ST. CLOUD -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is looking for volunteers to keep up with their growing demand.

There are about 190 kids in need of a mentor at the Central Minnesota location with over 250,000 youth in need statewide.

A recent survey from Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota found that there is a gap between men and women mentors.

About twice as many women volunteer than men. Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages more men to apply to be a mentor.

Joellen Gonder-Spacek is the executive director for Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota. She says building a friend relationship with your "little" is the main focus.

Julie Hentges has been volunteering as a mentor for more than 17 years. She says volunteering has helped her as much as it's helped her little.

Hentges was recognized statewide as Central Minnesota's "Big Sister" of the year. Her "Little Brother" is an English Language Learner student from Apollo High School. With Hentges help he was able to excel in school and sports.

Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages people to volunteer for at least one year. The time commitment varies depending on your availability.

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