TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A mentorship is a bond that many children carry with them for years. That's why Big Brothers, Big Sisters is making sure no little has to be without their big while social distancing.
Togetherness is at the core of what it means to be part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. It's something that's now become a challenge with social distancing.
"Drastically we changed — I mean immediately. Whole staff reached out to every big and every little and said now is not the time to give up on this relationship. Now your little needs you more than ever," said
More than 300 children are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend.
To help bigs and littles keep those bonds they've made, the organization is going virtual with meetings now on FaceTime, or Zoom.
Adrienne Barnes has been meeting with her little virtually for three years and says consistency is key.
"Making sure that the big stays in touch with them so that's a little always knows that they are there even if they don't get to see them in person and that they are seeing them regularly even if it is virtual," said Barnes.
And just because it's not in person doesn't mean it has to be any less interactive. Big Brothers Big Sisters recommends fun activities like using flash cards as a game or even to help littles with their homework.
To make sure every pair stays connected, the organization has started Laptops for Littles, a fundraiser to put at least 100 new devices in littles hands to help keep them connected to their bigs and in the classroom.
"They are smart, they are capable, they have their mentor to help them and they don't have that device and we're gonna make that happen for them," said
Big Brothers Big Sisters needs at least $17,000 to reach their 100 laptop goal, and hope to be able to provide even more. To donate, you can do it on their Facebook page here.
