BBBS Receives Special Donation

Pictured L to R:  Jennifer Smith, Senior Match Support Specialist BBBS, Sam (Little), Olivia (Little), Tammy Young, Executive Director BBBS

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) assists children with social, emotional and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults.  Children in the program come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many coming from single parent households, living at or below poverty level. 

But being part of the BBBS program, does not mean things get handed to “Littles” on a silver platter.  Quite the opposite, is true.  Monthly match activities (for both Bigs and Littles) are set up focusing on giving back within the Fond du Lac community.  Ringing bells for the Salvation Army, working at the Fondy Food Pantry, volunteering at the FDL Police Department, just to name a few.  They are part of an effort to show BBBS kids that giving back is a good thing.

“When kids in our program, decide to give back on their own, it makes it all the more special,” said Tammy Young, Executive Director for BBBS.  “In this case, it happens to be twin 11-year-old girls, Sam and Olivia, who have been matched within the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over four years.”  The girls, as part of their Girl Scout initiative, raised money through a variety of fundraising events and elected to give $60 each back to BBBS.  “In their words, it was because we are so awesome!” said Young.  “To say their donation made my day, is an understatement.  I love that Sam and Olivia chose to be so generous!  They are truly an example of what the kids in our program are all about.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 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 a 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.