A former ‘Big’ believes all children should feel ‘special’

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month nationwide, a good time to recognize some of our Bigs who are making or have made big differences in their Littles’ lives. Today we’re featuring Beth Davidson, the first person to volunteer when the Burke County chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters was created.

Twenty years ago, when Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina was setting up a branch in Burke County, Beth Davidson was its first volunteer.

“Beth was looking for an opportunity to give back to her hometown community by investing in the youth,” said Nina Ervin, the Burke County branch program coordinator.

Beth was matched with her Little Brother, and for two years provided him with the support and opportunities he needed to develop into the man he is today.

“So many kids fall through the cracks because they don’t have someone to pay attention to them,” Beth, who now works in the medical field and owns a restaurant, said. “I’ve seen kids act out, and when you ask them about their home lives, you find out that a lot of them came from single-parent homes, that their mothers are at work all the time and can’t help them with their homework or take them to the library. Which is what makes you feel important. I think all kids should feel special.”

She and her Little Brother used to go to the park, among other things they did. They spent a lot of quality time together. “He could talk to me about anything that was going on,” Beth said. “A lot of kids don’t have someone they can confide in. That’s vital. It made him feel special.”

Beth later became a Big Sister to a Little Sister. The girl grew up, went to college and occasionally came back to visit her.

“Her mother always tells me, I truly appreciate what Big Brothers Big Sisters did,” Beth said.

“Being a volunteer,” Nina said, “is not only a benefit to a child in the Big Brother Big Sister program but also to the volunteer and community. Thank you, Beth Davidson, for paving the road for Burke BBBS in being our first volunteer. Thank you to all the volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters for your acts of kindness, commitment and time you always give to our youth in Burke County. Acts of kindness can be small gestures that make the biggest impact in the world of a child and community.”

The Burke County branch is celebrating its 20^thanniversary this year. If you’d like to become involved, as a Big Brother or Big Sister or a valued contributor, visit bbbswnc.org. Or click the button below.

BECOME A BIG!