Donation helps Big Brothers Big Sister of Lubbock

After a decline in resources and volunteers, the Big Brother Big Sisters of Lubbock raised $50,000 from the 17th annual Golf for Kids’ Sake Golf Tournament hosted at the Lakeridge Country Club this year.

Melissa Corley, executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said the money will allow the non-profit to help find matches between children and their mentors.

“We have our bigs and our littles are able to be in a match for at least a full year for about $1,200 to $1,500. So, $50,000 will really impact on a lot of matches,” Corley said.

Corley said the matches were lower due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of now the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is serving 100 children this year.

Money is not the only thing people around the community can give to the children in Lubbock, Corley said.

“We are always looking for big brothers and big sisters, and we ask them to visit our office or visit our website to find out more (on) how you can impact a child’s life,” Corley said. “It is so important to make sure that the youth in our community have the mentors that they need and so it's just really crucial for them.”

Those who would like to become a mentor must be 18 years or older and meet with the child for one to two hours a week, with a commitment of one year, according to the organization's website.

Joel Mowery, the co-owner SERVPRO of South and Southwest Lubbock and the sponsor of the Golf for Kids’ Sake Golf Tournament, has seen the benefit of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock first hand.

“Well, I became a big brother many years ago and I had a little brother for seven years and have just kept that relationship with him,” he said. “I think all people in life need mentors and you need people to help you.”

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Donation helps Big Brothers Big Sister of Lubbock