"Since I don't have a dad I can talk to Wayne and we can do stuff...father sort of stuff," says 12 year old Little Brother, George.

It's the spirit of giving that for some people makes this holiday season special. And now Big Brother Big Sister of Madison is looking for volunteers to give a gift that will last a lifetime. They're looking for anyone who wants to mentor a young child.

"Many times they come from a single parent family and so it's good to have someone outside the family take time out of their day or their week to meet three to four times a week just to be with them," says George's Big Brother, Wayne Canty.

As a mentor you'll be giving the gift of time, time spent with a child to encourage them as they go through life. Big Brother Wayne and Little Brother George have been together for about a year and both have seen the benefits of the program.

"I think just to have a consistent person in their life who they can come and talk to they get to be comfortable with that person," says Canty.

"He taught me stuff about reading. He taught me how to think harder like what I want to be and stuff," says George.

Wayne, a father himself, feels that being a mentor allows him to give back to the community. He joins a group of nearly 1 thousand volunteers. However, here in Dane County there are hundreds of kids left without a match.

"At the end of the year that's when we typically have the most children waiting," says Dane County Big Brother Big Sister spokesman, Aaron Backer.

All in hopes that someone will join in in the spirit of giving this holiday.

If you'd like to give the gift of time and become a mentor please visit www.bbbasmadison.org