Tell us your good news

Cary Skelton 19, Roanoke, Virginia. — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:19:38 GMT

I wanted to find something here in Roanoke that I could nominate for a Random Act of Kindness, and I came across something I hadn't even heard of myself.

Here is a link to the blog:
http://tinyurl.com/ashgwr

Tomorrow while I'm out with friends downtown, I will pick up a paper and try to find something more recent.

This is a great idea, Brian!
-Cary

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Carol Porch, Iowa City, Iowa — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:57:29 GMT

I would like to nominate my friend Betty King who has made a big difference to some people in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Betty had a goal of starting a mental health consumer center where people could come to get help, a meal, a support group or just hang out someplace safe. People who have lost their faith and trust in the human race have made strides to regain and lift themselves up. The difference is this place is run by people with mental illness for people with mental illness following a recovery model. The name of the center: Dreams.

Tell us your good news

Tarak Shukla, Roanoke Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:05 GMT

I think it would be great if you guys did a story on the People to People student ambassador program. It shows a new generation and what we are working to accomplish.

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Steve Morrone, Westerly, RI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:30 GMT

My best friend Ryan Jacobson is a middle school teacher who loves his summers. He is also laid off due to budget constraints for next year. This summer he will say good bye to the hot summer beaches of Rhode Island and go to Uganda and teach. He is paying most of his own way in this tough time to help the children of Uganda.

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san antonio Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:38 GMT

Your News is depressing the hell out of a lot of people. The nominee thing is great, it's trite by comparison to the fear virus you are spreading.
I really wish you all the best. There is much good news out there but that doesn't sell. I know you won't post this but hopefully someone there should know this.
Respectfully,
Latino en San Antonio

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wendy hein, holley, ny — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:44 GMT

My dad was in line at a Walmart store and there was an older lady in front of him. She didn't have enough money to get her groceries and her medications. She was about $15.00 short. So she said I don't know if I should put the food back or put my medications back. My dad felt bad so he paid for her groceries. I thought that was a wonderful thing and someone should know what a wonderful man my dad is.

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George D. Stout, Manns Choice, PA. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:03:58 GMT

Please go to www.stickbow.com, then to the Leatherwall. It's a forum about traditional archery.
One of the members lost their home and another member volunteered a cabin in Texas for the people to live until the got on their feet. Most folks there use handles rather than their names, so look for the threads about Nutmeg and his family. The outpouring was tremendous for this family and Ric Anderson from Texas was the person who is donating the cabin.

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Dorothy Bade, New Baltimore, MI 48047 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:30 GMT

I nominate my husband, Bill age 69 who volunteers with Habitat For Humanity Detroit. He is one of the 'regulars' known as A Habitual. Along with so many of his friends, Tom, Keith, Scott, Jack F., Jack W., Joe and others, he devotes/volunteers his time and energy in building houses for low-income families. What he gets in return is more powerful than any paycheck. All the Detroit Habituals should be 'singled out'.

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Story vonHolzhausen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:36 GMT

I am working with a group of parents in NYC. We are working on making public school lunches healthy and getting organic milk for all school children. One of parents is Bill Telepan (chef and owner of Telepan restaurant in NYC. He has been going into P.S. 87 and actually going into the school cafeteria once a month and making lunches for the kids and educating the cafeteria workers about healthier food options and organic choices. With such a problem of obesity plaguing our children, I feel this is a great and important (and happy) story.

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Robert J. Stewart III, Wichita Falls, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:37 GMT

I and a classmate of mine at Midwestern State University have been working on a research paper concerning the desegregation of the University, which laid the groundwork process of fully desegregating the education system in the United States. On April 4, 2009, we will be presenting our research at two separate conferences, one for Phi Alpha Theta Historical Society, and another for the Louisiana Political Science organization. I feel this is a positive story to be reported, considering we are now led by our first African American President, and how far we have come since 1951, when the case Battle, et al vs. Wichita Falls Junior College District, et al, was filed.

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Jordan McAllister, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:46 GMT

I just wanted to nominate my father Franklin McAllister. He is a boy scout leader, and volunteer pastor at a nursing home. He gets up everyday at 4:30 am to make it to work and he still finds time out of his busy day to make room for other people. Another good example of his kindness is that there was a homeless man outside of where my father worked and my father gave the homeless man food everyday and his favorite blanket. Please consider him for this segment on your show. I appreciate your time.

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Michelle, Downers Grove, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:53 GMT

I'm a teacher in Illinois, and I had a student who found some money on the floor in the hallway just outside my classroom door. He brought it to me hoping that someone would come to retrieve it. I thought that was impressive. It gets even better. That was this past Friday. On Monday when I tried to give him the money because nobody claimed it, he told me that it wasn't his but that he'd buy basic supplies with it and deliver them to the local Hesed House (for the homeless) because they could really use it.

I think that story is worth sharing.

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Crash Manly, Minneapolis MN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:04:57 GMT

Michael Holland, public defender in Minneapolis trying to do a good job in the face of budget cuts... here is a story about him from last weeks paper:

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/40457697.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDU

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Kevin Fenton, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:00 GMT

Hello, my name is Kevin Fenton and I'd like to tell you about a woman named Carol Wood, who has helped me out considerably! I finished graduate school in October 2008--right as the economy tanked! Unable to afford to pay the rent for my apartment or find a job, Mrs. Wood let me move into her basement and stay without paying rent. Without Mrs. Wood's kindness, I don't know where I would be!

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Kathy D. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:10 GMT

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090211/NEWS16/902110362

A young person taking a global view. Making the world a better place for all.

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Joseph Hoebeke — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:27 GMT

There is a foundation called St. Baldrick's, which seeks individuals who will shave their heads while raising money for childrens cancer research. I am a member of the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department and when I heard about the cause, I was drawn to the opportunity to take part in an attempt to help chidlren with cancer. I put an email out to members of my agency at which time numerous individuals committed to taking part in the event, including one female officer with shoulder length hair. To date, we have raised more than $2,000.00 and the amount keeps rising on a daily basis. I am proud of the members of my agency and the individuals from the community who have donated money to this cause.

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Orin Edwards, Milford, NH — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:30 GMT

My Mother-In-Law is 92 and she still volunteers at the local Senior Center every day of the week to help prepare and distribute the meals-on-wheels for the "old people" as she likes to say. She has been doing this for many years, even through the very sudden loss of her only two children in 2007. They passed away within 40 days of each other. Her name is Eda Azzali and she lives and volunteers in Merrimack, NH.

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Vicki Heminger, Collyeville, TX — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:38 GMT

Last weekend I lost my eyeglasses in an Oklahoma casino (Winstar). I live near Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, so after checking the casino's Lost & Found several times, I finally headed home without my "eyes." Two days later I received a call from someone named "Kim" who found my glasses and case (with my phone number inside). We made arrangements for my husband to pick up the glasses from her workplace (Naval Air Station - barbershop). Kim refused to accept my monetary reward, and instead hugged my husband and wished him a good day. In today's economy I think Kim is amazingly, refreshingly and totally unselfish and honest. Since she won't accept my $$, perhaps she will accept a public recognition on national TV!!

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Nick Meyer, Easton PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:45 GMT

His name is Ken Meyer, he's my dad and also the founder of his company - Legacy Cards - which is helping people find cost savings memorial options in the world of high priced funerals. His company is small, but his spirit is immense. Since the launch of his company less than a year ago he's touched so many lives, and is especially poignant.

Picking this story to air will definitely change lives

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Bobbie Klimkowski, Winfield, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:50 GMT

I would like to nominate Helen Cordell. A retired attorney, Helen is spending more than full time
hours every week helping displaced Cavalier King Charles Spaniels find new homes. She also does therapy dog work. She is the President and rescue coordinator of Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue. This Website: www.gccavalierrescue.org. This organization gets many discarded "breeding stock" from puppy mills as well as dogs from animal horders and people who can no longer keep their dog. They are taken to the vet, are spayed/neutered and then found a new loving home. Helen is very dedicated to this cause and works tirelessly like I said earlier, more than full time each week.

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Elena Berry, Norfolk, Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:51 GMT

Check out this website and view the video. Non-profits will be hit hard in this economy, but this organization is one of the most financially smart over the years, because it has to. Virginia is ranked 45th in the United States for funding for people with disabilities. We are making sure they live their lives as we do no matter what - because and ordinary life is an extrodinatry gift!

