BRO is a great organization that contributes to the well-being of underserved residents in the City of St. Louis and surrounding communities. Their work all year long makes it possible for families to enjoy a wonderful CHristmas, older adults to have support in their difficult years, and provides for all of the community a unique ministry. How do I know? I watch them serve over 1500 families out of the basement of the office building where I am currently the Executive Officer.
BRO is a great group. They provide toys for children at Christmas. They also provide layettes for new babys. The families that are served are going through such a tough time and the BRO helps the children get a feeling of normalcy. BRO also provides an opportunity for the volunteers to make a differnce.
As a retired elementary school librarian, I want to see as many books as possible in the hands of the 4,000 or more children, who receive toys from BRO. My volunteer job is to keep the children's books organized by reading level, look for opportunities to get free books, buy new books with donated money but at the least expense and convince family, friends, neighbors and church members to donate new and lightly used books for children infants to 10 years old. I get a great pleasure out of sharing these books with the parents, helping them pick out what their children will like. Usually each child receives one new book and one or two slightly used books.
Each year our volunteers work over 30,000 hours to provide holiday gifts for over nearly 4,000 children in need in the St. Louis area. We have 15 volunteers who work year round and 50 or more volunteers who work during our toy distribution days or on special projects throughout the year. We work with 25 Social Service agencies in the St. Louis area to screen clients. We also provide layettes for new moms in need.
