The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A community service and mentoring program is striving to influence youth around the area, but there's one problem. It needs your help.    

The mentoring program through the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center in Kirksville is short of mentors. It has more kids in the program ready and waiting for a mentor, but not enough willing adults.

The coordinator of the event says it will accept men and women from all walks of life from college students to doctors or lawyers.

The most important thing is just being there for your buddy. "All year round so when we're talking about mentor we're talking being there throughout the school year, when school's out, when school starts," said Jermaine Talton, Mentoring Coordinator. "That positive mentor that's right there in your life."

Evaluation forms are sent out to the mentors once a month to keep track of how often they are meeting and how the visits are going.

Those interested may pick up the volunteer checklist and more information at 1400 South Boundary in Kirksville.