Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cleveland County is stepping up its recruitment efforts throughout the month of October.

The "Be a Big... A Little means a lot" campaign was kicked off because of the large numbers of children in need of a Big Brother and Big Sister in Cleveland County.

The agency currently has over 90 volunteers, but more than 100 children are still waiting, said agency director Kim Weaver.

During the campaign, current Big Brothers and Big Sisters will speak at OU fraternity and sorority houses as well as other campus organizations.

Weaver said 34 percent of the agency's current volunteers are OU students and employees.

"We look to students to be positive role models," Weaver said.

"We also really need men to serve as positive role models for these children."

Of the 100 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, more than 80 are male.

Terri Holland, agency office manager, said volunteers are desperately needed.

She said some children have been waiting three years to get a Big Brother or Big Sister.

"We have many children who need someone in their life," Holland said. She said she hopes the campaign will get a volunteer for each child waiting.

The campaign will conclude with a celebration and volunteer information event at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will be held at Adams Elementary, 817 Denison Drive.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters is a United Way agency that matches children from single-parent homes to volunteers.

Each volunteer makes a one-year commitment to spend time each week with a child, serving as a friend and role model.

Weaver said volunteers go through intense screening including an interview, personality profile and criminal history checks.

Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers must be at least 20 years old, live in Cleveland County, have transportation and a valid driver's license.

For more information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, call 364-3722.