friend to talk to, or simply a shoulder to lean on might make the difference, offering a good outcome to an issue as opposed to other less healthy options. 

There are many children out there that need this helping hand. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs mentors, or as we like to call them, Bigs. 

We’re inviting you to take the opportunity to become one of those Bigs, to be a mentor to more than 30,000 children waiting on the waiting list, including many right here in Cashiers and Highlands!

So, what does that entail? For starters, BBBS provides training for mentors, laying out exactly what the program’s mission and purpose is. BBBS educates our mentors about the two types of programs we offer and what might be best for them and their Little. We lay out just how much time is required, the flexibility of scheduling, and how we are operating under the current Covid situation. 

We are more than ready to offer all anyone needs to be properly prepared to be a great Big. We go to great lengths to match mentors and children with which they have commonality.  

And for the safety of our children, we do comprehensive background checks to make sure we are putting the right people in the right places!

When we talk with you about Big Brothers Big Sisters, it is fine to think about writing us a check (and appreciated!), but it is also incredibly important to consider being that man or woman who steps up to offer to be a mentor, a guide to a child, and help a young person become all they have the potential and promise to be. 

There are many important things that one can give. Time is one of the most important of them. Do you have time to give?

To learn more, please contact our local program coordinator, Danielle Hernandez, at (828) 399-9133 or by email at [email protected].