Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island says they are in need for more volunteers, especially since the pandemic.

They say there are 66 boys on the waiting list for a mentor. The organization says another 114 boys will be placed on its waiting list soon.

“I think if I have a big brother, I would mature a lot more and be a better person in life,” says 13-year-old Francisco Roldan, of Hempstead.

The organization says they are especially in need of males to volunteer.

BBSLI Chief Program Officer Fabiola Turner says children in the area are struggling, are socially isolated and having emotionally difficulties. That’s why she says mentoring is more important than ever.

The group is asking anyone who signed up to be a Big Brother to spend just four hours a month for a year with their "little."

Current volunteers say it is a small investment of time that makes a big difference in the life of a child.

Matt Hettler, of Smithtown, took 11-year-old Quinton Grant under his wing in December 2021.

“There’s material things in life, but this is really what matters,” Hettler says. “This is really what it’s all about. That feel-good connection.”

The children on the waiting list say they hope they can make a special connection with a Big Brother soon.