To the editor:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently in the 13th year of serving youths and families on the island. The youths that we match often face some type of adversity in their daily lives — and the difficulties in children’s lives have increased in the past two years and continue to escalate as our community trudges through a very slow economic recovery.

The need for mentoring services is on the rise and we are desperately trying to serve the need. In the next weeks or months, you may hear from our board members or staff as they are actively working to educate the community about the challenges that youths on South Whidbey face — and we are respectfully asking for assistance for the youths of our community on whatever level you can.

Honestly, the economy has hit our budget in a very harsh manner. Individual giving is down in all the events that we have conducted this year, while the need for our services has soared as budgets for education and public health declined. Our goal is to maintain staff levels at what they have been so that we can continue these critical community services. Your assistance in supporting mentoring services and our program to families in need is greatly appreciated.

There are many ways you can support us: Volunteer your time or talent, attend our Festival of Trees fundraiser on Dec. 3 in Freeland, donate an item for the auction, sponsor a fundraising event or donate funds.

A first step is to get to know us better. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County is holding a community open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Puget Sound Energy building at 1794 Main St., Freeland. This open house is designed to inform the community and reach out to new volunteers and supporters.

Please consider joining us in an informal setting.

PEGGY DYER

Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters Island County