Who We Are

We are students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and this semester we are partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, to create a meaningful campaign that supports mentorship of the children in our local community. We are very passionate about giving back and helping our wonderful city of Knoxville, Tennessee!

We chose to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) because we believe in the power of one-on-one connections. With over 100 years of national impact and 55 years of a strong local presence here in Knoxville, BBBS has a proven track record of helping children build confidence, stay in school, and reach their full potential.

BBBS's mission is simple but powerful: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. We are proud to support that mission and invite you to join us.

What We Need

Our goal is to raise $2,000 which is enough to fully support one new match between a Big and a Little for an entire year. This cost covers careful volunteer screening, training mentors, and ongoing professional support to ensure the match is safe, consistent, and impactful.

Big Brothers Big Sisters doesn’t just pair a volunteer with a child and hope for the best; every match is carefully managed and supported by experienced staff. The $2,000 we raise will go directly to creating and sustaining a life-changing relationship.

This is a real opportunity to change a child’s life in our own city. Knoxville has hundreds of kids on the BBBS waiting list, and one donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to getting them the mentorship they deserve.

How It Helps

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee plays a vital role in the Knoxville community. Their work helps kids build confidence, do better in school, avoid risky behaviors, and develop strong relationships. According to BBBS, children with a mentor are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin drinking, and 52% more likely to stay in school.

By supporting just one match, you’re investing in a child’s future success, a stronger local community, and a safer, more connected Knoxville. Every mentoring relationship supported by BBBS creates a ripple effect, strengthening families, schools, and neighborhoods through its ability to give the youth of Knoxville supportive role models. When youth are empowered, our whole community thrives and will continue to do so.

How Else You Can Help

There are also many other ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can spread the word by sharing our campaign on social media or talking to friends and family about BBBS. Volunteering by becoming a Big is a great way to directly impact a child’s life. Donating supplies such as books, games, school supplies, and sports equipment go a long way. Attending local BBBS events also helps build awareness.

Even the smallest action can have a big impact. Let’s work together to make mentorship possible for every child who needs it!