The CEO of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of Central Illinois says the COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping ‘Bigs’ volunteers from reaching out to mentor kids. But Jeanne Stahlheber says the coronavirus pandemic has caused Big Brothers Big Sisters to postpone all of its fundraising events from March through September. And because of it she says the program stands to lose $400-thousand dollars in revenue.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois serves Vermilion, Champaign, Macon, McLean, Morgan and Sangamon counties.
Shahlheber says with everything that children face, the coronavirus pandemic presents a whole new set of challenges. She says social distancing has not slowed down Big Brothers Big Sisters commitment to keeping their mentoring matches connected both socially and emotionally. The ‘Bigs’ (mentors) and Littles (mentees) have been meeting virtually to participate in interactive games and focus on schoolwork and managing stress.
The program involves children ages 5 to 12. For those who have been considering becoming a mentor Stahlheber says there is no better time to take that first step. Every step in the process to become a Big is now virtual. You can learn more about volunteering, making a donation or enrolling your child at www.bbbscil.org.
