BIG BROTHERS AND SISTERS All kids want for holiday is adults to volunteer

Adult male volunteers in particular are needed.
GIRARD -- The "littles" at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley will all receive presents at the group's Dec. 20 Christmas party at Girard High School.
But the Christmas present the 100 "littles," kids ages 7 through 15, still on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters waiting list really want is a "big," an adult volunteer, to be their big brother or sister.
Adult male volunteers in particular are needed, said Missy Adams, a caseworker for the organization.
Because of the shortage of male volunteers, the organization has started pairing boys with women, if the child and his family agree, Adams said.
Its mission
The basic purpose of the organization is to "put a friend in a child's life" to put hope into his future, Adams said. The official mission is to make a difference in the lives of children through a professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship with a caring volunteer.
Big brothers and sisters has initiated a few new programs, including a Speaker's Bureau, to help get the word out and to help more children. Companies, clubs or other organizations can call (330) 545-0002 to arrange for a presentation.
Also, individuals, companies or organizations that want to become part of the Partners for Youth program with a donation, or adults who want to become one of the "bigs," should call the same number.
Donating vehicles
Another way to financially support the big brothers and sisters organization is through its Cars for Kids' Sake program, under which unwanted cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles can be donated. Call toll-free (800) 710-9145 to get more information and make arrangements to have unwanted vehicles picked up.
BBBS of Mahoning Valley is funded for 2003 primarily by United Way, 40 percent; grants, 29 percent; special events, 23 percent; and contributions, 8 percent.
Big Brothers was begun in 1903 by a businessman who discovered a boy scrounging for food in a garbage can and offered him assistance. That led to the first Big Brother group in Cincinnati. Locally, Big Brothers of Mahoning County was incorporated in 1969, and in 1977 it became Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley to serve boys and girls in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties.