Bucks star Khris Middleton helping Milwaukee area youth

Bucks star Khris Middleton is an NBA champion and a three-time NBA All-Star, so he's certainly shined on the biggest of basketball stages.

Now, on this stage, inside the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee's MentorZone, he's interested in winning over a new crowd. 

What they're saying:

"I'm really big and comfortable working with Big Brothers Big Sisters because they do so much I believe in, inspiring the youth and getting them to where they want to be," said Khris Middleton, Bucks forward. "The stats show that all our youth need Bigs and need mentors."

They certainly do. In the last two years, this mentorship organization has grown tremendously. They now help over 1,700 kids in the area. 

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"There's massive demand for our program," said Neil Willenson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. "Right now, we have 600 young people on our waiting list, waiting for a mentor. So how do we address that waiting list? We got to raise more money, but if we had all the money in the world, we still need more human beings to become mentors."

Big picture view:

At this recruitment, Middleton is using his platform to encourage others to cross that finish line.

"So, I think it's just being yourself," said Middleton. "I think that's the best, that's the easiest thing you can do because that's all the kids want. That's what all anybody wants is for people to be themselves and give truthful, honest insight on things."

"Just becoming a mentor can be so impactful," said Christiana Bleadsoe, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee Board of Directors, Voice of the Littles. "'It Takes a Little to be Big' is one of our slogans and no matter if you have a busy working day schedule, or you think you may not have time, we have various programs. One-to-one mentoring, group mentoring. Becoming a mentor can help shift their perspective and seek more opportunity within their lives."

The backstory:

Middleton grew up with mentors, like his sister, and now he's paying it forward as a long-time advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.

Over the last 8-9 years, he's hosted Thanksgiving dinners, basketball clinics and has continued his memorable "12 Days of Khrismas".

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"It allows me to be me, which I love," said Middleton. "I love running around, I have three kids at home. I love running around playing games with them. I think working with kids and youth in general, it helps keep you young. You help them out by trying to guide them down the right path, but then it also keeps you young, fun and energetic, so I think that's what I get out of it the most."

"He's a big guy with a big heart, and he's a great basketball player, but off the court, this is a man that's making a tremendous difference," said Willenson. "We're just one of many charities for young people that he helps. We believe today that there's 40–50 people here that are going to be mentors, in part because of Khris."

That's why this is so important because the best assist always leads to winning results. 

"I've lived a blessed life, especially growing up," said Middleton. "You know, my parents always told me that we should always give our time and willing hand to others and others in need, and that's something that still sticks with me to this day."

What you can do:

If you'd like to join and help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee in any capacity, visit its website.

The Source:  

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