The "Bigs" as they are known at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest are volunteers who help local children realize their potential and build positive futures.

Jerry Boggs' first experience with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization was in Sacramento, Calif. After retiring, Boggs said, "I wanted to do something out of my normal existence to reach out to others." Today, Boggs has been matched with Little Brother Devin Vore since July 2006.

Devin's father was away for a time and mom called Big Brothers Big Sisters to get some help. Boggs spends a few hours per week with Devin, sometimes more and sometimes less. But this has impacted them both in such a tremendously positive way. "It has been a privilege to mentor him in so many ways," Boggs testifies. "He has given back love and respect."

Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs a child with a role model, they start something incredible: A one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential. Heather Osborne, Program Director for the organization stated, "Jerry has been a consistent positive male role model to his Little Brother, exceeding what our expectation of the program would be."

When Boggs was asked to share a memory of his time with Devin, "I remember sneaking food and water into the theaters when we would go to a movie. It quickly occurred to me that this was a bad lesson for Devin. We talked about it together, made a joint decision to not do that and never have since."

This is just one example of the impact of mentorship that is developed through the match-making relationships.

In the almost seven years they have been matched together, Boggs has watched Devin grow into a young man. Shannon Vore, Devin's Mom, shares, "Jerry is one of the biggest influences in Devin's life. Jerry and his wife have accepted the entire family as part of their own." Jerry and Devin talk about school, friends and family, and work out problems together. Their favorite things to do are to grab a bite to eat and go hiking at Mineral Ridge. In a recent YouTube video for the organization, Boggs talks about friends being the family you have selected. "In an important way," says Boggs, "Devin is a part of our family group, and we love him!"

Jerry Boggs has been married to his wife Barbara for 20 years. They met in San Diego when he worked for the U.S. Navy as a Natural Resources Specialist. He has been in wildlife all his life and still functions as a conservation biologist in the area. He is the proud father of three sons, two of which are serving in the U.S. Navy and Navy reserves. Boggs also serves as the volunteer Executive Director for Elder Help of North Idaho.

To view the Boggs-Vore personal story on YouTube, http://youtu.be/Ju48uXJvD-o.

Volunteer Opportunity:

Yard work help

needed for Seniors

ElderHelp is a caring community of volunteers whose goal is to help our low-income seniors in Kootenai County stay safely and securely in their own homes as long as possible.

Some of the projects that effect a senior's health and safety are:

* Installing various types of handrails and grab bars

* Repair minor roof leaks

* Repair minor plumbing leaks

* Repair floors that present a safety hazard

* Put locks on doors or windows

* Maintain and install smoke detectors

* Weatherization

* Provide firewood when available

* Building ramps

* Seasonal Yard clean up

* Snow removal

* Companion visits and "Are you OK?" phone calls

ElderHelp of North Idaho is currently seeking volunteers for the Spring and Summer to perform yard work such as cutting grass. Bring your own tools. Individuals with these skills that are willing and able to volunteer, please contact Elder Services at (208) 661-8870.