TRURO - Dozens more volunteers are needed to fulfill the need of a Big Brothers Big Sisters program in local elementary schools.
The organization's executive director, Michelle Misener, said while some volunteers have recently come forward to help with the in-school mentoring program, there are still 40 children waiting to be matched with an adult. Thirty-five of those children are boys.
"We do cross gender match but it's good to have same gender matches," said Misener.
Volunteers spent one hour a week on school property with an elementary-aged child, doing an activity of their choice. And results have been positive, Misener said.
"I've talked to a vice-principal that said the result was quite noticeable. The children come back (to class) with a better frame of mind to learn and the kids say they have fun ... and feel better about themselves," said Misener.
There are currently 52 in-school mentoring matches.
Another program getting underway that requires volunteers is the Go Girls Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds program.
The 10-week program will be held at Truro Junior High School and Redcliff Middle School in Valley and focuses on young girls. Female volunteers in their 20s are asked to come forward for volunteer training.
A program for boys, called Game On, is still being organized.
For more information on any of the programs, and to volunteer, call 5-4562.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
