LETTERS: United Way supports Big Brothers/Big Sisters
To the Editor:
The funding that Big Brother Big Sisters of Marion County receives through United Way is a gift that helps us to offer carefully screened and caring mentors to nearly 120 children here in Marion County.
Your contributions to United Way put a huge smile on the faces of three children in our Bigs in School Program this morning. You see, they met their big brothers or sisters for the first time today. When you are considering the amount your contribution to United Way should be, remember that every dollar you give translates to huge smiles for those among us who need support.
Meeting with a big brother or sister for as little as 30 minutes a week can translate into success. One of the children in the program was struggling with spelling, usually receiving a D or F on weekly tests. After working with his big brother for just six or eight weeks, we saw the spelling grades improve to B's and an occasional A. More importantly, we saw this child start to believe he could succeed. This is just one instance where United Way funding has made a real, lasting, and significant difference in the life of a child.
United Way funding is significant because it represents the support of 100s of individuals who contribute to United Way and understand that our children need the broadest possible support system. As individuals, we often wonder what it is that we can do to make a positive difference in our communities. Your gift to United Way makes a difference.
Jackie Rice
Executive Director
