Payson Roundup

Editor:

I am writing on behalf of the staff and board of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Payson to thank this community for its support of our mentoring programs.

Over the past three years, our matches have seen tremendous growth, from approximately 20 matches to over 80! We have many great volunteers working to help us to excel, but we must also have paid staff to screen and give proper oversight oversight to these matches. Our programs have facilitated this growth without adding any additional paid staff beyond our two part-time employees.

A major source of funding for our programs in Payson is the clothing donations made by our caring community members. These donations prevent the necessity for periodic fund-raising and keep our programs thriving.

We appreciate your past donations to our colorful purple or white bins, and would like to encourage you to continue your generosity. Without the continued support of our community, more than 80 youngsters would see yet another source of assistance disappear.

The programs at each of our elementary schools and the middle school are in need of games and crafts for use during meeting times weekly at the schools. If you have games that are in good shape and appropriate for these children that are not being used, please drop them off at the Payson Roundup office located in the Swiss Village Shops.

Like most of you, Big Brothers Big Sisters is tightening its belt and trying to keep expenses as low as possible. If you would like a receipt for your donation, just call us at 928-468-8375 and we will get one to you as soon as possible.

The staff and board of Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to take this opportunity to remind the community of our annual fund-raiser, Bowl for Kids Sake, to be held in August this year. This is a great way for our community to support our programs and to see many of the children and adults who make this organization work. It is also a joyful experience for all concerned, and believe me, bowling skill is not required! We hope to see Rim Country Lanes packed with bowlers this August and only you can make that happen. There are many other ways that caring individuals can help with our programs, so please call the number listed above if you would like to find out more. Once again, thank you for your help and support of our programs mentoring the youth of Payson!

Ginger Sparks, President of the Board,

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Payson