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BBBS hosts recruitment blitz

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GREEN BAY – Just in time for the NFL’s big Draft, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is hosting one of its own.

Annually, BBBS hosts a local campaign called the Big Draft, which is inspired by BBBS of America’s partnership with NFL Inspire Change.

This year, they will be recruiting from Feb. 10 to April 28 to help bring in volunteers for over 100 local kids waiting for mentors.

Katie Hoebelheinrich was in her mid-20s when she first met her Little, Angelina, and they have been together ever since.

“We went to Culvers to get some cheese curds and frozen custard. And I think we hit it off right away,” Katie said.

Now, when asked if she recommends becoming a Big Brother or Sister to others, Katie said, “Absolutely.”

Angelia is currently in her last semester of high school, and Katie said it has been a joy to watch her grow, change and learn more about the world over the past seven years.

But Katie is not only proud of the growth she’s seen in her Little.

“I know this is so cliche, but [BBBS] always talks about the importance of mentorship and being a positive influence on a person, and that’s definitely true, but I’ve become such a better person because of her too. The influence of her as my Little has been just as great if not greater than my influence on her as a Big,” Hoebelheinrich said.

At first, Mike Hogan was hesitant to volunteer as a Big Brother.
Similar to Katie, Mike and his Little took a quick trip to Culver’s to get to know each other.

Now, over three years later, Mike and his little have done all sorts of activities together, from sports to arts and crafts to baking a cake for a family member’s birthday.

“(BBBS) makes it incredibly easy. They offer a lot of different activities every month. You don’t need to be rich to be a Big,” Hogan said.

BBBS Program Specialist and Recruitment Manager Keren Cotter has been a Big Sister twice herself.

Keren is excited to help coordinate Northeast Wisconsin’s third annual Big Draft.

To do this, Keren and BBBS make sure to put as little pressure as possible on those interested in volunteering.

BBBS has programs for mentors to make commitments as small as two hours per month.

The program also emphasizes the importance of compatibility between their Bigs and Littles.

Keren is hoping for this “recruitment blitz” to interest 100 local mentors and 700 statewide.

“What better time to support these kids than when they’re asking for a mentor,” Cotter points out.

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a Big, head to bbbsnew.org and click on the “Be a Big” button.

NFL Draft, Big Brothers Big Sisters, BBBS, Big Draft, volunteers, kids, mentors, Hoebelheinrich, Hogan, Northeast Wisconsin, Cotter

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