Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County matches children ages 6 through 16 with adult mentors, in professionally supported one-to-one relationships.

Making the Connection

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers are asked to commit at least one year. Matches get together through one of our three main program models:

• Community-based Mentoring : For as little as an hour a week, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities … stories … and a little bit of themselves. Learn more » 
• Group-based Mentoring : Bigs and Littles meet once a month at various venues across the community. The group program is perfect for the volunteer whose schedule doesn't permit participation in our traditional community-based program. Learn more » 
• School-based Mentoring : Bigs and Littles meet once a week at local elementary schools to talk, have fun, and maybe enjoy lunch together. It’s not about being a tutor … it’s about being a friend. Learn more » 

How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)

A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. After they express an interest in our volunteer opportunities, all our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support for our volunteer programs along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.

What Bigs and Littles Do

Getting together is a great time for both Bigs and Littles. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few hours every month sharing simple things you already enjoy with a young person. Things like….

• Shooting hoops
• Playing a board game
• Sharing a pizza
• Taking a walk in the park
• Or just hanging out and talking

Your donation will make a difference

Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life. Your gift can help make Big magic for children in your local community by:

• Helping us to recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
• Ensuring that trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs
• Offering one-on-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match
• Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children

And 70% of every dollar you give goes directly to making and supporting our matches; the remainder covers fundraising and general program administration.

Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister -- someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Now … think of how your gift could make that all a reality.

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