Dyess 56 Club hosts "Big for a Day"

  • Published
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Dyess 56 Club hosted a Big for a Day event March 12 at the bowling alley here for Abilene children who are waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.

"Big for a Day" is meant to encourage children on the BBBS waiting list. A local host group plans a two-hour activity, where volunteers were matched with children from the waiting list. Host groups have included civic clubs, churches, Dyess groups and social clubs from local universities.

All the children on the waiting list were invited to enjoy an afternoon of bowling.

"It was definitely enjoyable seeing the children on the waiting list get to have a good time with the Dyess 56 Club volunteers," said Megan Milholland, BBBS employee. "The Dyess 56 Club is always quick to volunteer and help out BBBS."

The Dyess 56 Club, comprised of more than 200 staff and technical sergeants, meets once a month to plan ways to promote professional enhancement through enlisted heritage and core values, such as community involvement and volunteerism.

"Over the past few years, the 56 Club has teamed up with BBBS on several occasions: speakers at our club meetings, Bowl for Kids' Sake, and we also collected backpacks and donated them to the BBBS program," said Staff Sgt. Jamie Ramos, 56 club vice president. "This was just another opportunity to show our support, for the program and hopefully get some kids matched."

The event was originally scheduled for February, but was rescheduled due to the snow storm. However, the ice and snow seemed to work to the 56 Club's advantage.

"In February, we only had about 15 volunteers," Sergeant Ramos explained. "However, this go we were able to get over 30 volunteers."

"The event was a success," said Mrs. Milholland. "The children who attended had a great time and were reminded that BBBS is still searching for their future Big Brother or Big Sister."

For more information about hosting a Big for a Day activity, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene at (325) 674-3113.