Big Brothers Big Sisters in desperate need of male mentors in Collier County

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Big Brothers Big Sisters is sending out an S.O.S. They are in desperate need of people to volunteer and help kids out.

Right now, the non-profit organization has 20 boys on the waiting list.

“Cause my dad, he isn’t really around.” It’s the reason why 10-year-old Alex tells WINK News he joined Big Brothers Big Sisters a year and a half ago.

He was matched up with Tim Reed, a pastor in East Naples.

“It’s just fun to experience things through the eyes of a young man, who’s just growing and being an influence in his life,” said Reed.

The duo is one of 140 matches in Collier County.

“We go to Sea World a lot and we just go out to eat and have fun,” said Alex.

But 20 other boys are still waiting for their mentors. The boys range from 6 to 18 years old.

“It’s about a three month wait to get a big brother,” said Lois Ferguson.

Ferguson is the community resource director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast – Collier County. She says you can fulfill that need.

“It’s not a big commitment. It’s once a week for an hour or at least a couple times a month with two good quality visits,” said Ferguson.

“If you could just encourage men to give it a try, they wouldn’t regret it,” said Reed. “I never dreamt it would be as much fun as it is.”

Ferguson said they also need little sisters. She said they have eight women who have volunteered and are still waiting to get matched.

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