Something as simple as playing football or crafting an ornament can bring joy to a child’s life and the person helping out. The Big Buddy program, sponsored by United Way, provides positive role models for children to look up to through various constructive learning activities.
Many University organizations volunteer for the Big Buddy program either on a sporadic or consistent basis. The Big Buddy program relies on volunteers, like students, as the program’s thread.
Big Buddy provides artistic, educational and entertaining activities for children from low-income areas. The program hopes to teach positive values while providing fun activities.
Delta Tau Delta fraternity members hosted a football tournament activity day for children in the Big Buddy program Saturday at BREC’s Highland Road Park. The fraternity brothers made T-shirts for the children and found sponsors to provide food.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better group,” said Gay Mack, Big Buddy executive director. “Delta Tau Delta coordinated everything. All we did was bring the kids, and they loved it.”
Fraternity members said they enjoyed hosting the event and encourage other organizations to help out.
“I love working with kids,” said Jason Feder, a business administration junior. “[The tournament] turned out really well. We had perfect weather and fun with the kids.”
Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity coordinated a Halloween party for children in October with carnival activities like face painting, apple bobbing and musical chairs.
“It was a chance to give back to the community in a safe and fun environment,” said Venetia Gooden, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity civic chairperson. “The kids are really involved and active. [They] seemed to enjoy the time we spent with them.”
Become a Buddy:
To get involved with the Big Buddies, or for more information on the program, contact Gay Mack.
Phone: 388-9737
Address: 333 E. Chimes St. Big Buddy sponsors numerous activities for children, from daily after school programs to special one-day events. Mack said she really needs help with the one-day events because students are talented at generating activity ideas, and it allows her to focus on the program’s core activities.
Although Mack is considering relocating the office to a building with space to host activities, she wants to stay close to the University because she appreciates the support campus organizations provide.
In order for an organization to help, the coordinator must contact the Big Buddy office to schedule an activity. Mack said she welcomes ideas for one-day events and volunteers to help on a consistent basis for a semester.
Many campus organizations already are involved with the program, but more help is always welcomed, Mack said.
“So far we’ve been really fortunate to receive a lot of help from LSU both as individuals and groups,” Mack said.