Grayson County, Texas -- For more than a century Big Brothers Big Sisters has mentored and supported children all around the region.
But the program couldn't run without volunteers. And in Grayson County there are more than 40 children on the waiting list to get a big brother or a big sister and its a problem that's having a huge impact on dozens of local children.

"Its the most rewarding thing I've ever done, he's become a really great friend and I've gotten a chance to do things I would have never gotten a chance to do,"said Virginia Brooks.

Every week -- for nearly 10 months Virginia Brooks and Miguel Delgado have enjoyed each others company.
They were matched through big brothers big sisters -- but for them its become much more than a mentoring relationship -- its become something they both describe as a great friendship.

"I'd forgotten how much fun it is to have a friend that's 8-years-old so Miguel and I have done some wonderful things together we've gone out to parks and movies and I realized how it felt to be young again," said Brooks.

From horseback riding to going to Lake Texoma -- the dynamic duo does it all.

"We go to eat, we go to parks, we go to swimming,"said Miguel.

But its more than just fun and games.

"We went to McDonald's to eat and Virginia had a strawberry smoothie yum,"said Miguel.

After each meeting Miguel writes down everything they do in this journal -- its something Virginia says not only helps with his reading and writing -- it gives him a special journal of their time together. But there are dozens of children in Grayson county that aren't as lucky as Miguel.

"We have 44 children on the waiting list that's a lot of bigs, we just need bigs,"said Belinda Blake.

Blake is the program's regional director -- she says they are especially in need of men to volunteer and says its an easy process for anyone who is interested.

"You go through an interviewing process, you go through a criminal background check and a commitment for a year,"said Blake.

Something Virginia -- who's also a business owner -- says is a small amount of time to make a huge difference in a child's life.

"If you have a few spare hours to spend during the week and can spend it with a kid you'll find out its much more rewarding for you than you would ever think," said Brooks.

If you're interested in becoming a big brother or big sister: visit bbbstx.org or call 903-893-0900