Littles
How do children come into the program?
Children and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program.
Who are the children in the program?
Our Littles come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across all communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.
Donating
How do I make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
It’s easy to make a donation online! Simply click here to go to the donation form. To donate by mail, please send check or money order to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin
714 West Louisiana
Midland, TX 79701
To donate by phone, please call 432-687-0195.
How can I donate clothing, toys, books, household goods, a vehicle, or other items? Will Big Brothers Big Sisters pick up my donation?
For vehicle donations, including autos, boats, trailers, motorcycles, etc., please call Kay Crites at 432-687-0195 or view more information under our "Ways to Donate" page. A synopsis of the process is as follows:
When you call, you'll answer preliminary questions about the vehicle. This provided info is processed and arrangements are made to pick-up the donated vehicle from the owner. At this point the donor receives a receipt for the vehicle. The vehicle is transported to an auction house or salvage dealer, whichever is deemed more appropriate. Once the vehicle arrives at auction or salvage, it is processed and sold. The charity receives the amount of the car less vendor expenses (sales, fees, towing and vendor fees).
Where does Big Brothers Big Sisters get its funding?
BBBS is a non-profit organization supported by funds from generous donors, including individuals, foundation and corporation; the United Way and the Bowl For Kids’ Sake and Wildcatters Ball annual fundraisers.
How is my donation used? (Where does my money go?)
Your donation will support the BBBS agency serving your community according to your zip code. As a professional mentoring organization, BBBS requires resources to maintain a well trained staff to screen volunteers, make matches, and support relationships between Bigs and Littles — to achieve the kind of success that shows proven results. Visit our "Donate" page to learn more.
How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone and let them or their family know?
Please use our online memorial and tribute gift form to make a donation in honor or memorial (found on our "Honor or Tribute" page). When you make a gift in someone’s honor we will notify the person in whose honor the gift was made and notify you that your request has been fulfilled.
Is there a minimum donation?
The online minimum donation is $50. However, it is estimated that each “match” (between a Big and Little) costs $1200 per year to support. Please consider a donation of $50 to help support and defray the costs for Bigs and Littles in your area. Your gift is greatly appreciated and your support is sincerely welcome.
Volunteering
How will I be matched with a child?
The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. But the final decision is yours.
When can I see my Little?
Our Bigs and Littles decide together what they want to do and they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide specific guidelines on expected frequency of activities with your Little. Until your relationship is established the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little, and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.
How much money should I spend?
We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. BBBS agencies often offer group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles! You may also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural and sports activities.
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music! You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another . For children, playing can be learning. Most important: have FUN!
Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?
In the beginning it is important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Little. The local agency you work with may also have specific guidelines to assist you.
What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. You’ll receive ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference, just by showing up! You will be joining over 240,000 other volunteers in the BBBS family!
Events
Where can I find information on a Bowl for Kids’ Sake event in my area?
Visit our "Bowl for Kids' Sake" page or email info@bbbspermianbasin.org for more information.
