YOU CAN HELP PROVIDE CARE PACKAGES TO VULNERABLE FAMILIES
Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Miami Valley has operated under the belief that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive, if given the opportunity.
The organization makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the region.
Those positive relationships have been shown to have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
As you can imagine, the current crisis has dramatically affected those being served. Many of the families have been discouraged from going into the community because of medical vulnerabilities, lack of transportation, economic woes and fear of infection.
This prevents them from readily accessing even the most basic day-to-day necessities.
“Our families are facing increased anxiety, fear and worry,” says the non-profit’s CEO, Anne Pfeiffer. “The added stress and uncertainty our Littles are facing makes their relationship with their Big even more critical. While we continue to provide oneto-one mentoring through virtual platforms, we are also providing extra support, including delivering care packages of groceries, cleaning supplies, and even board games. “
This new project, known as the Big Neighbors program, is designed to support under-resourced and medically vulnerable families by connecting them with basic necessities. “We will also assist with errands to support families who lack transportation as well as those experiencing financial loss absorb the cost of supplies,” says Pfeiffer. “For our care packages we chose items that are a little harder to find, and once provided, our families can spend more on food, utilities, and other essentials.
The Big Neighbors program kicked off on March 23 and will continue through Aug. 31.
The organization’s staffers have been going into the office individually to work on sorting and collecting items for care packages.
What they need
• Toilet paper • Disinfectant spray • Hand soap
• Clorox wipes
• Dish soap
• Paper towels
• Canned food
• Boxed food
• Laundry detergent • Adult coloring books • Shampoo, conditioner • Body wash • Deodorant
Items can be dropped off at the office, 22 S. Jefferson St., between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can schedule a “socially distant’ drop-off by contacting Jennifer Mueller at (937) 220.6857 or jmueller@bbbsmiamivalley.org Someone will come out to your trunk and pick up the items.
If individuals want to mail an order, the delivery address is: Big Brothers Big Sisters, 22 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH 45402.
Other ways to help: BBBS has received funding for the Big Neighbors program from the Miami County Foundation and the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton as well as many individual donors. Those who would like to make a financial donation can visit the website atwww.bbbsmiamivalley. org and click the donate button.
Contact this reporter at 937-225-2440 or email Meredith.Moss@coxinc. com. Each week, Meredith Moss writes about nonprofit organizations in our community and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, please contact Meredith: MMoss@ coxohio.com. Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.