This is part of a supported campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

I love this time of year for many reasons. One of my favorite reasons is because it is a time of giving and thinking about others. If you are thinking of ways to give back you should consider a wonderful organization that I love. I’m talking about The Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. I teach middle school and I know a couple of kiddos that have big brothers and they absolutely love it! It is a life changing opportunity for both the kiddos and the Big Brothers/Sisters. If you are looking to donate to a wonderful organization to give to, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters is it. They could really use your help with donations and/or volunteering.

The New Year brings a time for changes and new opportunities. If you’re looking for a great organization to support, Big Brothers/Big Sisters are calling to action adults that can mentor children that desperately need guidance and attention.  Did you know that 22% of the children supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters are Hispanic but only 9% of the volunteers (Bigs) are Latino? Come on amigas/amigos, the Bigs really need our help. These kiddos are counting on us!!

I know that most of us are pretty busy parenting our children and volunteering might be out of the question. If you can’t volunteer, consider giving a donation. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America estimates is costs $1200/year for quality professional mentoring support or $100/mo or $25/week. Any help would be greatly appreciated and used for a fantastic cause.

Check out this video from the president of Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Did you know that this week, April 21-27, is National Volunteer Week? I’ve shared earlier in the week about Volunteer Day, on the 27th, but did you know there was an entire week, dedicated to serving others? I love the idea of being able to give of our time and help our community, especially those that need it most.

I’m beyond honored to be selected by Latina Mom Bloggers, to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters, Latino campaign. National Volunteer Week celebrates giving back to the community and Latino Bigs just does that!  Latino Bigs encourages Latinos from all walks of life to give back by being a mentor to an at-risk Latino youth.

A decade ago, I was working in a small office, and I had a wonderful coworker that was a single mom to a little boy. Her son did not have a strong male influence in her life, and she really wanted a strong mentor and influence in his life. The Big Brother, Big Sister organization, came in to his life and changed all that. I watched from afar as a little boy was transformed, grades were brought up, and a boy happier than I had ever seen him. Big Brothers Big Sisters, is a wonderful organization, that can truly change children’s lives.

I’ve also seen the power of mentorship in my life. I had a fantastic elementary teacher, Mrs.Citron, that encouraged me like no one else had done before. She reminded me daily, that I could be the first college graduate in my family, and that I had many talents to share. I credit her powerful belief in me, and her love, for being able to graduate from college, and pursue a career in education. Her simple words and actions, changed my life.

More than ever, there is a big need for Latino “Bigs”. Many of the children served by Big Brothers, Big Sisters, come from immigrant families, and are adjusting to a new culture. As Latinos, we know these challenges very well, and could really help a “little”  navigate through these challenges.

So come on Amigos, Amigas, head over to visit  www.latinobigs.org or www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org for more information about volunteering as a ‘Big.’ You have the power to bless and change many lives! Let’s do this!

This is part of a supported campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.