Parent to Parent: Back To School Drives

WSVN -- These two are fighting but outside the ring they're as close as sisters. In fact, Tara and Christina met through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. An organization that pairs children who want a mentor with an adult volunteer.

Christina Aponte: "I just got this good feeling that my life would change once I got to know her better."

Tara feels the same way about her little sis.

Tara Wood: "Honestly, she teaches me more than I could probably ever teach her."

Christina's mom is raising her two daughters on her own. She turned to Big Brothers Big Sisters to help keep them on the right track.

Darleen Wilson: "I don't think my kids, my daughters would have grown up as positive as they are."

Like many single parents, she worries about getting them ready for a new school year.

Darleen Wilson: "I can't even go to a dollar store to get my kids their school supplies."

That's why the group is offering help.

Amanda Lachs: "Our goal is to provide 400 children in our program with a brand new backpack, and all the age appropriate school supplies that they'll need for the entire year."

Picking out a brand new backpack gives Christina and her little sister the boost they really need.

"Just to know I'm about to be a freshman in high school, to see all my friends and to meet all my new teachers."

Another important step before going back to school kids need their shots. The Children's Trust has teamed up with Miami Children's Hospital to make sure kids in Miami-Dade have their updated vaccines.

Persephone Gary: "We have mobile units that are combing the county that are providing these immunizations to parents and their children."

The low-cost, needle-less shots are offered along with physicals to check a child's overall health.

Plus, the Children's Trust is donating thousands of backpacks to families in need and their after school guide is also a must for working parents.

"So parents can open up this booklet and and find their zip code and then they'll find the programs available in that area."

Lynn Martinez: "Two great organizations helping South Florida families."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

The Children's Trust:
Helpline: Call 211
www.thechildrenstrust.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County:
Tel: (954) 584-9990
www.bbbsbroward.org