The countless hours local volunteers gave as Big Brothers andBig Sisters to children in need of love and guidance this year wasapplauded Friday during a reception in their honor.

The Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Brookhaven reception honored themany mentors who took time every week to build a specialrelationship with a student in the area.

“With Big Brothers-Big Sisters, a bond is created that will lastforever throughout our community,” said Danita Hobbs, president ofthe advisory board for the local chapter.

After a time of socializing among mentors gathered in the StateRoom, Attorney General Mike Moore spoke to the group about theimportance of their efforts.

“A lot of these kids live in homes where nobody ever tells themthat they love them . . . and with a mentor all of a sudden a kidhas something to shoot for,” he said.

Moore told the group of more than 100 people that Mississippianshad been “investing the wrong way” for too long, with more than$275 million spent annually for prisoners in the state. Now hebelieves residents are investing in a program that willdramatically affect the state.

He added that mentoring could lift the level of education,reduce teen pregnancies and decrease the amount of crime inMississippi.

“I truthfully believe God put us all on this earth to make adifference,” said Moore.

Moore complimented the success of the Brookhaven program, whichincludes dozens of adult and teen mentors.

“You’re what’s so great about Brookhaven,” he said. “I’m goingto use you and sell you all over the state of Mississippi.”

He pointed out that other cities have taken notice ofBrookhaven’s program, and want to reach the same level.

Moore hopes the enthusiasm catches on as he estimates 50,000mentors are needed to turn the state around.

He singled out the Brookhaven Police Department’s efforts witheight officers serving as mentors this year. Moore looks forward toseeing more businesses and organizations step up and take an activerole in the program.

“I need every walk of life to be involved,” he said.

John McCullough, chairman of Big Brothers-Big Sisters ofMississippi, pointed out how Moore has “worked tirelessly aroundthe state” in the drive to recruit more people willing to volunteerat least one hour a week with an elementary, junior high or highschool student.

Moore established the first statewide Big Brothers-Big Sistersprogram in the United States. He also worked to secure $1.2 millionin funding for the program, and has been a mentor to the samestudent for four years.

Following Moore’s comments, Copiah-Lincoln Community Collegestudents Chaunci McIntyre, Mia Tanner and Natalie Waterman wererecognized for their mentoring efforts.

A special salute was also given to the Brookhaven High Schoolseniors who volunteered their time to be role models.

“We have a group here that’s dedicated to making a differencewhere it really counts,” said Superintendent Dr. Sam Bounds.

Program Manager Maxine Jones thanked the advisory board fortheir help with making Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Brookhavensuccessful. She also recognized several people and businesses fortheir efforts in the program.

“Without these people, we could not do what we do inBrookhaven,” said Jones. “Tonight was just our way of saying ‘thankyou.'”