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David Havlik , Iowa City, IA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:05:56 GMT

While driving through the New Mexico desert this January when we ran out of gas on the interstate. The sign said the closest gas station was 4 miles ahead. While walking just 100 feet in front of the car to that gas station, a driver stopped and gave us several gallons of gas he keeps in the back of his truck for emergencies. He wouldn't take any money from us, and we didn't get his name. When we reached the gas station it was closed and the next open gas station was 10 miles away.

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Shelly McClellan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:01 GMT

I am nominating Brian Elias of Hansons Windows. I just saw one of his ads today on TV, he is taking his advertising to the streets for his company by hiring 100 people to go door to door to promote and sell his product...Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. and though this won't even make a ripple in the pool of unemployment here, it's great to see someone doing SOMETHING, and giving a positive twist to all of the bad news we hear of each day.

Tell us your good news

stephanie hernandez — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:05 GMT

www.andreriveroflife.org

I believe that this organization is truly AMAZING!
When compassion can’t wait and single parent families are in despair, the Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation helps with urgent expenses to allow these caregivers to stay at their child’s bedside during catastrophic illness. (from website)

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Matthew Klinestiver, Chapel Hill, North Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:07 GMT

I'd like to nominate my mom. She's a single mom living in Chapel Hill, NC. Raised in a coal mining town in poverty stricken, southern West Virginia. She's an African-American woman, and she's dedicated to try and help Black business adapt to the green economy. A few months ago, she started a consulting company called GreenPad to try and improve the situation in Chapel Hill. Recently, she talked with John Edwards about educating the African-American community on the green economy.

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Toni Froelich — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:21 GMT

I would like to nominate my Landlord Alan Kiger and his wife Monica (yes my Landlord) In these hard times being disabled and having a limited income there have been times over the past years and recent that my Landlord has been an Angel in my life. Reducing my rent helping with bills and even providing a Christmas for myself and my son year after year. He has his own family wife and children and he still finds it in his heart to help me to the extent that I would never be able to repay him but will forever be thankful for without him I do not know where I would be . He is truely and Angel in my life

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James Abourezk, Sioux Falls, South Dakota — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:29 GMT

There is a young American Indian man--Jamie Hamley--living here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who rescued a man from a burning automobile that had rolled up on its back. Being a former fireman on a North Dakota Indian Reservation, he opened his trunk, brought out a fire extinguisher, put out the part of the fire that was burning around the car window where he was able to pull the lone person out of the car, just before it exploded.

What is more interesting, is that Mr. Hamley had applied to be a fireman here in Sioux Falls, and although he passed all the written tests, he was rejected, even though he had accumulated 92 hours of college credits, and had worked as a fireman in North Dakota for five years. A young non-Indian who had been working alongside of him at Federal Express, was accepted by the fire department, even though he had no experience and no college credits.
Jamie used his cell phone to video the burning car.

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Krystal Pennington Warrenville, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:36 GMT

I work for McCain Foods USA, where 80+ are losing their jobs due to outsourcing

We recently held a food drive and the response was so amazing. Over 30 boxes of food to go to a local Loaves & Fishes. Although so many are losing their jobs in our company, they still show they have a heart and gave from the heart, knowing that they will not have the security of a job come June of 09.

There are people within our company who always have a smile on their face, a kind comment to give and a shoulder to which they offer to those in need.

I feel very fortunate to work for such a company that employs people with a heart.

My motto in these trying times is still: Going to be Mighty Fine in 09

Sincerely

Krystal Pennington
McCain Foods USA
Lisle, IL

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Patty Magalnick, Windermere, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:42 GMT

Finally a great idea – “Good news”! Thank you, Brian! I am actually a news junkie, NBC of course, but it’s too much bad news. My friends, clients and I have actually talked about turning off the news. I work from home and always have NBC on the background, but lately I’ve noticed a change in my normal positive happy self. I look forward to watching you at 6:30 for a little good news…

Tell us your good news

Debra Spruell, Bradenton, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:50 GMT

Brian; Thank you for your show I watch it faithfully. Tonight you asked viewers to submit examples of random kindness. Recently, I saw a story
on the local news channel, (tampa bay channel 8) and hear the story of a local restaurant that was ready to close the doors because of the enconmy. The staff at this restaurant voluntarily agreeded to work for tips only. This authentic mexican restaurant was able to stay in business and serve its customers thanks to the unselfish staff. I thought that was really something nice.

Tell us your good news

Hector Vasquez, Miami, FL. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:51 GMT

I would like to nominate my roommate Ms. Sherry Cudd of South Carolina. I recently lost my job due to the economy here in Miami, FL., and she has been kind enough to open her home to me rent free after I lost my apt. due to the fact that I couldn't afford to stay where I was living at.
She has shown nothing but complete compassion and understanding as well as moral support during this difficult time. Even though her and I have only known each other for a short time, she took the liberty and kindness of a understanding person to help a person that she doesn't know that well in time of need.

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Bob O'Neal — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:06:54 GMT

Kaps for Kids is a program that the editor of a local "e-zine" (www.theoklahomareporter.com) developed for kids with cancer. Ball caps for kids going through Chemo. His program is unique in that it targets schools to get involved in the program and to get involved in the community while promoting the progam. He is doing all of this on his own time and his own money and effort...I am always amzed by people like this that take up the public torch!

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Linda Cormier, Brandon Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:01 GMT

I would like to tell you about my 13 year old daughter. During this season of lent my child is not giving anything up but changing her life a a life of a stranger. Every week during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday) she make a card address to my new friend signed your new friend. Then pick up a small plant and we deliver it on saturday to a local nursing home to be given to a person that has no visitor or family. We started last week and the nurse at the place said thank you and look forward to seeing you then next 6 Saturday. It was a great feeling.

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Darby Stevens, Williamstown, WV — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:06 GMT

I want to nominate the agency I work for; Westbrook health Services, Inc. We are located in West Virginia and serve an 8-county area that includes rural Appalachia. We serve the underserved with dignity and respect regardless of the economy...We would welcome a visit from NBC so you can see for yourself the good work that is being done without anyone takin notice. I think since we have always struggled for funds we do what we do because we are driven or drawn to it and not for the money. I am exceedingly proud of our CEO, JoAnn Powell and our CFO, Kevin Trippet and all the people who take care of the people no one else wants to take care of...come and see us for yourselves.

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Katie Reilly, Setauket, New York — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:08 GMT

Save-A-Pet is an animal shelter in Port Jefferson, New York that does unbelievable things for its pets. Every body who volunteers there does so on their own time to clean and work with the animals so that they are adopted into loving and suitable homes. Founded by Dori Scofield, Save-A-Pet take in almost any animal they can and do what they have to, no matter the cost, to keep from having to send the animal somewhere else. So many animals have been adopted to loving homes and while they are waiting for their forever home, they are comfortable in the shelter with their own cages, blankets and food, instead of roaming the streets. I myself are extremely grateful for the work that everybody at Save-A-Pet does for the poor abandoned animals.

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Runa, Charlottesville, VA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:12 GMT

I'd love to nominate a website (www.paperbackswap.com), which, particularly in these tough economic times, allows members to swap books.

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Carolyn Kisner — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:18 GMT

Hi im from huntsville alabama, i work as a maint tech supervisor for a company out of tuscaloosa al. anyway my boss went the extra mile to have a veteran put in the cemetary in chattanooga tenn. The man died with no family and the local goverment wanted to bury the man in a paupers grave because he had no family. Her name is bernadette mace and because she went that extra mile he had an honarable burial .

