Big Neighbors program helps families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

MARQUETTE & ALGER COUNTIES — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette & Alger Counties has announced an initiative to help local young people and their families during the COVID–19 pandemic.

The Big Neighbors program was created by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. Volunteers can adopt a family and provide them with whatever items they need.

“It’s part of our commitment to serve our families and kids during this very difficult time of COVID-19,” said Executive Director Jayne Letts. “What the program does is it helps provide basic needs for our families and kids. Some of the things that we’ve been purchasing are groceries, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, outdoor games, board games, crafts, things to help parents with and helping their kids with their schoolwork.”

Many families have been enduring tremendous struggles since the pandemic began. Assisting them with grocery items or things for their kids to do can be a great help to parents in need.

“It’s very, very critical right now because people are really in fragile situations,” said Letts. “They’ve had loss of income, they may have housing instability. They may not have access to technology. They may need educational materials for their children because they’re trying to help them with their schoolwork. So there are a lot of worries right now for people.”

To learn more about becoming a Big Neighbor, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette & Alger Counties at (906) 475-7801. You can also find more information on their Facebook page.