Paying it Forward: Littles need Bigs at local Big Brothers Big Sisters #114
Sharing your time and companionship with another. Listen then come back. Sounds simple, volunteer as a BIG. Lifechanging for two people, and impactful from today to the future. Give and get!
Jack Browne, Wichita Falls Times Record News, Sunday May 4, 2025
Big Brothers Big Sisters in Wichita Falls is moving fast in 2025.
The 10th annual Dancing for the Stars was a great success in February. And by the end of February, staff and volunteers moved BBBS into a repurposed family life center within the Wesley United Methodist Church campus on Weeks Street.
Both organizations benefit, as does the community.
The new home for BBBS has offices, a gym, game room and kitchen – and much more space than before. BBBS held a March Matchness Basketball Tournament on March 22, inviting local organizations to play as a way to recruit Bigs.
April 19, BBBS held their second annual community Garage Sale. Volunteers and staff started at 6 a.m. by organizing for the 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. sale. Threats of rain increased participation as buyers needed what donors didn’t.
Seven days a week something is happening on campus – services in the church or BBBS activities on their side of the campus. After work and school, Bigs can join their Littles in activities that help the children learn necessary life skills with the support of a caring adult.
Bigs and Littles can enjoy movie night with a film projected on the gym wall, as well as foosball or air hockey in the game room. Previously Bigs organized activities, many at their own expense. This way, more Bigs can participate with no spending required – just one-on-one time.
Littles get time with a caring adult who checks in and listens. I’m a Big for Keith, a 3rd grader at Cunningham Elementary. We meet for lunch weekly during the school year. 90 Bigs share time with 90 Littles. But the need is great, the children can do better than they are.
Other cultures do things differently, but for the same reason.
How are the children doing? This traditional greeting of “Kasserian ingera,” is shared as Africa’s Mosai tribe meet. Monitoring the well-being of children is the best way to determine the future health and prosperity of their whole society. Be they parents or not, the adults focus on the well-being of all children.
Consider helping by giving time, talent, treasure or testimony; visit bbbstx.org. What can you do to make the future bright for the next generation? $10 a month or a couple of hours a month is game-changing for a Little.
Jack Browne is a community activist and past technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies.