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Recently my brother moved back to my home state of Washington.  My mother asked me when I was going to move home.  I told her I wasn’t ready.  Don’t get me wrong.  I miss Seattle like it’s nobody’s business.  The fresh seafood, Taco Time, the independent movie theaters.  My family and friends are there.  There are mountains to climb, oceans to swim in, and rain to ruin your amazing hair day.  But there is one thing Hastings has that Seattle doesn’t: size…or lack thereof.

I like the size of Hastings.  I like the sense of community that I feel living here.  I think it’s important to be involved in your community.  I don’t have a lot of money to give to things that I am passionate it about, but I have time and energy, so I like to give that instead.  I like Hastings because I feel like I can make a difference here.

I am on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings (BBBS).  When Stu asked me to join and told me who I would be serving with, I thought it sounded fun and I would get to hang out with my friends.  I didn’t know I would actually feel so strongly about helping children.  I like the work that I do for BBBS.  I get to help plan events (which I love) and raise money for a good organization.  I feel like I am part of something that matters.

Warning: Shameless Plug Ahead

We have our annual Bowl For Kids Sake event coming up January 22, 23, and 29.  Teams of 4-5 people get together for an hour and a half and bowl.  You don’t have to be a good bowler.  I’m not.  I’m horrible.  I’m pretty sure my Little is going to beat me, and she’s in first grade.  You just have to raise $50 per person, get your FREE t-shirt (which you technically just paid $50 for but who’s counting?), and bowl.  All of the proceeds stay in Hastings and go for things like matching Bigs (adults who make a positive impact in a child’s life) and Littles (children who need a positive adult role model).  The money helps children who aren’t able to be their own advocate.

Maybe you don’t have $50.  I get that.  I have a second job.  Do you have a spare hour per week you can lend to BBBS?  Sign up to be a Big.  I’m a Big.  I love it.  I can see positive changes in my Little just from the short time we’ve already spent together.  I understand that being a Big isn’t for everyone.  But if you do think it’s for you, think about it.  You can make a difference for a child who needs something extra in their life and you can make a difference in your community.

If you want to learn more about Bowl For Kids Sake or becoming a Big, please contact BBBS executive director Darci Meyer at 402.463.5652 or bbbsh@inebraska.com.

About the author: Russanne Erickson

Russanne is a 30-something who doesn't mind being 30-something.  She loves accessories and makeup.  Her only criteria for clothing is that she likes it, she can afford it, and it fits.  Russanne is relatively new to Hastings and living here has given her the opportunity to build her scarf collection. She has two cats and no children, but she doesn't think that makes her a cat lady.