MADISON, Wis. — Keeli Cotter and Marcia Doll have been working together through Big Brothers Big Sisters for over a year now.
“I really like volunteering. I think it is one of the best things you can do is helping others and Big Brothers Big Sisters is such a great organization,” said Doll.
Cotter said her favorite part about hanging out with Doll is the fun activities they do together.
“It is really fun because you can do a lot of things with it like you can do a lot of things with your Big and it can be really fun,” said Cotter.
Not all kids can enjoy having a Big Sister like Cotter can.
She said her brother has been trying to find a Big Brother since November but has had no luck.
“He has been really anxious about it, like asking, ‘Hey mom can you email them? Have I got a big brother yet?’” said Cotter.
In August 2023, Spectrum News reported that Big Brothers Big Sisters was experiencing a volunteer shortage.
It’s a shortage that is still being felt by the organization.
Doll said she believes programs like the ones she is involved in can help to keep kids on the right path and out of trouble.
“I think anyone who does it will get more out of it than they realize,” said Doll. “Not only are they helping a kid, but they are learning and growing from that experience.”