Since 1982, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties (BBBS) has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, and professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who can help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve. But beyond supporting BBBS as a volunteer, there are a number of ways you can make a difference through programs such as KidCents and Amazon Smile, by hosting or donating to one of our collection bins, or by participating in the Xspero social giving network by downloading and using their app on your mobile device.
“When you support Big Brothers Big Sisters, you directly help children throughout Cumberland County and Salem County to achieve better educational outcomes, avoid risky behaviors, gain confidence, and improve relationships,” said Melody Montgomery, BBBS Director of Development. “Your financial contributions, which stay in the local community, are critical to helping BBBS achieve our mission to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.”
Every gift, large or small, makes a difference and you don’t have to go out of your way to participate. In fact, just by shopping you can contribute. For example, BBBS has partnered with the Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program. The partnership allows Rite Aid customers enrolled in the company’s wellness+ rewards program to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and to donate their change to help support BBBS, while saving money at the same time. You can enroll in the wellness+ program today at https://www.riteaid.com/wellness-rewards#wellness.
For Amazon shoppers, you can find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience by shopping at smile.amazon.com. By doing so, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. It is a simple and automatic way for you to support BBBS every time you shop, at no additional cost to you.
Another innovation, the Xspero app, can turn your everyday local shopping and dining experiences into meaningful actions for the community. Through the app, you can identify participating local merchants and purchase digital certificates redeemable at their location. App users get the full value for certificates they buy, and with every purchase made through the app, 20% goes to the user’s nonprofit of choice, at no additional cost. So, you can contribute to BBBS while shopping and supporting local merchants at the same time. Find out more at www.xspero.com.
Used clothing items in good condition are also needed. Our Clothing Donation Bin program is a convenient way to recycle used clothing while at the same time providing an additional source of funding for BBBS programs and services. Residents are invited to drop off items to one of our recognizable bins at the following locations:
• Bethlehem Revival Temple – 37 South Ave., Bridgeton
• Maxx Fit – 110 Cornwell Dr., Bridgeton
• Starbound Gymnastics – 447 Landis Ave., Bridgeton
• Sweet Things w/ Style – 742 Centerton Rd., Centerton
• Groupe SEB – 2121 Eden Rd., Millville
• Shine for Jesus Car Wash – 1002 Wheaton Ave. and G Street, Millville
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Office – 1944 E. Landis Ave., Vineland
• Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union – 101 W. Elmer Rd., Vineland
• Cumberland County College – 3322 College Dr., Vineland
• Prudential – 2647 E Chestnut Ave., Vineland
• Sparkle Kleen – 2611 S. Main Rd., Vineland
• Vineland High School – 2880 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland
BBBS is currently looking for additional businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations in Cumberland County or Salem County who would like to sponsor a donation bin location. You won’t have to worry about a thing. We will collect the materials and maintain the area surrounding the bins.
“Whether you give through a monetary donation, an event sponsorship, an in-kind contribution, or by simply volunteering your time, every gift makes a BIG difference. Our proven outcome-based mentoring programs provide children facing adversity with the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to succeed in life. Join us today and help make a lifelong impact on a child,” Montgomery concluded.
For more information on mentorship, volunteering, or additional ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Cumberland Salem, please contact Melody Montgomery at 856.692.0916, or visit our website at www.southjerseybigs.org. Interested volunteers are also encouraged to attend the upcoming “Little Moments” information session on May 17, 2019 at 12:15pm. RSVP deadline is May 15th.
