Vols For Kids is a group of four University of Tennessee students who are raising money for Big Brothers-Big Sisters of East Tennessee, a branch of the nationally recognized 501(c)(3) organization Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America. The organization pairs children facing adversity with a one-on-one adult mentor.

Big Brothers-Big Sisters of East Tennessee was formed in 1970 and is one of more than 350 member agencies of the largest youth mentoring program in the United States. They help connect underprivileged kids facing adversity with a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a mentor who can help them navigate the struggles of life and be a friend to talk to. Mentorship is proven to increase risky behavior avoidance, socio-emotional competencies, and educational success by 97%, 94%, and 88% respectively, showing the value this organization brings to the children and community.

Vols for Kids has a goal to raise $2000 which will allow two underprivileged children to be matched with a mentor and provide the funds for continued support for the match. The organizations operations are supported by donations that enable the organization to perform mentor recruitment, background checks, mentor orientation, and continued support including activities for the matches to attend. Kristy DuBose, Development Coordinator for the organization stated, “Our mentors are preparing our future, they are helping a new generation figure out what they want to do in life and how they can get there.”

The Vols for Kids team has worked alongside staff from Big Brothers-Big Sisters of East Tennessee to develop a campaign that will raise awareness of the organization and fund the matching of two children with a one-on-one mentor. The Vols for Kids team recognizes the importance of having a mentor and the change that this fundraiser could bring to children in need. Devin Wilkinson, a Vols For Kids team member, states, “It has been great to help an organization that is creating a long-term impact in East Tennessee, where I was born and raised, by connecting mentors with children of the next generation.”

The campaign is accepting donations until April 26th. Find out more at www.gofundme.com/volsforkids.

For more information on Vols for Kids, you may visit www.facebook.com/volsforkids.