Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Fond du Lac County has been spearheading a program that adopts families for Christmas for the past ten years.  Each year, the program has grown, reaching 111 families in 2017.

This program is not possible without the help and support of the Fond du Lac Community.  Countless individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations volunteer to provide Christmas for a family in need.  “I even sweet talked a few of my family and long distance relatives,” said Tammy Young, Executive Director for BBBS.  “To see the generosity of people first hand, truly is amazing.  Many of our supporters ‘Adopt a Family year after year.  They truly symbolize what the holiday is all about.”

“When the program started in 2008, we had 6 families in need of help,” said Young.  “In order to help 111 families this year, it was all hands on deck!  BBBS is blessed to have an amazing staff.  The girls literally spend the month of December on this program.  With their support, 111 families and countless children celebrated Christmas.  Thank you to everyone that helped make a BIG difference!”

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Fond du Lac community,” said Jennifer Smith, Senior Match Support Specialists for BBBS and the person who spearheaded the Adopt a Family Program.  “Without their help and support, many children would not have had Christmas, plain and simple.  Our families don’t ask for crazy expensive things.  Instead, they ask for socks, underwear, warm boots and clothing.  Did we encourage them to ask for a toy or two?  Absolutely, in our minds that is truly Christmas.  We see firsthand the BIG difference this program makes.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) assists children with social, emotional and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults.  Children in the program come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many coming from single parent households, living at or below poverty level.  Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children with a Big Brother, Sister, Couple or Big Family in a community or school based program.  Children aged 6 through 13 can enroll in the program through a parent or guardian referral.  Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license for the community based program, 16 years old for the school based program.  For more information about the program or to volunteer, call 920-922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org.