Big Brothers Big Sisters was recently awarded a grant from the Unrestricted Funds of the Polk County Community Foundation. This grant provides funds that will support recruiting, screening and training of mentors to serve more area children, and empowers these children to go further in life.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. These matches provide cultural, social and educational activities to enrich and nurture childrens growth and development.

The Polk County Community Foundation recognizes that successful mentoring relationships contribute to brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for all, thus supporting their vision of enhancing the quality of life for area citizens.

Most children served by BBBS are from single parent families or are students who need a little extra attention at school. National research shows that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct and measurable impact on childrens lives.

By participating in youth mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are more confident in their school performance, able to get along better with peers and families and less likely to begin using alcohol and drugs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on local donations, grants, sponsorships, and bequests to improve and expand its mentoring programs. The Polk County Community Foundation oversees an Endowment Fund for BBBS. Gifts from area citizens are encouraged to help grow that fund.

Currently, the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual mail-out campaign is under way, and contributions are encouraged to help BBBS meet annual budget goals. Donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to BBBS, 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782. Gifts go directly to making and supporting local matches in Polk County and Landrum.

Based on its most current financial data, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has a four stars Charity Navigator rating for organizational efficiency, and is highly rated by Forbes and the Better Business Bureau. Charity Navigator is the nations premier charity evaluator. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also a member of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

Bowl for Kids Sake, the annual signature fundraiser is held in February. Sponsorships from area businesses are solicited for this event beginning in October so that all funds raised by teams of bowlers go directly to support BBBS programs. A Hunter Pace benefiting BBBS is hosted in May.

Calls come in to Big Brothers Big Sisters every month from parents, teachers and counselors who say they know what a difference a mentor can make in a childs life.

For more information about BBBS and how you can help, call 828-859-9230.