Two people who mentor kids in the Bridgeport public school system say they're working hard this holiday season to give students a very special gift.

Harry Bell, founder of the nonprofit Color A Positive Thought, says he's teaming up with school volunteer Marilyn Young in trying to teach students the gift of love for education.

They say through their mentoring this holiday season, they're working to show kids that education is the golden ticket to success in life.

"What I try to teach these kids is to have respect for adults," Young says. "Everybody can't be an NBA star, an NFL star, an NHL star. You have got to have a backup plan, and that's what I try to show them. You have got to get that education because it's important."

"I join Marilyn in her work to let kids know that in order to achieve, you have to believe," Bell says.

The pair says they've extended an official invitation to basketball great Shaquille O'Neal to visit with Bridgeport kids in the New Year.

They say they want O'Neal to reinforce their message about the importance of staying in school and putting education first.