About the Live a Little program

Live a Little is WBIR's partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, an organization that matches adult mentors with the children that need it the most. Every week, Live at Five at Four's Erin Donovan will introduce you to a "Little" who needs a Big Brother or Sister to hang out with and learn from. She is inspired by her own Little Sister, Jurnee. Here is their story, in Erin's words:

"Two years ago, I did a story on a new program that Big Brothers and Big Sisters of East Tennessee was doing called Sports Buddies. I met all these kids and their big Brothers and Sisters and wondered if this was something I could do. I spoke with their media guy and he told me to go to one of their orientation meetings. I went and saw that there were so many different programs and kids that needed mentors, so I thought, Hey, I have time, but I'm not sure what type of mentor I would be.."

I filled out all my paperwork and waited. I went back in for another meeting, of course by now they had done my background check and figured out I wasn't a wanted felon, so we were good. The woman sitting there said I actually have a little girl who I just did a home visit with and I think you would be perfect for her. She told me about Jurnee, then she showed me a picture. The smile that emulated from that photograph made me think this was a perfect match.

So we went over to the family's house for a meeting. I tell you that little girl was so excited you would have thought Christmas came early. What a feeling inside you get when a little person just wants a friend to hang out. Really, that's all she wanted. So I'm better for taking this little journey. That little girl makes me laugh and I'm learning more about little people.. like don't talk to a nine year old during her favorite TV show..and how they can be little divas when they want. Hey, I'm a kid at heart and I am lucky to have gotten some other folks on board to be Bigs and they seems to enjoy it. You never know, it may be the difference in one life. I know she has made an unknowing difference in mine."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee web site.