Anastacia – called Ani – is a just-turned-seven-year-old who can change direction in an instant. One moment she is quietly kneeling to cup a grasshopper in her hands or pausing to pick up a vaguely heart-shaped rock (she collects only the heart-shaped ones). The next she’s wheeling her scooter, or waving arms and legs to an interactive song she learned at summer camp.
Ani has lived with her older sister and grandparents since she was only six months of age. Her mother nearly is overwhelmed starting a business in Phoenix and Ani has no contact with her father. Her grandmother works full-time while her grandfather is a stay-at-home grandpa. A few hours each month that a Big Sister concentrates on this sweet second-grader can make a decisive difference in both of their lives.
Ani says she would like a Big Sister who might like to try fishing with her…or take her shopping…or swimming…or ice skating…or teach her karate, ballet or gymnastics. She would like to teach her Big how to make bows – something she does well.
Her grandmother says, “She likes just about everything.” Except mangoes, Ani notes. She is allergic to mangoes. But she also is interested in cooking and already knows how to make biscuits and gravy.
Although she wears a tiara with her red Minnie Mouse dress, Ani firmly states she is not a princess. (But she’s cute enough to rival any Disney princess.)
Anyone interested in being a Big to Ani or another child, or in referring a potential Little, can call Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters at 928-778-5135, or visit www.azbigs.org. Or, if you can’t be a Big, how about supporting a Big? The Arizona State Tax Credit is one way to do so. YBBBS always can use volunteer office help and has other ways people can be involved, as well. So why not make that phone call today? You’ll be pleased with the result.