To the Editor:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County is entering its 8th fiscal year. The national organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, is over 100 years old, and we are a branch of BBBS of Western North Carolina. As a county branch office we have an Advisory Council which is responsible for the development of financial support and represents BBBS in the community.

What does this mean? Our Advisory Council sets goals and guides the policies of our local branch, whereas major organizational decisions are made at the regional Board level.&bsp; The Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month beginning at 5:30 or 6 pm at Tryon Town Hall for 10 months of the year.&bsp; The meetings last about an hour.

What do we do? We have one major fund raiser, Bowl for Kids Sake, which takes place in February. Its kind of like a 2 hour walk-a-thon, only with teams bowling. Several teams use gutter guards, since its all for fun. We have local and regional businesses as sponsors, and the teams raise money by getting pledges. Additionally, we hold a Hunter Pace in May and send out a card requesting donations in October. Council members are not asked to contribute anything other than some time and energy!

As a childrens mentoring organization we are occasionally approached to be a part of other activities. Our council discusses and makes the decision involving these proposals. We also help plan an annual Christmas party and other group activities for our Littles.

We currently have several openings on our Advisory Council. It is fun and rewarding to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you feel like you are a likely candidate, or know of someone else who may be interested and appropriate to help serve and support our growing mentoring programs, please let us know.&bsp; We&bsp; appreciate your help in developing our Advisory Council into a vibrant support system for our unique mentoring services for children in Polk County and the Landrum area.

Patty Slater, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Chair