Friends of a Stamford man that has been missing for eight days continued their search for him on Thursday.

Police say they have conducted a comprehensive search of the area where Guatemala native Paulino Mendoza disappeared, but have yet to turn up any trace of him. They say they are concerned for the 24-year-old's welfare.

According to police officials, Mendoza vanished after a night of drinking with his friends on Christmas Eve. They say he took a taxi home from a party, and was dropped off on Avery Street instead of where he lived on Willowbrook Street, which was two blocks over. He never made it home and hasn't been seen since.

Stamford officials say they intensified their search on Tuesday, combing the area for more than four hours. They called in a helicopter from Westchester and search dogs, hoping to track Mendoza's scent.

His brother, Richardo, says he is holding out hope that Mendoza is still alive. Friends say they have canvassed the area since his disappearance and have distributed fliers around the neighborhood. They say Mendoza is not the type of person to leave town without telling anyone.

Mendoza was reportedly employed at an auto body shop in Stamford, and did not show up for work on Monday.

Police are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call them.