BBBS Adopt A Family Program A Success

The holidays are a magical time for children.  For children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program, most who are living at or below poverty level, Christmas isn’t always magical.  That is, UNLESS you are ‘adopted’ by either a generous family, business, 4H Club, church group, school, or even a group of friends.  This year, 77 families in the BBBS program were helped (up from 65 in 2014).

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Fond du Lac community!” said Tammy Young, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  “To say the BBBS Adopt a Family program was a success, is an understatement.  I’ve been with BBBS since October of 2014 and I continue to be amazed at how many people step up to help those in need.  Without their help and support, our program would not be what it is today.  It is especially important during the holiday season.  When you see the look on the face of a mom or grandma as they come to pick up the gifts for the family, it puts it all into perspective.  Fond du Lac truly made a BIG difference this holiday season!”

With 77 families to help, it was a BIG project, spearheaded by Senior Match Support Specialist and lead for the Adopt a Family Program, Jennifer Smith.  “We backtracked the process this year” said Smith.  “We started in September instead of November because there were more families in need.  We were fortunate that many of our past ‘offenders’ as I affectionately call them (aka repeat participants) jumped on board right away.  Because our families don’t get help anywhere else, it’s doubly important we make sure they are taken care of.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a United Way Agency that assists children with social, emotional and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults.  The agency matches children with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples, or Big Families in a community or school based program.  Children aged 6 through 13 can enroll in the program through parent or guardian referral.  Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license for the community based program, 16 years old for the school based program.  For more information about the program or to volunteer, call 920-922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org.