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Todd Bowersox, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:21 GMT

Hi Brian - I am a membe of Valley Forge Trout Unlimited. I wanted to bring attention to the efforts and results of our immediate past president - Pete Goodman. No, it is not a play on words. He is just that; a good man. I joined VFTU nearly 3 years ago to become a better fisherman. What I found in TU and in Valley Forge TU was a think tank of generous, knowlegeable men who despite their differences always united in the effort of conservation of our cold water heritage in PA. Pete was one of the first people that came up to talk to me at my first meeting. I came to know him as not just another guy that fly fishes, but someone who knew every last little stream and tributary in the greater Philadelphia region and rolled up his sleeves and got involved. We recently finished a reclamation project of a washed out area of Crabby Creek in Paoli PA. A very historical, yet over developed suburb of Philadelphia. The before pictures showed exposed sewerpipes, trash dumped and just a general eye sore surrounded by running water. Pete brought together state and local officials as well as secured funding to restore a viable trout stream to the area. I know Pete is a retired exec, I have no idea from where - our common thread is fly fishing and conservation in PA. He has been a tremendous infuence on this young Trout Unlimited - now Life Member- and I think he would be a great feel good story to share with the country about what volunteers get done in these depressing times. Regards- Todd

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Tara Iams, Louisa, KY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:26 GMT

A former co-worker of mine recently found out he has cancer, but that has not stopped him from being kind. He steps in and helps anyway he can. Just this past week he started doing a collection of clothes, books and toys for a neighbor of his, a mother and her toddler child, who lost their house to a fire. This man has a lot of kindness in his heart to help others.

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Jacob Reistroffer, Welton, Iowa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:27 GMT

Dear, Brian Williams

I am a 13 year old boy that lives in welton, Iowa. My Language Arts teacher does acts of kind every day. She teaches with so much energy and emotion. Every day I go to school I look foward to having her as a teacher. She is the best and deserves this recognition more than most people and teachers. She has inspired me to want to go to college some day and become a teacher just like her.

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Anita Riley — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:28 GMT

I have a pet therapy dog who is crippled. He came from a shelter a year ago and was very ill. We believe he was born with this defect that left his rear legs completely straight. It doesn't bother him at all though.
He is healthy now and we go to nursing homes to bring smiles to everyone. He has an extraordinary ability to know where a person is hurting and will try to lick the place. He is a special little pekingese.

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Kathy O'Neal-Niles, State College, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:39 GMT

I would like to nominate Regina Snowden of Partners for Youth with Disabilities in Boston. The website is PYD.org. This woman was a friend of mine years ago. I've not seen her since the early '70's, lost track of her. One day I decided to look her up online and try to reconnect, only to find out the wonderful work she is doing in Boston and elsewhere with children with disabilities. She is a beautiful woman, was a lifesaver to me as a young college freshman, years ago. I hope you'll consider doing a story on her. You can find out more information on Regina Snowden by "googling" her name, or checking out her website PYD.org. Thanks for your consideration. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the good news you find!I know I wasn't.

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William Davis, Pittsburgh PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:39 GMT

Hey Brian,

You have to check out this after school program here in Pittsburgh. Monday through Friday they hold the program for children from one of "the burghs" most blighted areas and then on Saturday they hold church AND dinner for the community. This program is DEFINITELY an act of kindness that goes far during this economy.

Here's the link: http://www.evo-pgh.org/programs/asp.html

Thanks for wanting to add a positive note to the news. Keep up the good work.

Tell us your good news

Lisa Cotter Metwaly, Saint Paul, MN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:45 GMT

Mike Binkley, WCCO TV reported on this story.
http://www.qkindness.com/Press.php

In St. Paul, there's a place where kindness isn't just a goal, it's part of the company name. The Q Kindness Café is tucked away inside the Lowry Building in downtown St. Paul. And for the past two years, it has been ground zero of a mission to create the kindest city in America.

"I think that's one of the best solutions to helping us out of this recession, is focusing on others, focusing on what we can do to help someone else," said co-owner Lisa Metwaly.

You could try walking into the café in a grouchy mood. But by the time your breakfast or lunch is served, you might have a new attitude. For starters, you'll see positive quotes on every wall, and on the menus and tables as well.

Full story at the above link.

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Harlori, Okemos, Mich. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:47 GMT

My family friend, a senior in high school, has been working extremely hard in the area of Alternative Energy. He has started a very successful campaign at our local high school, and ran the schools first "Conservation Day" this week. His plans could potentially save the school, and thus the community, thousands of dollars each year.

He also recently presented his papers and research at an International Conference in Delhi, where distinguished members such as Al Gore and other Nobel winners were in attendance.

His name is Hemant (Hemi) Gandhi, and he truly is a young entrepeneur working to benefit our communities. His team of students has set up a website, where individuals can make pledges about how they will reduce energy consumption at home.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903040326

http://carbonneutralvolunteers.org/

http://www.carbonneutralvolunteers.org/team.php

http://www.carbonneutralvolunteers.org/cal_personal_lifestyle_choices.php

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Dinah Chaudoir Federer --Sheboygan, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:54 GMT

I've self published a book for the newly disabled called CHASING NORMAL-A GUIDE FOR THE NEWLY DISABLED AND FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THEM. It could be especially helpful for injured soldiers if we can get it to them. You can view it at www.chasing-normal.com
Please help me spread the word.
Blessings
dinah

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Wanda Wagaman — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:07:59 GMT

I run Adams County Dental Health Services, it a free dental clinic for uninsured and underinsured children of Adams County, Gettysburg, PA. We operate by volunteer dentist from the community and Harriburg Area Community College dental hygiene students. I'd like to nominate the dentist who give up their day off to come into my clinic and provide free dental treatment for the children of Adams County Head Start, Rural Opportunities and we are now reaching out to foster children.

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Beau Portland, Maine — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:04 GMT

I think it would be a good idea to highlight the fact that FairPoint Communications has come into the north east and created almost 700 jobs in ME, NH, and VT. They've gotten a lot of bad press from the transition from Verizon and I think they deserve some credit for helping out Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

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Jennifer Powers, Corning, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:04 GMT

I am so proud of my seven year old daughter, Natalie. Our local animal shelter is in danger of closing due to the poor economy, and Natalie, a dedicated animal-lover is extremely worried. After reading an article about the troubles our SPCA is facing, Natalie and her brother Sean donated the money they currently had, as well as contacted family members to ask for them to donate funds. In all they collected $55 to donate to the Chemung County SPCA. Kids may not understand the full effects of this poor economy, but they CAN work to make a difference.

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Colleen Kawamura (Cedar Park, TX) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:11 GMT

I'm delighted to tell you about Debi Krakar, Executive Director of the Austin Dog Alliance. Debi started this non-profit organization from her home several years ago, working 50 hours or more a week without a lick of pay. Recently she took a giant leap of faith and opened an adoption and training center. Austin Dog Alliance's programs include: Dog Rescue and Adoption, Pet Therapy (training teams to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and schools), Deaf Community Programs (including training their first hearing ear dog), Youth Outreach (educational programs designed to boost self-esteem), and Training (to reduce the number of dogs who are turned in to shelters).

I volunteer with this organization, and I never ceased to be amazed by the amount of time, energy, and financial support Debi gives to this organization. She's amazing.

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Shirley and Burt Kaplan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:11 GMT

Dear Mr. williams,
Our heartiest congratulations on this "Good News" program. Please keep this up always. When times are good this is as important as it is now. It's about time a news program did this and we hope it will spread to all news programs on all channels and stay!

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phyllis lieberman, st louis, mo — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:12 GMT

please check out www.segs4vets.org. Jerry Kerr is doing marvelous work. This site should tell you everything you need to know. Thanks for your consideration

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Roger Chapin, Olrando, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:14 GMT

All of the volunteers and the particularily the Holmes Family who donate their time and energy to Gliding Stars, an organization that utlizes ice skating as physical therapy. http://www.glidingstars.org/florida.html

Our daughter, Blair, is 7 and has an MPS genetic disorder that is regressive and progressive, avg life expectancy of early teens. The Holmes Family have taken to Blair and w/o compensation or a child of their own in the program, come out and volunteer their time to Blair and the program.

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Morgan Rose, Ottawa, Ontario Canada — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:23 GMT

Hello.
My sister, Amanda Rose, is a Canadian living in the U.K.. Despite the hard economic times, she has been devoting all of her time to a charitable cause, named Twestival. For the past months, she has spent numerous days organizing this charitable event in order to bring clean drinking water to those without. Via the online site called Twitter, she organized an event to bring 'twitterers', twitter users to come together in over 200 cities across the world to contribute via an auction or donation to this needed cause. She not only gave up her job to do this, but postponed her searching for a new job to dedicate all of her time to this worthwhile cause. I am submitting my sister's name on this site because, not only is she helping countless people with the mere necessity of clean drinking water, but she gave up her time, money and job for this cause. My sister, Amanda Rose, is already a hero to countless people, but also to her family.

