Take time to make a difference

These are tough times for many of us, including a lot of the youngsters in our region. Unfortunately, for the young men, they constantly hear about the negative behaviors of celebrities like Chris Brown and Michael Vick.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh desperately are in need of positive male role models for the dozens of little brothers who remain on the waiting list. I've been a big brother since 2002 and it has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life.

The BBBS program and other comparable mentoring programs are all about having fun and making a positive difference in the life of a young man or woman. I would recommend that everyone living in our region think about how they can get involved in a program such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and start having a positive influence in the life of a youngster.

It's time that we all start thinking less about ourselves and more about how we can help others. Our sense of community and helping others is what has always made Pittsburgh great. It's time that we all step up, get involved and make a positive difference.

TOM BAKER
Squirrel Hill