This Christmas was the first year for a Big Brothers Big Sisters “Angel Tree” project that provided gifts from donors who wanted to buy for Little Brothers or Little Sisters. When Lena McCall and Brittany Burdette from Imagination Station II toy store extraordinaire in Landrum contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters and offered to host an Angel Tree for the neediest children enrolled in the local branch, it was hard for BBBS staff to decide which children to choose. The hosts and their generous supporters all came through in a Big way for the Littles. As a result of their initiative, Pee Ridge Vintiques and the Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op joined the effort and provided more wonderful gifts for more Littles. Such Big hearts!

To make it fair and provide gifts for all of the 57 children enrolled in our local Big Brothers Big Sisters, donors were solicited by the organization. They responded generously and contributed enough so that every child enrolled received gifts to treasure for Christmas. Packages were full of games, puzzles, balls, dolls and other toys, shoes, clothing, toiletries and cosmetics, jewelry and accessories, and more.

Anne Day, Roberta Heinrich and staff at Walker Wallace & Emerson Realty, a very generous anonymous donor, and several others stepped up to make this Christmas so much brighter for children who often face adversity.

The last gift was delivered on Christmas Eve. The many hugs and smiles that were collected in return indicated that all the children were very delighted to have such special attention.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is really blessed to have very generous support from our amazing community where thoughtfulness and compassion for others abound. The spirit of the season was evident through these lovely gestures.

The organization is supported solely through grants, sponsorships and individual donations. Donations are tax-deductible and welcome at BBBS, 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or via secure online donation at www.bbbswnc.org.

Volunteer mentors share time and energy with their matched Littles. Staff, other volunteers, and school and community contacts provide the resources necessary for the mentoring programs to function.

To partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters in transforming children’s lives, please call 828-859-9230, 899-9699 or polk@bbbswnc.org.

submitted by Karen Dacey