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Dennette Bailey winston-salem NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:25 GMT

I just want to tell you about the day I went to renew my driver's license. I didn't realize that the license was now good for 8 years and would be $32. I was short by about $4 and the nice woman- Alice Baker said to me Honey don't worry about it. I will pay the rest for you. This was a big deal, a DMV worker paying for me, I mean how many peope come in to the offie saying they are short funds. But it didn't end there. I was so thankful and kept telling her so and she , trying to make me feel better said honey, God takes care of us all. My husband has been out of work for a year but he keeps providing. I was so touched. Here this woman was having her own financial issues but she was helping me. Well I was so touched that I went up to the DMV office and put $100 in an envelope- didn't put my name on it or anything. this woman figured out it was me and sent me the money back saying it was against DMV policy. I just really want to say thank you to her. She was kind when she could have just said honey you will have to come back with the full amount. Alice Baker is truly a kind person. Pleas help me tell the world.

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Ashley Robertson, Nashville TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:34 GMT

This is a story that happened to my friend and her son...I thought it was worth sharing. I hope it helps everyone remember what small acts of kindness can do.

Paying it forward

I have to share with ya’ll a wonderful testament of “the kindness of strangers” Benjamin and I witnessed on his heart birthday Thursday. As I mentioned in my post, I had ordered Krispy Kreme donuts for Benjamin to take to school Thursday. I had called and hoped I could get the “heart-shaped” ones, but the lady on the phone explained that you have to order 10 dozen to get special-shaped ones. . . B only has 10 kids in his class so that wasn’t an option. I could tell the woman on the phone (I asked her name and she said Virginia) seemed to think I was a bit of a nut, trying to order heart-shaped donuts two weeks AFTER Valenine’s day, so I very briefly mentioned that I had wanted the heart shape b/c my son was having his 6th heart transplant anniversary and needed a special snack for his preschool class. She then suggested she could do a round one, and then “stamp” a heart on it somehow. That sounded great to me, so I asked if I could use the drive-thru to pick up the order the next day and hung up.

The next morning, I got a call from Virginia at Krispy Kreme letting me know my order was ready (a little odd, I thought) and could I come inside to pick them up? That was fine with me—I was just happy to have donuts with a heart, like Benjamin wanted.

When we got there, we walked in and Virginia said “you must be Jennifer!” I just smiled and said yes, a little caught off guard. She then said she’d been expecting us and had something special for Benjamin. There on the counter was a huge balloon bouquet, a card she had picked up from Hallmark and had signed by all the staff at Krispie Kreme that had a puppy on it that said “So happy for you. . Congratuations!,” a Krispy Kreme hat(which is wore ALL day at school!) and 2½ dozen HEART SHAPED donuts with red icing. Benjamin was so excited to see the balloons and donuts! I was so touched I was speechless, and then had the sense to remember I had my camera in my purse and took pictures, and kept thanking them over and over.

I haven’t been so moved by a “random act of kindness,” as my friend Jane Allison calls it, in a long long time. She knew nothing about us, only that I said he was celebrating his heart transplant anniversary, and yet went to so much trouble to make his day so special. And on top of everything else, wouldn’t let me pay for them. She just said she wanted him to have a special day. Wow.

I’ve shared her kindness with as many friends as I can the last day or so and with you, b/c I would love for all of our local friends to support the Mallory Lane Krispy Kreme—they rock!

To go one step further, my friend Bob was so moved also, he told his hairstylist this morning while getting his haircut, and HE was so moved, he wrote down Virginia’s name and was going to call and offer a free haircut to all of the staff at Krispy Kreme (and not just some place like Supercuts-- Bob goes to a very nice salon!). :-)

As my friend Lisa A, who is a recent cancer survivor, says often in her posts, its all about paying it forward, isn’t ? I cannot help but think God has his angels down here and Virgina at Krispy Kreme sure is one to us. She made Benjamin’s day much more special, simply by taking the time to do something nice for a stranger. I’m gonna doing my best to pay it forward also.

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Ann J. Clarkson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:34 GMT

Brian, In times like these fine arts are more important than ever; not frills, the arts help us discover our strenghts. I nominate a friend whose whole life has been dedicated to music. Now 71, this lady has spent 50 years building music opportunities in the community is which she lives, often at a personal cost to her. Now, in this place, Wichita Falls, TX, there is a chamber orchestra, a youth symphony orchestra, scholarships for private teaching, and a center for the arts, all because of this one person, Gail Key. Thanks, in advance, for any applause you can give her!

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Vanessa Finnie, New York, New York — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:34 GMT

I want to nominate the newspaper men who stand at my subway stop every morning handing out the daily edition of AM New York. This may seem like a strange or insignificant nomination, but they are as essential for the start of my day as a cup of coffee! At the 86th and Lexington stop these men stand with a smile on their face and a paper ready in their hand every morning, whether sun or rain, or snow, or bitting cold! I cannot imagine they are paid very much at all, but regardless these men give me and other subway riders a warm smile and welcoming hello every morning, and they should be recognized for their outgoing spirit and hard work. I think all of us could use a bright spot in our morning before heading to work to face the grim reality of our economy. Delivering the news and a little bit of cheer!

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Morgan Mead, Cambridge, MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:34 GMT

Charlie Olson is a builder in Gloucester, MA. Hockey and ice skating in general are big in Gloucester, but skates are very expensive in a community of fishermen and other working people. Charlie, who grew up skating on the local ponds, has made it his project to outfit local kids with skates free of charge. All year he collects skates, at yard sales, etc. and come winter he gives them out to anyone who needs them. As children outgrow their skates, they bring them to Charlie and trade them in for a bigger pair. It's a great experience to be in the Olson house when a local kid arrives looking for a pair of skates; Charlie races off to the cellar and emerges a few minutes later dangling the precious gift. It's a great example of unsung community service.

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Joy Willison, Tequesta, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:36 GMT

Six months ago I asked for volunteers with certified therapy dogs to spend some time with students in local schools. I was amazed at the positive response I got and continued to be amazed by the dedication and commitment these volunteers showed. Now I'm so pleased to discover that what I hoped would happen has; students are absent less often, grades are going up, smiles are bigger and tails are wagging faster! Because of these awesome volunteers and their pups,
kids are feeling better and doing better. Can't say thank you enough!

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george b.young jr,arundel,maine — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:38 GMT

dear nightly news,ive been laid off since january of this year.so every now i go into work to do somethings for my employer for absolutely nothing.i really love my job since ive worked there for going on 7 years.this i think is a good thing for both me n my employer,since i love my job so much n my employer treats me like family!

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Samuel Richardson, Midlothian, Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:41 GMT

Vicki Bruce is mistress of cermonies for the Gospel Chicken House every Saturday night with between three to four hundred people coming to the chicken house to hear gospel music with two groups appearing each Saturday night. It is a real experience and has a big effect on a lot of people. You can visit the web site at The Gospel Chicken House.com. You will enjoy.

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Diane Kabourek, Omaha, Nebraska — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:48 GMT

Last weekend in Omaha Nebraska, a trucker crashed his truck into an interstate bridge when he had a heart attack and died. His dog was with him. The Nebraska Humane Society was taking a collection to get his dog back to the family in California when AMerican Airlines stepped forward and said they would fly him home for free. The Humane Society used part of the money collected to purchase a shipping crate and will use the remainder for situations like this in the future. Since my husband and I are both unemployed and could not contribute, we were glad to see the airline and humane society step forward to do this for the family at this terrible time.

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Dinah Chaudoir Federer --Sheboygan, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:49 GMT

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William Davis, Pittsburgh PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:08:53 GMT

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Lee Schreiner — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:03 GMT

In my garden club, one member Olive Beutler has been providing monthly garden therapy to different nursing homes fo 28 years. She comes up w/different programs each month for persons with memory problems to major physical problems, etc. Also, Olive raises money each month for animal charities by creating lovely silk flower designs which she sell. She reads new books each week, keeps up on politics and the news. Olive is 94 years young. She is a joy to know and an inspiration to all who know her

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Bruce Horn, Fort Worth, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:08 GMT

I nominate schoolteacher Mary Sue Leese of Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth Texas for a story about hope and determination in these hard times. Mary Sue is a cancer survivor and her husband is currently battling cancer. She is, however, one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She is tirelessly and continually involved in community service projects and inspires her students to do the same. She does Habitat for Humanity, organizes food and clothing drives for the less fortunate in our community, and in so doing collects an incredible amount of food for the needy here in Fort Worth. The list of her contributions is too long to make here. I'm not even sure if she is 100% clear of her own health problems. But she is something to behold!

