Together, we are changing what it means to grow up in America.
Bigs and Littles have fun together - and create memories that last a lifetime. We call it "Little moments ... Big magic." Research on our volunteer programs points to the powerful, positive, lasting impact Bigs have on children's lives. Littles are:
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- More likely to get along with their families and peers
Proven positive impact on children and communities.
In our lives, each of us shared an important connection with someone who broadened our horizons and
brought a little magic into our lives.
It was the person who taught you to throw that perfect spiral, or sat in the front row to cheer you on, even when it was embarrassing. These are the little moments that Big Brothers and Big Sisters experience every day.
These real life stories are just a few of the ways Big Brothers Big Sisters is changing lives and communities forever.
"For the Student of the Year, the Friendship of a Lifetime"
To see the picture of Anthony and Matt on the day they met just over four years ago, you would have thou
ght you had a major “mis-match” on your hands. Big Brother Matt is smiling broadly, even laughing. Little Brother Anthony looks like a deer caught in the headlights.
No wonder. Anthony had never had a positive male role mode in his life. And because he didn’t trust men, he didn’t really have confidence in himself, or have any vision for the kind of man he might like to be.
But What a Difference a Mentor Makes!
There are three ways that Matt’s influence on Anthony’s life is reflected. Physically … mentally … and in his heart.
Physically, these two have done activities that, four years ago, you wouldn’t have thought possible for Anthony. They’ve gone mountain biking. They played tennis and water skied. They’ve hiked, roller bladed, even gone bowling. Anthony has learned that he can do anything he sets his mind to!
His progress academically has been just as impressive. Anthony, a ninth grader, was recently named “Best Student of the Year” at his school. He and Matt have their eyes on a scholarship so Anthony can attend college in three years.
But the biggest changes in Anthony are the ones inside himself. Learning to trust … learning to believe. Today, Matt says “I expect we will remain friends for the rest of our lives.” And Anthony seems just as confident. “I feel like we will be together forever.”
Cars For Kids
Area residents have now donated 2,699 unwanted cars, trucks and vans to Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage
County. The nonprofit agency accepts running and non-running vehicles to support its one-to-one youth
mentoring program.
To donate a vehicle, call Big Brothers & Sisters at 330.296.6655. Vehicles will be picked up in three days or less. Donors need only the title and keys. Vehicles from individuals or companies will gladly be accepted.
Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Big Brothers & Sisters wishes to thank the following recent donors: Ronald Gullion, Aurora; Mary Myers and Dave Bechler, Kent; Sheryl Porter and Claudette Rogers, Ravenna; Jeffrey Eldridge, Rootstown; Kimberly Kiser, Windham; Wally Foster, Mantua; Karin Hensel, Hudson; and Bonnie Kissell of Garrettsville.
Support Big Brothers & Sisters by Donating Used Items and Shopping for Bargains
If you have quality used furniture, electric appliances less than 5 years old, or gently used mattresses and box springs that you want picked up for free, call Fabulous Finds Thrift Superstore at 330.422.0039. Items are donated to Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage County and then re-sold. Donors will receive a receipt for their tax-deductible donations. A percentage of all sales supports the agency’s one-to-one youth mentoring program.
Donors may drop off smaller items in the big, blue boxes that say Big Brothers & Sisters at any of the following locations: Fabulous Finds, Streetsboro; Trinity Lutheran Church, Kent; Pettigrew Pro Hardware, Edinburg; Save-4 Store, Shalersville; Garrettsville Cinemas, Garrettsville; 14-76 Auto Exchange, Edinburg; and Wal-Mart in Streetsboro.
Big Brothers & Sisters encourages everyone to donate and to shop at Fabulous Finds and take advantage of the terrific bargains which the store provides daily. Store hours are 10-8 Monday through Saturday, and 11-6 on Sunday. It is located at 9058 SR 14, across the street from K-Mart, in Streetsboro.
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