Match and Volunteer Activities  

January is National Mentoring Month, a time in which we honor those who help strengthen our community through mentoring and encourage others to join us. Bigs, please share your stories about mentoring on Facebook and Twitter. We'd love to hear stories from your Little, too! Also, consider planning something special with your Little during the week of January 16th.

January 16: MLK, Jr. Day/National Day of Service and Take Your Little to Work Day. The actual day, January 16, isn't as important as the time spent. We encourage Bigs to find a time when your Little is not in school to participate in a service project and to invite your Little to experience some time in your workplace.  (Hillsborough County students have no school January 17, so that's a great day to Take Your Little To Work. Please let your Mentor Manager know what you're doing so that we can share your stories with others.

Free Tennis Anyone?

Through the support of our Board chair, Lynn Woods, Tampa Tennis at Hillsborough Community College and the HCTA, Bigs and Littles are being offered complimentary tennis lessons at Hillsborough Community College (across from the Bucs stadium) every Saturday morning from 9 to 10:15 a.m. You can go once or as many times as you would like. These hour-long tennis festivals are free for Bigs and Littles and include hot dogs and sodas afterwards. This is for kids of all ages, with or without tennis experience. Loaner racquets are available. No need to RSVP, but if you have questions, contact Ron at HCC, (813) 348-1173 or ron@tampatennis.net.

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We're always thinking of new activities that you can enjoy with your Little!  We also offer special group sessions for volunteers, where we tackle tough topics, such as helping your Little study for the FCAT or how to combat bullying. Make sure you check back here for updates and new events. And check with your Mentor Manager for more ideas!

Tickets: Contact your Mentor Manager for ongoing ticket opportunities for local sports events and other activities.

Bigs and Littles are always welcome at your neighborhood Beef O'Brady's! Big Brother Aaron Carricato is the owner of the location on near Bay to Bay on South MacDill (2819 S. MacDill Avenue) and a new location near Lowe's on South Dale Mabry (4516 S. Dale Mabry). Stop by his location and Bigs and Littles receive 10% off their meals. Mention Big Brothers Big Sisters to receive the discount.

Little Brother Solomon got to meet Rays' player Sam Fuld at PLAY--Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth. Bigs and Littles who participated in this fun event at Tropicana Field learned from Rays trainers and players about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles and avoiding steroids and other harmful substances.