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Zack Carlson, Minneapolis Minnesota — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:10 GMT

I wanted to recognize Mr. Law, a Minneapolis Man who is a pensioned retiree teacher. For many years he's working on humanitarian efforts, but more recently he works on feeding the homeless. He would take his own money and time and collect food from local grocery stores, restauraunts, and gas stations that was going to go to waste and brings it to homeless shelters.

More recently my former employer started up a service to connect churches to Mr. Law so they could provide food. The website is http://www.363days.org, and was setup by Tony Zosel in order to allow churches to sign up online and to schedule a time where their group can donate 150 or so Sandwiches.

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Jennifer Siler, Edgewater, Maryland — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:16 GMT

My Sister's Circle in Baltimore, MD (www.mysisterscircle.org) is a program to assist inner city middle school girls, starting around 6th grade, and working with them through high school and college age.

The program helps girls who have the drive, but not the opportunity, to get into a good high school, stay in school, thrive in school and many times apply and get accepted to college. The program and it's volunteers save these girls from a life on the streets, a life of drugs, abuse, teen pregnancy and worse fates that even those.

Heather is the director and I have donated money to her for several years in awe of the dedication she has to the girls of Baltimore City. She is truly a selfless person who is dedicated to providing opportunity in the very depressed economy of lower-income Baltimore City. Heather should be honored for the work she has been doing for the past few years and the passion for which she gives herself back to our community on a daily basis.

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Rhymes Stabler, Chattanooga TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:34 GMT

Following his graduation from Princeton in 2006, Lide, the founder of TUMAINI TANZANIA, spent a year teaching in Sakila, where an unstable agricultural economy, disease, and the devastation of broken families make life a daily struggle.

As Lide sent stories and pictures back to America, friends and family began to ask how they could help. After an overwhelming outpouring of support greeted a simple appeal for children's books to fill the village school's library, Lide decided to think a little bit bigger.

Having met a number of bright students who, for lack of resources, would not be able to attend secondary school, he wrote some letters to people in the U.S. on the students' behalf. The response, once again, was overwhelming.

After returning to the US, Lide and some his close friends from college came together to brainstorm ways to be effective stewards of this opportunity to match people's goodwill with the exciting vision we held for Sakila. After careful prayer and consideration, in January 2008 they established TUMAINI TANZANIA, a non-profit organization incorporated in North Carolina, named for the quiet potential that fills each child in this village. Over the past year they have worked to lay the administrative foundation for this organization.

TUMAINI TANZANIA targets the quality of education in Sakila through two projects:

1. To address immediate hardship, they provide secondary-school scholarships to brilliant and hard-working children who are at the top of their class but whose families cannot afford the post-primary education expenses.

2. To effect comprehensive, sustainable change, they are raising funds to build a new secondary school to accommodate the hundreds of children who otherwise would not have access to education.

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Marc Bloomston, M.D. Birmingham, AL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:36 GMT

Cindy Underwood R.N. organizes a medical clinic for the homeless under the interstate in downtown Birmingham. The following is a link to the Birmingham News.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/metro.ssf?/base/news/1235898937302190.xml&coll=2

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Holly Walker, Sutton, NH — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:38 GMT

Dear NBC -- This appeared in my local paper today, The Concord Monitor in New Hampshire -- and it warmed my heart.

March 04, 2009 - 7:13 am
Sometimes, all it takes is one kind act.

Laconia police Officer Jeffrey Wholley responded to the Cumberland Farms on Court Street in Laconia in early January for a shoplifting complaint to find a 32-year-old man with four sandwiches, total value $9.16, in his coat. The man admitted he was trying to steal the sandwiches but said he did so because he was homeless and hungry.

After consulting with his sergeant, Wholley not only decided against prosecuting the man but also paid for the sandwiches so the man had something to eat.

On Friday, Cumberland Farms will honor Wholley by giving the Laconia Police Relief Fund $1,000 and the New Hampshire Food Bank $2,500. Store officials will also host a lunch for Wholley and Laconia police Chief Michael Moyer at the Salvation Army in Laconia.

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Joni Blau, Merrimac, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:40 GMT

My husband's grandfather, who is 83 or 84 spends his days volunteering at the commission on aging. He delivers meals to elderly who are unable to go out and he also spends time taking these people to appointments, grocery shopping and to the pharmacy. He talks to these people and offers his company. I feel that for a retired man, who has lost his wife and lives alone, this is a very selfless deed that he does.

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Karl Hanson, Jr Jacksonville, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:09:54 GMT

John Forrester of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl founded a 501(c)(3) solely for the purpose of helping children/families in need during the holiday season. The unique aspect is that John was able to obtain all of the ongoing expenses of running a charity as a contribution. Therefore 100% of every dollar contributed goes to the children in need. Further to make certain the dollars are well spent he has reached a pact with the principals of the elementary schools in communities of need to be the eyes and ears of the foundation to identify and verify true need, It is remarkable to see what one man's vision can accomplish when based upon love and caring for his community.

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Chuck Pettid, New York, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:06 GMT

I would like to nominate the free e-book industry. In tough times like today it is nice to get world class entertainment for free. Check out manybooks.net and feedbooks.com. They have all the classics (like Shakespeare) and new up and coming authors (like Joseph Devon). Think about how many kids in school who are required to read and buy books that could go to one of these sites and download them for free. All the little things help in todays economy.

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Patty Reed, Memphis, TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:22 GMT

I nominate Jane Fraser, president of The Stuttering Foundation. She manages the Foundation in such a way that the majority of donations go to help people who stutter. She sends free books and DVDs to every public library who will shelve it so everyone has access to help with stuttering. Parents of children who start to stutter are guided as to what to do at home and when professional help is needed. A list of therapists who have been trained to work with stutterers is available on the web site. People who need help have access to a toll-free help line, loads of information on the web site, and an information e-mail. The Foundation was started by Jane's father, who stuttered, in 1947. She can be contacted at info@stutteringhelp.org.

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Bill Harman, Westerville (Columbus), Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:36 GMT

I would like to nominate Ken Lazar who works for Manpower in central Ohio. A couple of years ago Ken started a small organization called the Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group to help people find new employment or change careers. The first meetings had 10 to 15 people coming together twice a month. The SRJNG now has 4 to 5 chapters with meetings every week of the month and the main meeting is hosting anywhere from 100 to 150 people twice a month. Ken has done all of this with his own time and effort. He has helped more people find employment and a new lease on life more than anyone I have ever met. He is simply the reason many push forward as he tries to answer questions, find the right speakers, locate those who can lend a hand and see how many he can help without ever asking anything for himself. He is truly an inspiration to all who come in contact with him and has done far more than anyone I can see in helping put central Ohio back to work. I'm a better person for having met Ken and I know he will be there for me when and if I need him.

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Bob Farrington — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:40 GMT

Here is a good story
http://codywalks.blogspot.com/

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Cathy Coleman, Carleton, Mi. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:41 GMT

We have a local store owner, Ron and Brenda Lambrix, who are part of the Goodfellows organization but who have taken it as a personal task to collect food for the needy in our town/county. They are both very selfless in their acts and never seem to ask for anything in return.

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tom murphy, foxboro MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:49 GMT

Hi Brian,

Here is a grass roots organization here in SE Mass. Totally voluntary, from helping someone rake their yard to renovating a bathroom for someone diaabled. Everybody volunteers their time, materials and their trade. Nobody makes a cent aand nobody is turned away.
Donations are made to schools in the area including playground equipment and gym equipment. Teachers and administrators are also honored. It's unbelievable stuff. Here's the web page:

http://www.randomsmile.org/index.html

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Joan McTigue, Orient OH 43146 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:50 GMT

Please consider the thousands of "blanketeers" across this nation. They are part of Project Linus. This is a 100% volunteer organization that provides new hand made blankets for children in need. Any funds donated go directly to purchase supplies to make more blankets. The "blanketeers" also purchase their own materials to make blankets. For more info go to Prujectlinus.org. We have provided over two and a half million blankets since our inception. We gave over 23,000 blankets to Katrina victims. They also go to hospitals, family services and homeless shelters. The kids get to keep the blankets for their very own.
The volunteers do it out of love for the children (up to age 18). They all are an amazing group of people.

