“If you’ve got time to care, I’ve got kids to love.”

That was a promotional spot that used to air on WNDU for years, when Maureen McFadden did a weekly segment for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The segment helped to match kids with mentors.

In 1992, one of those ‘kids to love’ was 6-year-old Victoria Knight.

Like all children involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Victoria was from a single parent home and hoping for a big sister to spend some time with.

Answering the call was elementary school teacher, Meg Basker.

“She was still in kindergarten,” said Meg, recalling her first encounter with Victoria. “She was all dressed up in little ruffles and I think we went to McDonalds.”

Big Brothers, Big Sisters only requires a one year commitment from its volunteers, but we checked in with Meg and Victoria eight years after their match.

Meg was herself a mother and still a big sister to Victoria.

“As long as we're both living in this, probably country, we will still keep in contact with each other.”

And keep in contact they did. In addition to being a mother, Meg is still teaching and now, 16 years later, we check in with them again.

Instead of having lunch at McDonald's, Meg and Victoria share dinner with their children. Victoria now a mother herself, to a little guy named Brighton.

“I still kind of look at her as being that little girl,” said Meg. “But then Brighton was born and we now share kind of a common thread with kids.”

And Victoria says Meg's year of devotion as a big sister, has made all the difference in the world.

“We did a lot together and she helped me with my life in general, growing up,” said Victoria. “She's been a great role model.”

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Joseph County has helped shape the lives of thousands of children in Michiana, and this life-changing program is about to have a big birthday.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters is celebrating fifty years and you can join the party.

If you'd like to help Michiana kids looking for "bigs" and help Big Brothers, Big Sisters celebrate their 40th year on October 18th, you can call them at (574)232-9958.

The party will have a sixties theme and there will also be a live auction with items like a Paul McCartney autographed guitar and grandstand seats for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.