WICHITA, Kansas, Sep 14, 2006 -- KSN is helping Big Brother’s and Big Sisters of Sedgwick County pair kids with grownup’s who can make a positive difference in their lives. Today, Leon Smitherman introduces us to Ashton.

Eight-year-old Ashton is a pretty good dining companion. We sat down and chatted during his lunch hour. During that time, I met a young man who I had a lot in common with. We’re both only children and we both love animals.

"Well there was this one cat I had this one time but he was on a diet. The doctor said he had to be on a diet because he gets shots. That was a fat cat," said Ashton.

As an only child with working parents, Ashton would like to have a big brother to hang out with. He used to have one but he moved.

So what did Ashton’s Big Brother do with him?

"Checkers -- sometimes he would win, sometimes I would win. He likes airplanes, I like airplanes, so then we’d make paper airplanes and then we’d go outside and play with them."

Well I like paper airplanes too so Ashton patiently walked me through the art of paper aerodynamics.

"You have to fold it like that. First you have to fold it like this to get it even," Ashton told me.

Now I know you’re not supposed to throw paper airplanes in school but just this once.

Ashton was a little late getting back to class that day. We spent way too much time flying our airplanes but we had a blast. Perhaps you could split a sandwich, fold a few planes and have some laughs with a young man like Ashton. It’s time well spent.

If you think you might be interested in becoming a big brother to James, or if you would like more information on how you could become a Big Brother or Big Sister, call them at (316) 263-3300 or visit their website at ksbbbs.org.

Now that kids are back in school, Big Brothers and Big Sisters would like to remind you of their Big’s in Schools program. It takes about 30 minutes a week.

• Website: Big Brother's Big Sisters of Kansas

• Phone: 316-263-3300 or 1-888-KS4-BIGS