INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — More than 60 businesses across Central Indiana are turning their lights, food, and drinks green this week to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentorship program that carefully matches children and adults to build meaningful relationships, giving children the opportunity to thrive through the positive influence they receive.
The organization’s annual “Paint the Town Green” campaign began Monday, Sept. 14, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 20. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the power of mentorship rather than act as a traditional fundraiser.
Jackie Lai, the organization’s director of marketing and belonging, said the visual display helps spark vital conversations.
“It’s a really, really fun show of collective spirit and engagement to help support more kids,” Lai said. “Maybe just maybe somebody sees green and they say, ‘Why is everything green?’ And then people can share more about it.”
The campaign comes at a critical time as more than 1,000 children in the region currently wait for a mentor. Lai, a two-time “Big” herself, said having a consistent adult figure can change a child’s trajectory.
“We see it over and over again when you have somebody who believes in you and says that, hey, you can do whatever you put your mind to, you see amazing things happen for the young people in our community,” Lai said.
Organizers are asking the public to participate in “Wear Green Day” on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Participants are encouraged to share photos on social media and tag the organization to show support for local youth.
Beyond the weeklong event, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers several ways to volunteer, including community-based mentoring, school-based programs, and eight-week group cohorts.
