Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County recently kicked off the holiday season with the launch of our Holiday Extravaganza. The local agency has partnered with some fun vendors to make holiday shopping a little easier for busy folks. Now through November 30, 2011, Community members can shop for items from Nelly Packs/Nelly Cuddles (microwavable body warmers), Pampered Chef, and Tastefully Simple and help support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County.

Shop online at the links below or call the BBBS office (937-492-7611) or email info@bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org to place your order. The local agency is asking you to share this information with family and friends! All orders will arrive in plenty of time for the gift giving season.

• To shop for Tastefully Simple go to: http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jbarhorst -- at checkout, please select Big Bro Big Sis;
• To shop for Pampered Chef go to: www.pamperedchef.biz/tonyakeller?showId=3420365
• To shop for Nelly Packs/Nelly Cuddles please view the brochure here.

This fundraiser will not only benefit the local agency, but will allow people to find the perfect gift for family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and any other special person on your list.

"Funding is used for recruiting, careful matching, background checks, screening and maintaining on-going professional support for the volunteers, youth, and their families - the key to ensuring long-term positive outcomes that change lives and communities." The goal is that each match will develop into a quality relationship meant to guide each child towards becoming a confident, competent, and caring individual. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is invited to call the office at 547-9622 or 492-7611.

"There's a growing demand for structured successful youth mentoring, particularly in this economy when families are struggling," Lisa Brown, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke Counties, said. "Independent research shows children matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are more confident, more likely to succeed in school, and avoid drug and alcohol abuse and other negative influences."