TRYON—Big Brothers Big Sisters will take part in a Back to School Bash sponsored by Outreach, scheduled for August 10 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the screened pavilion at Harmon Field. The event will serve as more than just n opportunity for fun, but also a great way for the community to prepare kids for the new school year. 

All children in the BBBS program will come together to enjoy pizza, chips, drinks, and snow cones from The Sugar Shack. Thanks to a partnership with Outreach, backpacks and school supplies will be provided to all the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, making a lasting difference. After the bash, participants will head over to Glow Night at the basketball courts for more fun and to distribute glow swag. Backpacks and supplies are exclusively for BS kids. The Bash is open to anyone in the BBBS program and council.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk/Rutherford is also currently looking for mentors. As of now, they serve 47 kids, with programs in all Polk schools except Saluda Elementary and Lake Lure Classical Academy. The organization is set to expand to two more Rutherford schools during the 2024-2025 school year. However, with 30 kids on their waitlist, the need for Big Brothers and Big Sisters is urgent.

The commitment as a Big is just two outings a month with a Little, a small investment that can make a huge difference in a child’s life. This simple act not only benefits the child but also gives volunteers an opportunity to have fun while making a positive impact.

“The youth in our counties are very important to me and BBBS,” says Program Coordinator Jessica Toney, emphasizing the urgency of the need for Big Brothers and Sisters. “The more kids we can support, the better the future can be. Every child has potential. It just needs to be nurtured, and that is what Big Brothers and Sisters do. Simply spending time with a child two times a month providing guidance, support, and positivity makes a lifelong impact.”

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Jessica Toney via email at jessica@bbbswnc.org. Contributions can be addressed to BBBS Polk County, PO Box 140, Tryon, NC, or BBBS of WNC, 50 S French Broad Ave. Ste 213, Asheville, NC.