Big Brothers Big Sisters

On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Church in Worcester, Mass., Holy Cross volunteers participated in the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Worcester County, Inc. Holiday Party. There were 88 Holy Cross student volunteers in attendance.

At the party, children had the opportunity to "shop" for gifts for their families and have them wrapped by volunteers. While enjoying pizza, the children were entertained by local youth dancers from Charlotte Klein Dance Studio in Worcester.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the raffle where 14 bikes were given away. The money for the purchase of the bikes was donated by Federal Express employees and the Worcester Board of Realtors. Each child's name was automatically entered in the drawing.

Santa Claus made a surprise appearance at the party, where he helped distribute T-shirts to each of the children. Holy Cross program directors Andrea Krajci '04 and Michela Byrne '05 designed the T-shirt that each Holy Cross "big" presented to their "little" as a Christmas gift. Many of the Holy Cross students also purchased a T-shirt for themselves so that they would match their "littles" at the holiday party.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) program, is coordinated through the Chaplains' Office at the College. Volunteers are matched with elementary school children after completing an application and interview process conducted by a community partner from Big Brother/Big Sister of Worcester County. These pairs last throughout the students' time at Holy Cross if possible.

Holy Cross "bigs" have been meeting with their "littles" each week at Canterbury Street Elementary School in Worcester since the beginning of the semester. They spend the afternoon helping with homework, playing sports, doing crafts and forming friendships.

Related information:

# Office of the College Chaplains # Big Brothers Big Sisters # Big Brothers Big Sisters of Worcester County, Inc.