CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brookelyn Schlawin, executive director of the Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters, spoke to the Optimist Club of Marshalltown at its Feb. 26 meeting at Legends American Grill. Schlawin described the BBBS program in terms of how the matched Bigs and Littles can arrange to meet for their mutual convenience. They can be a school match, meeting at the Little’s school during the day, or a community match, getting together for an activity or event in the community. Schlawin listed several positive outcomes for a child who has a Big, including better attendance at school, improved behavior, higher income as a young adult and less impact on social services. At this time, there are many children, ages 6-18, waiting to be matched with a teenager who is at least 16 or an adult. Schlawin, right, is pictured with Optimist Club President Pat Peden.