Big Brothers need men to be mentors

Volunteers are asked to commit to serving for one year, meeting with the child twice a month.

STAFF REPORT

GIRARD — Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley celebrated with a Christmas party Saturday, but officials hope the event will be more crowded next year.

“We’re in desperate need of Big Brothers,” said Rose Herrle, program coordinator for the agency.

There are 40 boys and 10 girls on the waiting list for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Herrle said people often think that there is an age limit to be a volunteer, but there is not. One 65-year-old man is the big brother to three boys, and the oldest volunteer is a 72-year-old.

The agency asks volunteers to commit to serving for one year, meeting with a Little Brother or Little Sister two times a month. The children are between ages 7 and 18.

“You don’t have to have a college degree, just a desire to help another person,” Herrle said.

Among the speakers at the party Saturday was State Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, who has been a Big Brother for six years.

“We have Big Brothers and Big Sisters from senators to bus drivers,” Herrle said.

For information on how to volunteer, call (330) 545-0002.

The program has 80 children who are matched with community volunteers and has 300 others who are matched with high school students.

About 220 people attended the party Saturday, which featured Santa Claus delivering 600 gifts and a catered meal. The event was at Girard High School.

The gifts were collected through giving trees that were placed in the community. The trees had tags that listed gifts the children had requested.

Also, Al Davis of Youngstown was honored as the Big Brother of the Year, and Andrea Diyorio was named Big Sister of the Year. Kohl’s of Niles was named volunteer of the year for its help with the party and other events during the year.