You know me by now, and that I volunteer and support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Broward County. With the holidays coming up, there are so many families in need across Broward County and the rest of Florida, that I’d like to take a moment to talk to you about supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters wherever you live, and helping your local chapter with the year-round mission of mentoring and guiding children to be the amazing adults we know they can be. The mentoring that Big Brothers/Big Sisters provides makes real, measurable differences in our “Littles” lives. Our mentoring aims to stops problems like substance abuse and skipping school before they start, and helps kids to have more confidence and better relationships with their families. Being a Big can make such a difference in the life of a child of a single parent or an incarcerated parent, or a child growing up in poverty.
In Florida, almost one child in four is growing up in poverty, with over half a million families below the poverty line. In these expensive times, the federal poverty rubrics seem inadequate when even many “middle class” families are just getting by. The deeper numbers are even more horrifying right alongside that number is the statistics for children in “low income” families – one in four – which means that half the children in Florida are low income or living in poverty. Perhaps even more shameful is the number considered to be in “deep poverty” or making less than 50 percent of the federal poverty level. Two thirds of children in poverty also live in a single-parented, female-headed household.
It’s easy to let the numbers overwhelm you, but don’t let it erase the humanity of the people behind those numbers. The most important number that you need to keep in mind is this – one. Change the world for one person and you can change the world for their family, for their children, and turn their future into something wonderful. All it takes is one person – you – and your time, your participation, or your donation. The influence and mentoring makes a big difference, but so does having clothing and shoes, a thoughtful present, and a good holiday season. Just knowing that someone cares can be the best present of all.
At this time of year, we’d appreciate your help in making the holidays happier for our Littles and their families. You can donate gift certificates for a family’s holiday meal, adopt a family by donating clothing and age appropriate gifts, hosting a toy drive, or making a cash donation. Everything helps us to help more kids, and brighten a season that is for everyone. Call and talk to us at the Broward County Big Brothers and Big Sisters, or the chapter nearest to you. Share the season and make a big difference in a family’s life, and a big difference in your own.
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