Volunteers are needed for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.
Right now, 200 boys and girls are currently waiting to be matched. Some will wait up to three years before getting that mentor unless more volunteers step up.
12News' Ginger Jeffries spoke to Big Brother Edwin and Little Brother Eric about what the program has done in their lives.
Edwin and Eric, who is a senior in high school, matched in 2022. The pair likes to go to sporting events and work out together, and one of their favorite activities is volunteering to pack food boxes.
"When we go and work out, he's really putting me to work, and making sure I do what I need to do to really better myself," Eric said.
Edwin said he got involved with BBBS because of his own biological big brother who played an active role in his life.
"It's so great to be here and help out the community," Edwin said. "Not everyone can have the big brother that I had."
Edwin has taken an active role in helping Eric make decisions about his future. When they were first matched Eric was not sure what he would do following High School. He and Edwin discussed all the possibilities including trade schools, college and the military.
Now in his senior year, he is looking forward to enlisting with support from Big Brother Edwin.
"It really means a lot," Eric said.
Edwin encourages people who are interested in volunteering to "start small" when looking for ways to help BBBS.
"It's not too hard, it's very reachable, it's very doable," Edwin said. "The biggest fear I had is 'what if I can't do a good job, what if I don't know how to do anything,' but just being out there, being part of their life — you can do it."
For more information about becoming a volunteer visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.
WE ❤ ARIZONA
Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.