University Daily Kansan, December 7. 1982
A little bit of love goes long way Big Brothers-Big Sisters share Christmas spirit
By JENNIFER FINE
Staff Reporter
No Christmas would be complete without parties and presents, caroling and colorful lights and the wide-eyed anticipation of children.
And what holiday season would be complete without the spirit of caring and sharing?
One KU organization is planning events to combine all of this yuletide cheer.
The Big Brother-Big Sister program, which has been at the University for about 20 years, matches a volunteer with a child 6 to 12 years old. Currently, there are between 130 and 150 children who are provided with a big brother or sister, all of whom are KU students; said Brenda Wesierla, program director.
SHE SAID there was a surplus of students applying to be a big brother or sister this year, an indication of the program's growing popularity.
"We've had a really good turnout. We quit advertising and still get calls from people wanting to volunteer," she said.
She attributed the program's success to an increase in publicity, and to participants who have inspired others to volunteer.
The children in the program are recommended by their school counselors as by their parents, and matched with a teacher by school psychologist Sandra Bogart.
Wesierski, McPherson junior, said the program benefitted children who needed additional attention.
"SOME MIGHT be real shy in the classroom, and the counselor thinks a big brother or sister would help bring them out. Or they might be feisty in class and a big brother or sister might help to calm them down," she said.
Westerski said many of the children were from single-parent homes, and the big brother or sister helped parents who were not very well during time in the day for all of their duties.
The only time commitment expected of the volunteers is to spend three hours a week with their little brother or sister, doing whatever they like, such as visiting the library, going to the park, or just running errands.
WESKIERSI SAID the program receives $649 from the Student Senate, which is used mostly for postage, advertising and duplicating. Because the Senate is not allowed to allocate money for social activities, the group's monthly parties are sponsored by businesses and organizations, who donate services and money.
The group is planning to celebrate the season with a party featuring a man who performs Dr. Seus" "How the Grin Stole Christmas," and caroling at Jay-
The *k/ɡ* brothers and sisters and their "adopted" siblings also pa tictate in group activities throughout the year. This semester they have had a box-lunch picnic, a spokowheel and Halloween party, and a hayride.
hawker Towers apartments. The party is being sponsored by the apartments.
Individual pairs of brothers and sisters are also making plans for holiday activities.
Leah Edelman, Manhattan junior,
talked about being a big sister and
her plans for Christmas as her 6-year-old
little sister "Stephanie jumped and be-
frown down a chalkboard and brightly
colored pencils and crayons in Leah's
kitchen.
"We let them learn what they can do. We're here to be their friend and to help them," she said.
Edelman said she and another volunteer hoped to take their younger friends to the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City to see the lighted buildings and ride in the horse-drawn carriages through the Plaza streets.
Other volunteers' plans include visiting Santa Claus, getting Christmas books at the library and exchanging presents.
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