Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks more volunteers

Calling all role models? calling all role models? New York City's branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters is searching for local mentors to step up and volunteer. The organization says it is seeking mentors

News 12 Staff

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Jan 10, 2009, 11:19 PM

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Updated 5,823 days ago

Calling all role models? calling all role models? New York City's branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters is searching for local mentors to step up and volunteer.

The organization says it is seeking mentors for about 200 local kids.Parents say they take comfort in knowing their children have additional role models to look up to.

"It fills me inside and really warms me up inside to see that my son was fortunate enough to have such a good person in his life like that," says Jessica Rivera.

Her son, Malik, goes on trips to the movies and museums with his Big Brother. Rivera says that her son's role model has helped him improve his self-esteem and school grades.

But, unlike Malik, 200 other kids in the Bronx are waiting for mentors to step to the plate.

"We're looking for volunteers, especially males ages 21 and over that can spare eight hours every single month," says Anna Bossa of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

Malik's mentor, Anthony Booth Jr., says there is plenty to gain by volunteering.

"I get to learn a lot from him, and get to be a goofball and joke around and be a kid again," Booth says.

If anyone is interested in volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister, the organizations holds volunteer orientations every third Wednesday.