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Lori Ann Sweet Constable New York — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:52 GMT

I wanted to tell you about a small community located between plattsburgh ny and massena ny, it is located in Constable New York. they have a small fire dept that is all volunteer. The men and women who belong to this dept do not get enough recognition for the jobs they do. Our community was hit with several disasters such as homicides, suicides, and several fires that were during the very cold days we had this winter. these men and women also had fund raisers to help suppot constructing a building to be an emergency shelter for the communities people during power outages, or disasters, so these people and elderly would have heat, running water, electricity powered by a generator, and shelter. Senator Betty Little helped to acquire some of the funds that were badly needed to complete this project. Many of the men and women who serve on this department have full time jobs as well as families, and they still jump up and go out in the middle of the night and below zero temperatures to help their community members in their time of need. They also try to provide several activites for the community to try and help keep the local kids out of trouble, and at the same time try to reward their community by having brunches, chicken bbqs. I would appreciate it very much to have these special, big hearted, and devoted members to their community.

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Lee Schreiner, Amherst, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:10:58 GMT

In my garden club, one member Olive has been providing monthly garden therapy to different nursing homes fo 28 years. She comes up w/different programs each month for persons with memory problems to major physical problems, etc. Also, Olive raises money each month for animal charities by creating lovely silk flower designs which she sell. She reads new books each week, keeps up on politics and the news. Olive is 94 years young. She is a joy to know and an inspiration to all who know her

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Megan Stackhouse, Waukesha, Wisconsin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:02 GMT

I work at Wal-Mart as a cashier. A woman and her child were buying groceries and her son was wanting the bag of doritos right then. So I rang them up and the mom gave them to her son. I finished ringing up her items and she swiped her credit card. The card was declined. She had no cash on her. I would have to take the doritos back. The mom reached for them but her son is very little and started to cry. A man behind her offered to pay for the doritos for her. He said he knows what it's like with children. =) I thank him because I really would have felt horrible taking food from a little kid.

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Shanae Murray, Pikesville, Maryland — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:30 GMT

Hi Brian, I LUV watching you on TV every evening.

I have a great story for you. I attend Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown MD and we have recently "adopted" a Men's Homeless Shelter in Baltimore, Maryland. The men that live in the shelter are former felons that need a helping hand with their transition back into society. Some of the services that we provide are Christian Fellowship (prayer and encouragement), meals, linen, clothing, legal advice, career guidance (interview skills, resume prep, etc.), and anything we can provide to make their (transition) home comfortable. Well, during these tough times...our congregation has been very responsive and have found the time and resoures to give more than ever. Its been a blessing to the men and to our church.

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kris rinkenberger morton Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:31 GMT

as a family touched by cancer and it's devastating effects, I've become impressed with Sean Swarner. He is a two time childhood cancer survivor who became the first cancer survivor to climb mt. everest. He is giving hope to so many children and their families who are suffering from cancer!

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Cindy Pennell 730 Chestnut St. Delanco, NJ 08075 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:51 GMT

My nephew, Alec Clelland, is having a charity event for his 16th birthday instead of a birthday party. He is holding a charity water party asking everyone to donate to charitywater.com instead of giving him presents.

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Steve Ames Christiansburg, Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:54 GMT

I want to nominate the most dedicated person I have ever known. His name is John Rutherford of Radford, Virginia. John retired from teaching at Radford University in the mid 90's and has been working as an unpaid volunteer at the local food bank called the Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread for the past 12+ years. He works every weekday, year round except for Christmas and New Years. He comes in around 9 AM and works until 12:30 each day. Our community is indepted to John for all he does; especially those less fortunate who look forward to a warm meal each day.

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Sarah Booth, Lake Charles, Louisiana — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:11:57 GMT

I am with a science club in Lake Charles Louisiana. We won the Lexus Challenge last year and won money which we spent on solar panels for our school classroom. Our sponsor who I wish to nominate is Mrs. Judy Reeves. We recently recieved awards from the mayor for being the first school in the state to be powered by solar power. We really want to spread the news so we can reduce the carbon footprint in the U.S.

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Magdalen Maloney, Buffalo, New York — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:01 GMT

A student in my class lost everything including her pets in a fire about a month ago. When the other students heard about what happened they gave her new supplies from their own stock. Some students brought in clothes and toys from home that they weren't using and they have been helping her catch up on work that she missed while she was out. Parents have also called wondering how they could help. The special ed teacher in our classroom bought clothes and toys for her and we organized a teacher dress down fundraiser to get a Target card for the family. I am so proud of my students that at 10 years old some of these kids who barely have anything themselves gave to someone else without being asked. They just felt compelled to do so. I couldn't ask for more.

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Sheila D'Avignon, South Glens Falls, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:09 GMT

Brian, our school system hold a yearly marathon dance to raise money for local individuals and organizations. They have raised 1.8 million dollars to date, with last year's total being $245,000! And kids learn that it is not about the money, it is about helping out the community. I am a recipient this year, and cannot tell you how much it means to me to live in such a caring community. Even with the economy problems, people are so generous. You know the old saying "Many hands make light work?" Well, many single dollars make a huge difference!! please see www.shmd.org for more information, and feel free contact me as well. Thank you for your time, and for doing stories like this. It is good to know that not all the news is bad! God Bless. Sheila

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Barbara Goines, River Rouge, Michigan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:15 GMT

My name is Barbara Goines. I am 50 years old woman and I am disable. I have an 18 year old daughter(Jessica Hoag) that takes care of me. Instead of going out with her friends (and I have tried very hard to get her to)she insists on staying with me, just in case something happens.
I know a lot of young people, and I have heard about others, but I have never heard of anyone that young that would rather stay home and take care of an old beaten down woman, when they could be out with their friends.
If that isn't enough, my daughter doesn't drink, has never done drugs (and if it counts, she is still a virgin)and she is still in school. She will start taking her classes over the internet so that she will be with me all the time (just in case, as she would say).
Even if she doesn't qualify for good news in the bad economy; she is great news for me.

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christina verruso — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:20 GMT

my neighbor kathy karamanian,volunteer for a cat shelter and takes her time out of her week every saturday,to help out and now she found theres kittens a colony, that she calls. goes ever night to feed them and take care of them she is so dedicated to her cats and such an inspirational to others ,the one cat was sick,had to take the cat to the vet but was so sick they had to put the cat to sleep ,kathy was so heart broken ,cause she lost her cat simple that meant everthing to her ,iam so honored to have a wounderful neighbor like kathy,we live in garner,nc

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Kylene Breazeale, Omaha, NE — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:42 GMT

This past weekend a truckdriver from California suffered a heart attack while driving here in Omaha and crashed his tractor-trailer. He passed away but his dog Zac did live. He was taken to the Nebraska Humane Society. His family could not afford to fly him home so our local NBC news asked for donations and from what I understand the Omaha population donated so much to get the dog home safely, there was even extra money to make a fund to fly future animals home in this type of situations. It was touching because the man's son said, "my mom wants the dog home because he's all I have left of my husband".

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Lynda Haschke, Dallas, TX — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:45 GMT

A hand to hold until they all come home....

Operation Special Delivery provides labor doulas -- someone who is specially trained to give informational, emotional, and physical support to women during childbirth -- free of charge to military moms whose husbands or partners have been killed, seriously injured or are still deployed overseas.

OSD was started by Patricia Newton, a New Jersey doula who wanted to help expectant moms who had lost a husband or partner in the tragedies of September 11, 2001. . The response was so overwhelming that in 2005 she turned the program’s administrative duties over to the Child and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA).

During the month of March -- to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Iraq War -- CAPPA has teamed up with Stork Vision, a national prenatal imaging company, to collect donations for Operation Special Delivery at Stork Vision locations and online at OSD's website,
www.operationspecialdelivery.com.

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Jan Householder — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:49 GMT

A group of area ladies are making cloth dolls called The Giving Doll,in Wadsworth, Ohio The dolls are constructed from donated material by volunteers. They are then given, with a doll quilt, to children who are in need of some special comfort. The tag that is attached to each dolls says: My name is__(name given to doll__ I was made by_name of person who made the doll___ to GIVE you love, hope, joy, faith and comfort during this special time In just three years, over 3800 dolls have been made and distributed to children in Ohio and 38 other states. Children in hospitals, children of deployed military, food banks, homeless shelters, fire and police department are just a few who have received dolls to give. Giving Doll Programs are now being started in Florida, Virginia and PA.with hopes of spreading across the US.

