AMARILLO, TX -- Way back in 1988, KVII-TV started up a weekly segment profiling little brothers and little sisters who were needing a grown-up counterpart.
It was called Waiting Child and benefited the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.
For more than 15 years...that segment ran every Tuesday night, and today we're announcing that we're bringing it back...with its usual host, Steve Myers.
At the time (with darker hair and a slightly smaller waistline) Steve went out every week highlighting a waiting child who was in need of a match... someone to spend just a few hours a month being a mentor...and saying you don't have the time doesn't fly with BB/BS executive director, Emily Nance.
"A lot of people tell me they don't have time. Trust me. I can convince you, you have time."
There are two programs. The regular match where you spend time each week with your little doing just about anything and the second where you eat lunch with a little...and both make a major impact in their lives.
"Everybody eats lunch, one hour a week, and you think that doesn't make a difference, but it makes a big difference."
And it's never about money being spent or what you do...just that you're there for them.
"We really discourage bigs from spending money cause it's more about giving of yourself and your heart to that child....and we're so excited, Steve, I just think this is the most wonderful thing and through our partnership, you've already changed a lot of children's lives, and we want to continue that."
It's easy to join up. They have you fill out some paperwork and do a background check, then they determine which one of their littles would make a good match for you. And then, you're on your way. Big sisters find themselves waiting more often than not, since most of the children are young men. But, they have a need right now for big brothers and big sisters...and until those volunteers come forward, there are a lot of kids who will be waiting.
If you're interested in joining or wanting more information about how to become a volunteer, call the BB/BS office at 351-2210.
