LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Central Ohio took time on Thursday to thank their volunteers and supporters.
The annual Recognition Dinner put the spotlight on the staff, bigs, and donors who contribute to their mission of providing mentorship to kids in tough situations. Awards were handed out to representatives of some of the local businesses that help fund the agency. The support of donors big and small makes it possible to continue their most well-known program, where bigs spend time with their littles in the community, and also helps them reach even more kids through their schools.
"They are making possible a staff who can recruit, screen, and match mentors with children. We've got programs in sixteen schools in Hardin, Allen, and Putnam Counties. It makes possible services for over 300 kids in those sixteen schools," explained John Neville, the agency's executive director.
The Big of the Year Award recipient, Jim Martin, was also recognized for the difference he's been making for his little of over two years.
"He has an older brother and when his older brother moved away, I stepped in and helped out with him a little bit. To me, it's just a lot of fun. I get to go out and explore new things and try different hobbies and then I get to show him my hobbies. He's really gotten into some fishing and some metal detecting," Martin said.
"Jim is a fun person to have an experience with. I love bike riding with him and he helps me out with a lot of things that I need to work on. When I don't have people to talk to, every time I talk to him it makes me feel better," added Martin's little, 9-year-old Da'Yonte Jordan.
Executive director John Neville was also presented an award for his 23 years of service to the nonprofit. He will be retiring this summer.