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Janie Bawel, Downers Grove, Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:49 GMT

The Ride Janie Ride foundation- Chicagoland IL
Friends planning and organizing a motorcycle ride and fundraising event to raise money for families facing the financial burdens that cancer can bring. This will be our 3rd annual ride. Janie Bawel from Downers Grove, IL was the first recipient after a life saving stem cell transplant. Along with Janie, her husband and group of friends founded the Ride Janie Ride Foundation, Not for Profit 501 (c)(3)
We have 3 special kids fighting cancer that we will be raising money for. Please spread the word about this wonderful foundation. Visit our website at www.ridejanieride.org or check us out on you tube- ride janie ride promo!

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John Dinan, Columbus Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:52 GMT

I recommend Rhonda Anderson. She's an amazing individual with a drive to save the world one photo album at a time. No kidding! She invented modern-day scrapbooking. It grew to become a $3 billion hobby in this country. Today she is using her celebrity to share a message of hope to anyone who will listen. With today's depressed economy and dwindling 401K accounts, she encourages people to open a photo album and rediscover the real assets in their lives - the family and friends who matter so much more than the daily price of a share of stock. She encourages people to take more photos so they'll have an read reminder of the good times they have enjoyed and the wonderful people who love them in this life. She calls it faithbooking - not scrapbooking. She so full of hope - she says, "don't worry, things will get better if you have a little faith." She's an amazing woman - I hope you'll include her and her optimism on your broadcast.

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Dr. Alice Jeromin, Richfield, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:54 GMT

Just saw your request for some "good news" after viewing the piece on helper dogs. I am a veterinarian who specializes in allergy/dermatology in Cleveland (actually, Richfield, Ohio) and like some Starbuck's customers paying for others in line, some of my clients will write their check for their pet along w/ extra to help another pet who can't afford its treatments. Some owners will donate their pets medications so that they can be passed on to others who can use it. It's so heartwarming to see any of this-that anyone cares and is thinking so much of other pets! By the way, I hope Mike Taibbi's pug is still with him--I know he/she was elderly and I kind of make a mental note to see if he/she is mentioned in his stories... but nothing lately. Hope he/she is well!

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Don Newby — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:12:59 GMT

GOOD NEWS, not about a person, but from nature! How How about 30 seconds of a peaceful, serene, nature setting? That,Brian, and NBC, would be your contribution to GOOD NEWS for all your watchers!

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ANTHONY LICATA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:03 GMT

I HAVE GREAT NEWS AMD BUILING 8BILLION DOLLAR CHIP FABRICATION PLANT IN MALTA,NY,ABOUT 200 MILES NORTH OF NYC.GROUND BREAKING TO START APRIL. WHEN FINISHED IN 2012 IT WILL EMPLOY OVER 1,400 PEOPLE. IN TODAY'S DOOM AND GLOOM, THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS.

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Ginny Cochran, Jefferson City, TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:11 GMT

My church has a prayer shawl ministry, which is just a small part of a national movement. Members knit, crochet or sew shawls, scarves and lap robes. These are given to people who are in the hospital, have had a death in the family etc. If one is ready to be given it is displayed during the Sunday worship service and anyone who wishes can pray over it and sign a card.We receive the most heartfelt thank you notes.

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Michael, Ruston, LA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:24 GMT

We have put together a group of volunteers to help non-profit public gardens in the New Orleans area keep on the cutting edge of technology. We are helping them to create inventories of their gardens then upload them to the web. This lets their visitors use their iPhones, Blackberries, etc to get more information about the gardens and the plants.

The program is so popular that it's spreading to other states, and now we are helping gardens across the US find volunteers.

We are providing all the of the backend technology to make this happen for free to gardens and their visitors, and we've done it without a single penny of corporate sponsorship.

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Sonja Bingen, Burlington, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:35 GMT

Hi, my two sons and I would like to nominate my husband/their father, for his speaking out and volunteering the last two years of his time to help pass a law which would require insurance coverage of treatment for children with Autism in Wisconsin. Senate Bill 3/Assembly Bill 15 is expected to pass and be signed by the Governor in April because of dedication like his. My husband, (yahoo him) Bill Bingen, is someone who has truly made a difference to our community and to disabled children in our state. If our youngest son, Joey, who has Autism could talk he would tell you this himself!

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Jeremiah, Iowa City, IA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:35 GMT

Jerry Anthony. He helps victims of this past summer's flood even though he was also affected. Before the flood came he had foresight to build a sandbag leevee. He organized all the sandbaggers so that the leevee could have maximum affect. Even when the local dam couldn't hold back the water his leevee did. On June 12th the waters went over the levee and his neighborhood flooded. His house got 18" of water but he still insisted on helping his neighbors recover.

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Anne-Laura Cook, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:37 GMT

A group of local elementary school children were preparing to travel to DC for Obama's inauguration. They worked hard at fundraising to be able to afford their trip.

See link: http://www.al.com/birminghamnews/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1232183750258750.xml&coll=2

Just days before they were supposed to leave, the group's teacher realized that the students were $4000 short. The teacher, Bo Floyd, made an emotional plea on the local news for any assistance that could be given. My friend, Sherry Colgin, heard the story, which brought tears to her eyes. Sherry was just days away from major surgery and wanted desperately for those children to see history first-hand as she would be watching from a hospital bed. She immediately called the TV station and got Ms. Floyd's contact information. She drove to her doorstep that very night and wrote a $4000 check to the travel agency to ensure that the students' trip would not be cancelled. Ms. Floyd and the students were elated!

Ms. Floyd has been adamant about paying back my friend and showing her students' appreciation with a choir concert held in her honor. Sherry is very humble and has been hesitant to accept any public congratulations. I think it would be wonderful for her story to be shared!

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William Hoke, Iowa City, IA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:42 GMT

There is an independent moving company in Iowa City, IA that is giving back to the community. They help people downsize before they move by offering to take thing to the following three charities:

First, Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City, a home away from home for the families of young children receiving critical medical care at the University of Iowa accepts donations of almost anything families away from home would need to keep clean, well-fed, and comfortable. They collect these items on the day of the move to take to the RMD House.

Second, they are glad to take any unwanted furniture items in good, resalable condition to Goodwill for you.

Finally, if you have any reusable home improvement/building materials you'd like to donate, they are happy to transport them for you to the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Restore.

In addition to these programs 'The Spine' also pays their employees well above the prevailing wage and provides all their full-time employees with health care. You may check them out at http://www.spinemoving.com/community.html

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Elke Miller, Harker Heights, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:46 GMT

I volunteer at the Centex Humane Society's Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen, Texas (part of that area is the Fort Hood Army Reservation). I want to nominate the employees at the shelter. They work for minimum wage but their love for the animals is on display every day. No matter if it is a rainy cold day or a hot dry day they care for the animals. It is back breaking work sometimes cleaning the cages and making sure all their needs are met.
They have to listen, daily, to stories why people need to turn their animals into the shelter. A lot of time that could be prevented but also, in this economy, some stories are heartbreaking.
The shelter is a no kill facility and if they don't take the animals the people will turn them over to a city run kill shelter.
The shelter is old and in desperate need of improvements which makes it hard for the employees to care for the animals. The laundry piles up every day and the whole building needs updating.
But no matter what, they come in earlier than their shift every day and stay longer to care for the animals they love. They even come in on their days off.

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William Kover, Piscataway, New Jersey — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:50 GMT

I am nominating a lady who recently died, Doris Hollingsworth. She founded an organization in 1975 called S.W.I.M., Inc., whose purpose is to provide recreational therapy for adults with a muscular impairment for FREE.

http://www.swim-inc.org/

My wife has post-polio sequelae. She has been a swimmer in this program since 1995. It is a tremendous help for those with various ailments (MS, Polio, stroke, fibromyalgia, etc).

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ANTHONY LICATA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:52 GMT

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Harvey Sham, Quincy, MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:56 GMT

Mr. Williams:

Hi, my name is Harvey Sham and I am a Senior at Boston University. I was watching your newscast while eating dinner and saw your request for "good news" and "people who are doing acts of kindness in a cruel economy."

