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GO Givers

Some people volunteer in their free time, others make helping people or the community a full time job. Either way, those who spend their time giving to others will tell you it’s no small commitment. We found seven young men and women who fit one of these descriptions. In addition to finding out just what makes them tick, we picked their brains for the traits and tricks (and phone numbers) that could make it possible for you to give back year round, as well.

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J.P. and Becca Norman

Big Couple, Big Brothers Big Sisters

J.P. Norman has known his Little Brother, Nathan, longer than he’s known his wife, Becca. It’s a fact that Nathan is quick to remind Becca of: “I got to all the good stuff first,” the soon-to-be eighth grader says.

Maybe or maybe not, but Nathan has been a fixture in J.P., and now Becca’s, lives for more than four years. The couple spends about seven hours a week, often one full day, with Nathan, and consider him part of the family. They play Xbox, they go to Fassnight Park, they make sushi. “We don’t have a routine,” says J.P., who has a social work degree from Evangel University.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches kids in need of positive role models with prospective “Bigs”. Many Bigs have the cooperation of the child’s parents, Nathan’s included. “[His mom] is flexible. She doesn’t hound us unless Nathan starts to bug her that he hasn’t heard from us in a while,” J.P. says with a laugh.

Be Like J.P. and Becca:

Easy Sign-Up: Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister (or a Big Couple) is a fairly easy process; you have to pass a background check and fill out a questionnaire; BBBS matches you up. From there you simply have to meet the six- to eight-hours-per-month requirement. It’s up to you what your time together entails.

Aren’t Kids Expensive?: Generally, says BBBS spokesperson Josie McPhail, Bigs are only out the price of the entertainment or gifts they buy their Littles. But that’s entirely up to the Big. Often BBBS is able to provide discount activity vouchers or donated coupons for Bigs.

But I’m Too Busy!: J.P. says to do what you can, and if you get busy make it up to your Little with a weekend camping trip or an overnight video game marathon.

How to Help: Call 417-889-9136 or go to bigbro.org.