BOSTON – November 20, 2012 – With Thanksgiving only days away and the spirit of giving all around us, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (BBBSMB) encourages the communities of Greater Boston to consider giving back through mentorship this holiday season. While there are many ways to donate both time and money, very few provide the positive impact, proven results and opportunity to change the life of a child forever the way mentorship does. With over 1,800 youth currently being served, BBBSMB is helping to strengthen communities by providing kids with an invested, caring adult mentor in their lives.

For many people, Thanksgiving means showing gratitude for the possessions and family you have, while being able to give to those who are less fortunate. BBBSMB is sharing three of the many ways to give thanks this holiday season, through mentorship, financial donation and spreading kindness:

• Become a mentor: Being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child in your community begins by starting a new friendship and is all about having fun with a friend. Being a “Big” is as simple as hanging out together for a few hours, a couple times every month. It’s a rewarding experience and it’s easy to see that you’re making a real difference in a child’s life.

•  Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mass Bay through giving: Because the organization is 100% donor-supported, your contribution allows Big Brothers Big Sisters to make a real difference in the lives of 1,800 youth in our communities. Youth involved in the program become more adept at having quality relationships with adults, which contributes to their abilities to advocate for themselves throughout life. You can also donate clothes and household items to the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation.

• Find a way to get involved: Keep a look out for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay events. Not only can you purchase tickets, of which the proceeds go directly to the organization, but you can also attend events and see firsthand what it’s all about.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay has 60 years of experience fostering professionally supported one-on-one friendships between young people and adult mentors,” said Wendy Foster, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. “Giving back to your community is a team effort, and we ask that you join us in helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities.”

BBBSMB asks all to make a difference and give back this year, and remember we have the ability to change someone’s life, for the better. For more information on how to volunteer or donate to BBBSMB, please visit http://www.bbbsmb.org/GetInvolved/Default.aspx.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (BBBSMB) has 100 years of experience fostering professionally supported one-on-one friendships between young people and adult mentors. With research and proven outcomes at its core, the organization is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. With a service area encompassing 155 cities and towns throughout the Massachusetts Bay area and over 1,800 youth currently being served, BBBSMB is helping to strengthen communities by providing kids with an invested, caring adult mentor in their lives. BBBSMB’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, please visit:http://www.bbbsmb.org or connect with us on Twitter http://twitter.com/bbbsmb or Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/bbbsmassbay