Dear Sun Spots: The Child Health Center is looking for anyone interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and positive role model for children.

We have several volunteer opportunities available: In the site-based program, a high school or college student can volunteer to meet with a child, at the child’s school or at an after-school program site, for one hour a week; or in the community based program, an adult may be matched with a child in their community and meet with them for six hours a month to enjoy a movie, sports events, or just spend time together talking.

Since 1998 the Child Health Center has been teaming with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to provide mentoring opportunities in Androscoggin, Oxford and Southern Franklin counties.

Both organizations are leaders in one-to-one services for children. However, these services cannot be provided without the support of volunteer community members who act as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

There are more children identified annually who can benefit from mentoring with a Big Brother or Sister than there are Bigs available.

We would also like to sign on a number of adults for the community program.

Another project is starting to identify high school youth who would like to mentor during the school year in the site-based program. Once you are matched with a child, each Big works with a mentoring coordinator to ensure that the match goes smoothly.

The coordinator will be available to help work through any problems that may arise.

Research in Maine has shown that children who are involved in mentoring programs, are more likely than children not involved, to show positive behaviors in school and at home. Those involved in mentoring also demonstrated an increase in self-confidence and an improvement in their school performance.

Please join us in the effort to give our young people a brighter future. Give a youth in need your time as a mentor.

Please contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 782-5437 in Androscoggin and Southern Franklin counties, and 743-7035 in Oxford County. – Patricia Valeriani, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if there is anyone planning a reunion for the Livermore Falls High School class of 1959. I may be reached at 369-0230. – John Dube, Rumford.

Answer: Sun Spots did not locate anything and is hopeful there are readers out there who know of plans for this and who would be willing to share them with you and other column readers.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks to the readers who have previously helped our schools! Turner Elementary School and Turner Primary School are trying to raise money for their schools.

To raise money we are collecting empty inkjet cartridges, empty laser cartridges, old/used cell phones, game consoles and laptops.

If any readers have any they would like to donate please phone me at 754-8170, and I can make arrangements to pick them up. Thank you. – Laurie Labbe, Turner.

• Muriel Sawyer please contact the Sun Spots column about your recent request.

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