By MaryAnn Kromer, mkromer@advertiser-tribune.com

Finding men to volunteer as Big Brothers can be difficult, but on Sunday, some members of the Phi Theta Pi fraternity at Tiffin University were introduced to the "little brothers" they have been assigned.

Social worker Rachel Green prepared the fraternity members for their duties as "bigs." She and case worker Mary Ann Campbell were on hand to introduce the boys to their Big Brothers and review the guidelines of the agreements they had signed. The parents of the children also met their sons' new mentors.

Marcus Leavitt, age 7, was paired with Mark Thompson, a T.U. sophomore from Barberton, Ohio. As they conversed, both admitted not liking their photos taken, but both enjoy wrestling, kickball and outdoor activities.

"I actually wanted to do this for awhile, so when our fraternity decided that it would be a good thing, I jumped on the bandwagon," Thompson said.

He added the fraternity intends to host activities at their residence so that the "littles" can get to know one another and all the men in the fraternity. Thompson invited Leavitt to a cornhole competition and they headed outside.

Next to be matched were Chase Hughes a sophomore from Avon, Ohio, and Jonathan Bowling, age 6. Jonathan warmed up to Hughes right away. True to his name, Jonathan said he enjoys bowling, as well as disc golf and Putt Putt. A third match was Andy Hamons, age 11, with Trevor Hale, a sophomore from upstate New York. The pair was excited to learn they both love birds, cooking and football.

Green, a graduate of Tiffin University, said nine fraternity members are to be matched eventually, but only four took place on Sunday. The others should meet before the end of the week.

The parents were given school schedules so they would know when the big brothers would be away on break or studying for exams. Campbell encouraged the matches to keep in touch by phone and reminded the "bigs" that they should meet with their little brothers at least twice a month for an hour or more each time. As far as what to do together, Campbell said the focus is to be on friendship rather than on the amount of money spent.

"It's not a huge commitment, but we feel that the few hours the mentor meets with the little need to be fulfilling. It's time they wouldn't have had. If these guys hadn't stepped up, these kids would still be waiting for matches," Campbell said. "We're always looking for volunteers, especially men ... If you like kids, it's a perfect way to get involved."

So far, the community response in Seneca County has been good, Campbell said.

Adults interested in volunteering may call the Sandusky office at (419) 626-8694 or stop at 201 S. Washington St. in Tiffin.