A Bond More Powerful than a Hammer and Nails Could Make

People may be surprised when Cole tells them his Big Brother is 85 years old. What they don’t know is that Wilbur is exactly the kind of mentor Cole was looking for. Back in third grade Cole had asked for a Big Brother who would be “like a grandpa” and who could “make stuff.” And boy, can Wilbur make stuff!

Birdhouses, squirrel feeders, toys for little children; if it can be made with wood, Cole and Wilbur have built it together. They’ve made birdhouses for the local nature park and “pull trains” for holiday toy drives.

But the most important thing Cole and Wilbur have built together is friendship. “I liked him as soon as I saw him,” Cole remembers, and since then their relationship has just grown stronger. “I really enjoy our time together,” Wilbur says.

It’s All About Having Fun Enjoying Friendship … and Finding a Few “Teachable Moments”

Woodworking isn’t just a craft for hands, but for minds as well. Wilbur has used their time building things to help Cole understand that algebra and geometry are skills he can use every day.

And as warm and friendly as Wilbur is, he doesn’t mess around when it comes to schooling. When he learned Cole’s grades were down, he told Cole they wouldn’t do one of Cole’s favorite activities until his schoolwork improved. Cole buckled down, and got his grades back to where they should be.

Their years of friendship have brought changes to both of them. Cole has had to deal with growing up, and Wilbur has been coping with life’s challenges like caring for his aging wife and moving into an assisted living facility. Through it all, they’ve both drawn strength from their friendship, and they look forward to all their time together. “If Wilbur weren’t my mentor,” Cole smiles, “I’d have nothing to do!”

Volunteer now »
Donate now »