To the editor:

It’s again time to contemplate our year-end, tax-deductible, charitable giving. In keeping with the focus on providing support for local businesses, it’s important to also consider our service organizations.

Area non profits are struggling with meeting the demands of greater need in our community. No exception is Big Brothers Big Sisters, currently reaching out for financial support–encouraging gifts of $5 or more–to help maintain our important mentoring programs for area youth.

Many are surprised at our reliance on the generosity of local citizens for support. This is achieved through a direct mail appeal in the fall, fundraising events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake and Have a HeART for BBBS, and grant funding through the Polk County Community Foundation.

The Polk branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters has received government funding in the past for only one short-term project, Mentoring Children of Prisoners. It was surprising to note the number of children we serve who have, or have had, a parent incarcerated. Imagine the impact on a child, and then consider the benefit of that child having a trusted adult friend to rely on for guidance.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better. We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers, schools and others in the community, and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships and avoidance of risky behaviors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters depends on those who value the mentoring services we provide for youth in our communities. Contributions great or small are welcome via mail to BBBS, 301 N. Trade Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782. Your generosity will be acknowledged with a tax receipt.

For more information, call 828-859-9230 or email polk@bbbswnc.org.

– Karen Dacey, Tryon