Bona Buddies is a very special program here on campus. This program allows college students the opportunity to form mentor relationships with local kids in the area. Not only is this extremely rewarding, but a much needed stress relief as a college student. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to become a program coordinator at the start of my junior year. This has allowed me to create weekly activities for our kids and understand all the ins-and-outs of running such a successful program.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were very worried we wouldn't have the ability to continue the program. Luckily, my co-coordinators and I didn't let this stop us from making a difference for these children. We've altered our program to continue our mentor-buddy relationships. Pen-pals, zoom sessions and personally decorated activity bags that are dropped off monthly has given us the opportunity to continue interacting with the buddies while we're at a distance. 

Donating this Giving Tuesday will help us continue to make a difference while we're still at a distance, and likely will be in the spring semester as well. Bona Buddies is a life changing program for everyone involved- buddies and mentors alike.