Mr. Coffey was nominated “Volunteer of the Year” for a variety of reasons. He was told about a young man who really needed a mentor in his life. This young man has a form of autism. At school, he would sit by himself during lunch and did not interact with other students often. The grandmother stated he had a close relationship with his grandfather who passed away who lived in the home and cared…
So that Mr. Carrington would not leave the program, staff informed the volunteer of a younger youth who needed a mentor. This youth also is a quiet individual. But Mr. Carrington is patient and lets each youth take their time with opening up to him. Mr. Carrington informed staff he “will go wherever I am needed.” And he has been mentoring for over 12 years to male youth who gained confidence, self-esteem, and better…
When the youth graduates, she will enroll in a Business curriculum. When she graduates from the community college her dream will be realized, she can own the business and do hair. However, now the little does not want to stop there; she has her eye on a four year institution of higher learning.
Now the little has grown up and has better self-confidence/self-esteem. The little even has friends outside the match. The little has entered the county high school and has improved grades. Caleb is graduating from high school this year with his attention focused on a four-year institution.
Eleven years ago, Shayla and her mom walked into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area office to sign the Little up for a Big. Shayla always had her sights set on VCU in Richmond, Virginia and has been accepted at three Virginian universities including VCU. This Little is on her way to “Big” things.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area provides one-to-one mentoring for children in Danville and Pittsylvania County, serving over 300 children annually.
On Saturday, March 21, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area held the 2026 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee in Averett University’s Blount Chapel. Sixteen students from Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Public Schools competed, but Layla Barrett emerged as the Regional Champion. The winning word was tiramisu. Thank you to our pronouncer Dr. Marc Muneal and our three judges. We appreciate Averett’s SGA for assisting. For more info, contact Pat Daniel at 434-773-8394.
On Saturday, March 14, Big Brothers Big Sisters held return of the Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake at Riverside Lanes. This was the first Bowl for Kids’ Sake event since COVID. There were 55 children, youth, and adult participants. Visitors enjoyed a raffle, food, and fun.
Thank you to the parents that attended. We appreciate our SAO members: Community and Church Based Tutorial, Boys and Girls Club of the Danville Area, and Salvation Army for their participation. We appreciate Tyron Saunders for his photos. We are grateful to Shannon Grays for her Balloontastic balloon columns. For more info, contact Pat Daniel at 434-773-8394.
Board Chair Melvena Beasley gathers the Littles at the Annual Rotary Christmas parade on December 7.
Santa's elves are gathering for the parade!
