There is a big problem when it comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers, according to a school board member who is partnering with the organization to grow the program in Polk County.
“Right now, we need adults that are willing to come and serve our children,” said school board member Lisa Miller, who is community partnership manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
Miller said there are 100 students in the school district who are ready to be “littles” but have no “bigs” available.
Georgia Bailey was in elementary school in 1999 when she was partnered with her “big sister,” Dana Plunkett.
“She gave us opportunities that we probably wouldn’t otherwise have,” Bailey said. “It’s a good escape for kids to get away from whatever’s going on, even if it’s just an hour at school.”
Bailey and Plunkett are still in each other’s lives today.
“The reward is so great,” Plunkett said. “You make a sacrifice, and there’s obviously a dedication to it, but the reward is so great, and the friendship that you continue on.”
Plunkett is now mentoring her sixth “little.”
“I guess I’ve just been working on fractions and math,” said her “little,” Laila Roundtree, over lunch at school Friday.
Roundtree, a 5th grader at Philip O’Brien Elementary School, said the program has helped her improve her grades and could benefit other children too.
“It can help them through some hard times and it’ll be good having someone that you can talk to,” said Roundtree.
Roundtree is one of 26 students at Philip O’Brien Elementary School in Lakeland who have “bigs” visit them at school.
Twenty students, News Channel 8 has learned, are on a waitlist.
“The need is great in Polk County. I have schools that have no bigs in them right now. I have schools that still have a few but are on the list to get more,” Miller said.
Miller said the district added 3,000 students this year, widening the gap between the needs of “littles” and the availability of “bigs.”
“There are studies showing it increases our graduation rates,” Miller said. “It increases interest in post-secondary. It increases interest in post-employment. Really that’s moving our community forward.”
Site-based “bigs” spend one hour a week with their “littles” at a nearby school or after-school site.
The commitment for community-based “bigs,” who see children outside of school, is four to eight hours per month.
“A lot of people come to me or even online and say ‘We really want to help, we don’t know how.’ Right now I’m telling you, we need help and it’s easy to do,” said Miller.
While all volunteers are needed, the organization really needs men to get involved.
To learn more visit https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ or fill out this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5PGWPhSfEz1YKyiApG_kkNz_60NmD8h6gqL4ugV_wpmCFow/viewform or call (863) 220-1116.