Big Brother Craig Gliva and Little Brother Will have shared a bond since 2014, a friendship that began when Will was a first grader at Newport Primary School.

He was matched with Gliva, through the school’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, and for years, they met weekly on site at Newport. Their friendship is based on trust, compassion and shared purpose.

One of the most impactful moments for the pair came during a holiday season when Will opened up about a friend who wouldn’t be receiving a single gift due to hardships at home.

Will talked with Gliva, and they decided to do something bigger than help that one friend. Together, they created “Boxed Blessings,” starting with a few shoeboxes filled with small gifts.

That grew into something more, now delivering over 1,200-plus boxes to Northern Kentucky children in need, supported by hundreds of community members. Boxed Blessings is now a 501c-3 nonprofit organization. Watching this effort flourish, Will said, has filled him with a deep sense of pride and confidence.

Craig Gliva and Will. Photo provided | Big Brothers Big Sisters

In 2024, Gliva and Will transitioned from the site-based mentoring program to community-based, allowing them to meet outside of school and have more flexibility to get together whenever they want. The importance of that would later become clear.

Will graduated from Newport High School last year and Gliva remained a steady, consistent presence, but the past year brought one of the biggest challenges in Will’s life. Shortly after standing proudly with Will at his graduation, his mother passed away suddenly. His father remains in a care facility following a stroke.

Through it all, Gliva has shown up with unwavering support — through calls, messages, shared meals and simply being there.

“Through everything, he lets me know it’s okay to show emotion,” Will said. “He’s my Big Brother, and a big reason I can keep going.”

Their friendship is more than mentorship — it is a source of strength, hope and resilience, and an example of the lasting impact one caring relationship can have.

Gliva continues to share stories about the impact of mentoring, and his friendship with Will, with colleagues and the community, encouraging others to volunteer as Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Every time he speaks about Big Brothers Big Sisters, he says he hopes at least one person will volunteer, because he understands the number of lives that can change.

To get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which serves 13 counties—including five in Northern Kentucky- click here.

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