By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

After exceeding last year’s goal by raising $84,900, this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas 4 Kids Telethon has fallen short.

BBBS of Ellis County Executive Director Nancy Jeter said Wednesday “we ended Sunday’s telethon at $72,000. This morning we’re at $75,500 and the mail hasn’t come yet.” Jeter is hoping to find a few more checks to help meet the goal of $78,000.

“We’re still $2,500 short and still accepting donations,” she said.

Donations can be made by calling the BBBS office in Hays at (785) 625-6672, mailing to or stopping by the office, 1301 Pine Street, Suite B, or online at christmas4kids.net.

It costs $1,000 to match a child with an adult volunteer.  “There are over 50 kids on the waiting list to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister,” Jeter added.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County is in its 15th year; Jeter announced her retirement during Sunday’s live telethon.

“My last official day is Friday, but I plan to still be volunteering through December and helping with some activities,” she said.

“My replacement will be named by Big Brothers Big Sisters at the corporate level (in Wichita),” Jeter explained.

Jeter started Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County in 2000 to help boys and girls, most of whom are considered at-risk and living in single-parent homes, achieve their full potential through long-term personal relationships with carefully screened and caring volunteers.

Since then, more than 1,600 at-risk “Littles” have been matched with “Bigs.”