The Bigs at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Troy hope that their “Littles” learn something, through their guidance, about giving back to their community.

Through the influence of Big Brothers Big Sisters and her Big Ann Foster, D’Kiiya has developed a strong commitment to community.

When offered an opportunity to design a Christmas card to thank the many supporters of Big Brothers Big Sister, D’Kiiya was anxious to participate. Her design was selected for the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2009 Christmas card and her message of appreciation was expressed time and time again this holiday season.

“Ann and D’Kiiya have a good relationship and they work well together,” said Melinda Conner, Big Brothers Big Sister activities coordinator. “We appreciate their commitment to our programs.”

But D’Kiiya was not the only “Little” that helped spread Christmas cheer this year. At the annual Christmas banquet, 115 “Littles” designed Christmas cards that were delivered to residents at a local nursing home facility.

“Each one of our Little Brothers and Little Sisters made a card to give to a nursing home resident,” Conner said.

“We appreciate all of those who made the dinner possible for us. The Alpha Tau Omegas at Troy University sang carols and the Wesley Foundation provided the food for the 115 “Littles” and the volunteers. We thank everyone who made the dinner a success.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Troy currently has 50 matches but the young people who are waiting for a match were invited to the Christmas banquet.

“While these young people are waiting to get in the program, we don’t want them to feel left out,” Conner said.

“So, we invite them to five or six activities during the year. We want to keep them involved.”

To qualify for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, a child must be between the ages of five and 15.

“We always have more boys waiting than girls,” Conner said. “It’s just harder to get young men and men to step up and volunteer.”

Conner said any time is a good time to volunteer with the program but hearts are often tugged during the Christmas season.

“Many of our Big Brothers Big Sisters are university students and often they will be a part of our program for several years as do resident volunteers,” she said. “We recently celebrated a match that had been together for five years. The involvement with the program will end but the bond lasts forever.”

Volunteers are always needed. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Troy, call 334-566-2454.