Big Brothers Big Sisters is a preventative mentoring program. Adult volunteers, referred to as a "Big," are matched, one-on-one, with a child who generally comes from a single parent household, referred to as a "Little." The Big provides extra, individual attention and acts as a friend and mentor to the child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu's community-based programs offer volunteer Bigs the opportunity to spend quality time with their Littles in a variety of cultural, recreational and educational activities, according to one another's interests. Some of the most popular activities Bigs and Littles do together include enjoying an afternoon at the beach, hiking Diamond Head, viewing new exhibits at the Waikiki Aquarium, going for a paddle to the Mokulua Islands or seeing the newest movie.

The organization reports that spending time with a Big reduces the chances of a Little Brother or Little Sister skipping a day of school or using drugs. When compared to same-aged youth, Littles have been shown to feel more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends.

"It is our wish this holiday season to give as many keiki as possible the gift of friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu is now serving close to a thousand keiki, but we know there are many more who could benefit from being matched with a Big," said Dennis Brown, president of BBBSH. "There is no better gift that a person can give this holiday season than volunteering to be a Big or referring a child to be a Little. As Hawai`i's very first Little, I know it is a gift that will continue to give for a lifetime."

Individuals interested in giving the gift of friendship this year by volunteering to be a Big or referring a child to be a Little are asked to contact Rodney Hee at 521-3811, ext. 228 or e-mail rhee@bigshonolulu.org. Companies and organizations may also request informational presentations describing the agency and volunteer opportunities to their employees and members.