Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lincoln kicks off ‘Team Big’ campaign amid volunteer shortage

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For a child in need, having another person in their corner can have an overwhelming impact.

But right now, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lincoln is sounding the alarm, as their waiting list grows.

“We’re not seeing volunteers who are signing up and joining,” said Kyle Bishop, the Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator. “That’s why we’re doing this campaign: to spread awareness about Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

According to the organization, there are more than 150 kids across the state without a mentor.

In and around the Lincoln and Omaha areas, there are a total of 113 children.

The organization connects children with mentors, creating relationships and memories that grow over time.

But without people offering to fill that role, kids are forced to go without.

This fall, the organization is kicking off the ‘Team Big’ campaign to get more adults involved.

“One of the biggest things we emphasize at BBBS is potential,” Bishop said. “When a young person is paired up with an adult, and they have the opportunity to explore a community as big as Lincoln, there’s so many doorways and pathways that get opened up to them that weren’t visible before.”

By bringing bigs and littles together with community partners, the whole city thrives.

While the volunteer shortage is posing as an ongoing challenge, the nonprofit is not giving up.

“You don’t have to be special to be a Big. You just have to be present,” Bishop said. “We don’t require special qualifications. It’s just all about giving your time and hanging out with a young person. You could go fishing together, you could do arts and crafts with one another, or just have coffee and share a conversation. Sometimes, it’s those little moments that matter most.”