Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the nonprofit group best known for matching disadvantaged kids with one-on-one mentors, had a major decision to make when the coronavirus pandemic shut down its programs: Could it somehow continue helping its kids and their families during the emergency?

A survey of their needs identified one overriding need: Food. That meant Big Brothers had to pivot. And fast.

Within days, the mentorship and educational organization had transformed itself into a supplier of free food in bulk. Supported by local restaurants and Feeding South Florida, it began providing its families with hot pizza and meals and staples like rice and bread through pickups at its headquarters near Miami International Airport and deliveries across Miami-Dade. At the same time, it had to figure out how to keep its mentoring program for 2,100 kids going through virtual apps and other remote means.

To keep its 100 full-time staffers working from home, Big Brothers Big Sisters had to invest significantly in tech — an expense it hadn’t planned for. It also had to let some contractors go and dip into program funds, while launching a campaign asking supporters for new donations.

BBBS is yet another great example of a non-profit organization doing its best to help families and members of the South Florida community get through this difficult time. To donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters, click here.