Lexington, KY - The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, which serves 14 counties in central Kentucky including Fayette, can be one of the most impacting groups to get involved with - for yourself or for your match.
Currently, the group has over 650 matches in the Bluegrass, with nearly 300 in Fayette County. The organization strives for a 10 percent growth from year to year, and there are nearly 200 boys and girls on the waiting list.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Bluegrass has two mentoring programs available for volunteers to consider - a school and community program. With the school program, in which Big Brothers Big Sisters has a presence in seven schools, matches meet for an hour once a week at the child's school, doing a variety of activities, such as playing in the gym, eating lunch or working in the computer lab. The group tries to ensure that matches meet at the same time each week, so many volunteers come during their lunch hour (many local companies, like Lexmark, have internal programs) or during open spots in their class schedule (the group has a lot of college-age volunteers).
With the community program, the organization's more traditional volunteering option, activities are pre-approved by the parent and matches meet up at the child's home before going to their destination. On average, matches see each other three or four times a month, and BBBS likes to ensure there is a 1-year commitment from volunteers.
Aside from volunteering your time, the group also needs office and art supplies. This is also the major fundraising time for the organization, culminating, in Fayette County, with the Bowl for Kids' Sake 2009 - a pledge-driven fundraiser at Southland Bowling Center (205 Southland Dr.) - on March 21 - 22.
There is an informational luncheon for individuals and groups about this event Jan. 29 and 30 at Outback in Hamburg (1957 Bryant Rd.) from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
To register for this event or for Bowl for Kids' Sake 2009, contact bfks@bbbs-bluegrass.org. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, call (800) 201-8797, or visit www.bbbs-bluegrass.org.