Mineola, NY-Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), a vocal advocate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, is helping to get the word out that male mentors are desperately needed by the organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the premier mentoring agency on Long Island since 1977, and has cultivated thousands of relationships for children in need of additional support and guidance.

"No one should ever under estimate what they can give to a child," said Jacobs. "By being a Big Brother a volunteer can fill a special need in a child's life by simply sharing time together. It doesn't take a lot of time or an exceptional skill. It just takes what you can give."

According to Big Brothers Big Sister of Long Island, results from an independent study showed that children who met regularly with their "Bigs" were less likely to skip school, were more confident about their school work, had improved relationships with their parents and peers and were significantly less likely to engage in negative or destructive behavior.

"A Big Brother is not a substitute for a parent," Jacobs explained, "but rather an adult friend to a child who needs some extra attention. While you are spending time and having fun together you'll watch a boy grow up to be better man just by knowing you."

To become a Big Brother, please call (516) 731-7880 or visit the website at www.bbbsli.org