Sam is a wonderfully caring Big Brother with a smile that lights up a room.  As a husband and father of two young girls, he still makes the time to volunteer in TWO different programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Operation Bigs and Community Mentoring Programs.   He is a wonderful spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, constantly offering to help recruit Bigs or attend a fundraiser to support BBBS.

In the Operation Bigs program, he has been matched with his Little Brother Ian for over a year.  Ian thinks the world of his Big Brother, Sam.  When Ian was told that Sam had been nominated for Big Brother of the Year, he was very excited.  He said that “Sam deserves it because he is very helpful and will talk to me about anything and pretty much likes everything I like.  Also, he brings me an atomic fireball (candy) everyday!”

Right from the start it was apparent that the two had a lot in common.  And no one recognizes that more than Vicki Pilkington, their Match Support Specialist.  “You can always hear Sam laughing at one of Ian’s jokes, or enjoying Ian’s imagination in all the ideas he loves to share,” said Vicki.  “You can see the look of satisfaction and respect on Ian’s face when Sam offers an encouraging word.”

When Ian’s father was deployed with the Marine Corps, Sam offered the support and stability that Ian so desperately needed.  With 17 years in the US Marine Corps, Sam understands what Ian is going through, and helps him get through the day to day.

“The relationship with my Little Brother, Ian, has been very exciting,” said Sam.  “Much of our time is spent playing board games, and Ian has learned that sportsmanship should be the same whether you win or lose.  These activities have allowed us to focus on his individual strengths and understand each other’s personality and character.”

Sam has been matched with his other Little Brother, Kevin, for almost six months.  His Match Support Specialist in Community Mentoring, Alqurin Wright, said that upon his first conversation with Sam, he felt fortunate to have him on his caseload.  "Not only is he encouraging," said Alqurin, "but every word is laced with warmth, charisma and optimism.  He is the personification of class, honor, compassion and discipline."

And those words are only confirmed by Kevin's mom, Diana.  "I have to say that after Kevin and Sam's first outing, Kevin was grinning ear to ear and from a mother's point of view that was such a wonderful feeling.  Kevin knows that Sam is just there for him and that makes a child feel important.  The man has a heart of gold and is such a genuine human being."

BBBS of SDC is lucky to have volunteers like Sam Reed and are always looking for more.  Want to bring a little magic into someone's life?  Volunteer now >>