Big Brothers Big Sisters event to highlight volunteer, mentor opportunities
Hundreds of children and members of the general public are expected to turn out for the event, planned for noon to 4 p.m. next Sunday, Sept. 30.
The carnival will be located on the block in front of the church at St. Louis Street, from Randle to Second streets, in downtown Edwardsville.It is planned to coordinate with the second anniversary of the church, according to Catherine Keck, compassion ministry coordinator for Newsong Fellowship.
Katie Roemer, community based program manager for BBBS, said the agency is looking forward to the event.
"We're excited about the event, because it's the first time we've had something like this in Madison County," Roemer said. "It's probably the biggest event that we've had to promote our agency in a while for all of the counties that we serve."
BBBS is partnering with Newsong Fellowship to help people become aware of the need for volunteers, she said.
The organization has many boys who are waiting to be matched with a mentor or volunteer, she said.
BBBS will have a booth at the event to provide residents with the opportunity to sign up to mentor one of the children.
"We will also have applications for those who would like to volunteer," she said. "People can also visit our Web site."
BBBS has many more opportunities to mentor boys than girls in the program, Roemer said.
"It's a problem that we've always had," she said of the shortage of male mentors.
"We do have some families that participate, but for the most part it is single women, big sisters, who are involved," she said. "So we are looking for more participation from men."
Keck said the carnival would help to reach out to those who are hurting or less fortunate - locally, nationally and internationally.
The goal also reflects the mission of Newsong Fellowship, she said, to reflect the hands and heart of Christ.
The event will be free of charge for the public and children.
A staff of 15 operates the BBBS office in Belleville, providing mentoring opportunities for boys and girls in the Southwestern Illinois area.
The event will also provide an opportunity for the general public to donate to BBBS.
"We will have a donation box at the booth, during the carnival, at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters tent," Roemer said.
For more information about Newsong Fellowship, call 659-2333 or visit www.newsong-fellowship.com.
For more information about BBBS, call 398-3162 or visit www.bbbsil.org.
E-mail: lingram@yourjournal.com
