Jackson, MS – A Jackson-area man who reached out to a young boy in need of a father figure through the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program was honored today as a national Hero In Our Midst.

     Sidney Montgomery, a private consultant for the gas and oil industry and outdoor enthusiast, received a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion and a ceremonial check for $1,000 to be donated in his name to BBBS of Mississippi to support the efforts of others like Montgomery who are giving back to their communities.

     Montgomery’s “Little Brother” Alonte Anderson, a fifth grader at Bradley Elementary School, was matched with Montgomery through BBBS’s community-based Amachi program. Through this program, BBBS screens and matches church members to serve children of incarcerated parents.

     Through his mentorship with Montgomery, Anderson earned Honor Roll status for the first time this year, and according to Montgomery, he has become more outgoing and confident around others. Anderson encouraged the public to send a greeting card or note of appreciation to his “Big Brother” for connecting with him and being a positive male role model in his life. Cards should be addressed to:

     Sidney Montgomery
     Heroes In Our Midst
     175 E. Capitol Street, Suite 222
     Jackson, MS 39201

     Montgomery received the Heroes In Our Midst medallion during a special pre-game ceremony at the Trustmark Park in honor of “Big Brothers Big Sisters Night with the Mississippi Braves.” Judy Vredenburgh, CEO of BBBS of America, presented Montgomery with the medallion.

     Heroes In Our Midst is a nationwide initiative designed to recognize the everyday heroes of America’s communities who are reaching out to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and to inspire others to follow their example.

     Campaign officials say they hope area residents will be inspired not only to send a card or note to Montgomery, but to become everyday heroes themselves, by reaching out to others through the type of personal interaction and caring that brings people and communities together.

     To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst and its goal of encouraging and recognizing America’s everyday heroes, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.

Heroes In Our Midst is an initiative of the Greeting Card Association in partnership with BBBS of America.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.

The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.