FITCHBURG — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest recently held a community service day in the city.
Bigs and Littles from North Central Mass. gathered at Parkhill Park on May 3 to clean up trash, pick up sticks, and have lunch with each other as part of the Worcester-based nonprofit organization’s initiative.
Those who came to do service are Bigs and Littles in community matches as well as matches from sites like McKay Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster along with parents. At McKay, students are matched with a mentor from either Fitchburg High School or Monty Tech and at the Boys and Girls Club, students are matched with a college student from Fitchburg State University.
The afternoon of service was coordinated with Fitchburg Parks & Recreation Director James Bunnell, who provided trash grabbers and bags as well as letting the group know where to clean up. Several Bigs and Littles shared their thoughts about the day and being part of the program, including Community Big Shaquiria Santiago, who has been matched for a year and a half with her Little, Amelia Moran.
“Community service is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to be a positive influence in someone else’s life,” Santiago relayed. “Having consistent, supportive people around can shape confidence and direction, especially for young people. I want to be that kind of presence and help create opportunities and encouragement where it’s needed.”
Fitchburg High School Junior Melly Benitez, a Big to a McKay student, said he enjoyed being part of it.
“I thought that the meet was really fun and it was nice to do something helpful and I feel like we all did a great job and got to connect with others around too,” he shared, adding that he like spending time with his Little, who he said is good at expressing herself, “which is a big thing I like about her.”
Sixth grader Julian Colon is a Little to his Big, a Fitchburg State University student. When asked what he liked about giving back, the young man said he “got to have fun with Thomas” and “because it helps the community and cleanses the world.”
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest including visit BigsCM.org.
In other related events for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, it’s the last call to join the nonprofit’s Big Dill Pickleball Bash this coming weekend, an afternoon that is sure to be full of fun, friendly competition, and great company.
There are still spots available for the event being held on Sunday, May 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bosse located at 310 Speen St. in Natick, and information including registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting bbbscm.harnessgiving.org/events/3749.
Participants can expect open pickleball play with easy rotation along with a pickleball pro on-site for tips and tricks, access to the Fun Zone that features ping-pong, Jenga, and more, pizza, light bites, and great vibes. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or picking up a paddle for the first time, this event is all about connection, energy, and community. Bring a friend, a teammate, or come solo — everyone is welcome.
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