The Family Service Agency of DeKalb County is sponsoring Recruitment Challenge 1992 in an effort to recruit more volunteers for its Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Four teams of parents and volunteers who work closely with the program are trying to interest people in becoming Big Brothers or Big Sisters.

A volunteer orientation will be held on Tuesday at 9 p.m. in Neptune’s Southeast Meeting Room, aimed mainly at NIU students.

Other orientations will take place at 3:30 on Thursday and at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 and Nov. 10 at the Family Service Agency, 14 Health Services Drive.

According to Sylvia Lee-Thompson, program director, there already has been a good response.

“We’ve had a good turnout at the past orientations,” she said.

The job of a Big Brother or Big Sister requires time and interest, Lee-Thompson said.

She said about three to five hours a week are dedicated to being a Big Brother or Big Sister.

In addition, she said most Big Brothers and Big Sisters take their kids to the park, play sports with them or help them with homework.

“We put an emphasis on low to no-cost activities,” Lee-Thompson said.

She said most children enrolled in the Big Brother and Big Sister program are ages seven to 14 and come from single-family homes with parents who work.

“We’re not saying that the parent isn’t a good role model,” Lee-Thompson said. “It’s just another positive adult in the child’s life.”

For more information on becoming a Big Sister or Big Brother call 758-8616. Parents who are interested in a Big Sister or Big Brother for their children also are encouraged to call.