When I saw this, I immediately thought of something that the students at Boston University do. Every March during our most coveted Spring Break, students volunteer to travel to all different parts of the nation to help with issues such as hunger, housing, the environment, animal rescue, human rights, and children, to name a few. This program, called "Alternative Spring Break" (ASB), is unique to Boston University and in my opinion is one of the most passionate statements about how dedicated we are to community service. Students actually line-up TWENTY-FOUR HOURS prior to registration to secure a spot to go on ASB; and, get this, students actually PAY a fee of $285 just to HELP people, animals, or the environment.

I am going on the trip this year to Atlanta, GA, where I, along with my group, will be working with the International Rescue Committee. I can't stress enough the concept of students giving up their Spring Break to line up 24-hours in advance and use their own money to help other people. This is what being a Boston University student is all about...and we love doing it!

I hope that this story can inspire others in times such as these; just remember that there are always ways to help.

Best,

Harvey

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Ramona Willis Dickson, Tn. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:11 GMT

I work with mentally challenged adults. My friend Doris Mitchell does,also. She goes out of her way to show kindness and generosity to the people we serve. They are qiuck studies when it comes to her generosity. Everytime they see her, they ask her if she will make them their favorite dessert. much of the time, she really can't afford the extra cost. She manages not to disappoint, and somehow scrapes up enough money to get the ingredients for whatever they request. She really is a great lady!!

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Lucas D. Butz, Harrisburg, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:14 GMT

I know it will sound a little silly, but I'd like to nominate Brian Williams. Delivering the news every night, good and bad, is at the very least a comforting service in an increasingly uncertain world. He doesn't create what's reported; he simply reports it. And that provides millions the security they seek in an uncertain time. I've come to trust and admire a man I choose to listen to each night. Mr. Williams deserves the same kind of recognition he shows of others and I thank him for his service.

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Wendy Duynslager Mount Clemens, Michigan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:27 GMT

I want to nominate my company they've just taken 214 employees and customers on a 4 night 5 day cruise the the Western Caribbean! We left Michigan on February 19th and returned on February 23rd. We had a great time! It was nice just to be able to forget the hard times and relax and get to know each other a little better. Everyone got to bring a spouse or guest so I brought my younger sister with me on her first cruise. As much as people are struggling these days it was something they didn't have to do but wanted to. I'm sure other people would agree with me when I say K/E Electric Supply Corp. is the most giving, generous, family oriented company. They truly care about their people. I'm proud to be a part of this wonderful group.

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P Samford, Houston, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:39 GMT

Any time the Nightly News has a dog story, it is a good day.
A good story - in the Spring Branch School District in Houston, Tx, appproximately 90 Middle School students are paired with elementary children to help with reading skills. The program is called Reading Buddies and the middle school students (Memorial Middle School) give up lunch and activity period to help the younger kids at Pine Shadows. This would be a good story for Janet Shamlian since she lives here. Thanks again for all the dog stories.

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Nolanda Crain Lane, KS — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:40 GMT

New Horizon Ranch is a therapeutic riding center located in the small town of Rantoul, KS, approx an hour south from Kansas City. This great organization was founded by Brian and Joy Miller who have worked tirelessly for the last two years getting this program underway.

If you are not familiar with this program, they pair a child with a horse, and basically start "physical/speech/occupational therapy" on horseback. This program is available for physically, mentally or socially challenged children and young adults. This helps build confidence, self-esteem; not to mention physical improvements as well. They learn basic commands such as "walk on" and "whoa" to name a few.

There are many of these programs around this country and it is an amazing thing to watch. Who doesn't want to ride a horse?

Brian and Joy are an amazing young couple who have sacrificed so much to get this program underway. Such great people and a great program!! There is a short video on their website - newhorizonranch.org

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CHRIS BANKS LIMA,OHIO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:48 GMT

MY PASTOR DR.B.L MONFORD HAS OPENED UP A HOUSE FOR PEOPLE WITH DRUGS AND DRINKING PROBLEMS ITS CALLED THE MARY ALLICE HOUSE .

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Susanne Moon, Versailles, MO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:49 GMT

My 16-year-old son and I had a discussion recently about what he could do to help give back to our community in some way. A year or so ago, we had visited a neighbor who was in the local nursing home a few times, and the residents seemed to really notice and appreciate Andy as we made our way through the halls. That experience, coupled with my son's love of video games, gave him the idea to play Wii with residents. Since then, he and several of his friends have begun going to the nursing home every Sunday afternoon and doing a variety of activities, from boxing or bowling with the Wii, to painting fingernails, playing Bingo, batting a balloon back and forth across the activity room and sometimes just visiting and providing a bright spot in someone's day. Residents and staff at the home have been thrilled with the kids coming and spending time with them, and watching the teenagers interact with the senior citizens and physically handicapped has been a real blessing to visitors at the home and is heartwarming for parents of these very giving and compassionate kids. I am very proud of them for seeing a need and for sacrificing their time to provide happiness to complete strangers. I know there are many nursing homes across the country that are understaffed and have residents who get very few visitors. I've learned that a lot of these facilities have purchased Wii systems to use as physical therapy tools, but the residents need some help with actually playing and staff doesn't always have time for this. I wish teenagers (and even younger kids) in other communities would get involved in activities at local nursing homes and senior citizen housing developments. It provides great benefits for the young and old alike!

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Tom McManus, New Canaan CT — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:56 GMT

Brian-
I would like to nominate Connie McManus who is director of Service Ministries for the Congregational Church of New Canaan. As she does each year and as part of an ongoing relationship with them she organized a visit to Pivot House Ministries, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for men in Norwalk CT on Saturday. This facility is one of two that Pivot runs,and the other in nearby Bridgeport saw an extensive renovation take place thru the help both finacially as well in sweat equity from the Church.On saturday evening there was a group of 8 men and women from the Church who had cooked and served and then sat with the 20 gentlemen attendance. The purpose of sitting was to connect with the residents, to talk with them about their successes in rehabiliation and to thank them for allowing us to spend time with them. Connie does this as a job but her warmth and sincerety pours out of her and is recognized by the residents and volunteers alike. She is a magnetic force in getting people from a fairly affluent community to volunteer time and money all year around for projects like Pivot or for AMERICARES or other humane services.
She would not be pleased to know I sent this but she is most deserving of being recognized.

keep up the great reporting- yours is a first class show.

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Aaron Kline,Hershey, Pennsylvania — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:14:56 GMT

This past year has been very rough for me and my family but my dad has been helping my kids even as his work has gotten harder. My dad Randy has been helping me and my brother by coaching us in baseball and helping other kids learn the great game. He has also helped his fellow work colleagues by going out of his busy schedule to help them keep their jobs and stay on top of their work.
Sincerely,
Aaron Kline

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Lara Lee, Orlando, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:01 GMT

Four friends started a Foudantion for
Foster children in Orlando Florida. They gave over $1,000,000 of their own money to start the Foundation. The Foundation provides funds to local foster children for tutoring and life's "extras" like after school activities, camps, etc... In 10 months the Foundation for Foster Children has given over $16,000 to local foster children and has raised over $200,000 in the community.

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Audrey Bussow, Hendersonville, TN 37075 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:02 GMT

I recently moved to the Nashville area, and started to drop in on the local humane society (Sumnerhumane.org). I expected this to be a real downer, but found it to be quite the opposite. There, everyday, regular people go about the business of caring for,loving and soothing abandoned or unwanted animals without any fanfare. Often these people dip into their pocketbooks,(which I am guessing is a real hardship but are happy to do) when funds are low.I sense that the job is a tougher for them in this economy....every animal with it's own story, but they still do it because someone needs to! I leave the house bombarded with everything that's going wrong in the world. But when I go in there and watch these people doing the best they can for our friends with fur who have no say in what happens to them, I leave full of pride for all the good there still is in people.

I ache for these people to be recognized!

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Jim Quigley, East Orange, NJ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:15 GMT

Thank you for your good faith effort to try and find the better angels of our nature. I also salute the brave reporting by Ann Curry this evening and your routinely amazing reporting by Richard Engel. Brian Williams and the rest of you guys truly set the bar high for all other journalists to follow. I am a faithful viewer of your nightly news broadcasts. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

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Timothy Matthews, Savannh, Georgia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:22 GMT

Hi Brian,
My Name is Tim Matthews. I am a Disabled Veteran living in Savannah, Ga. I am writing to you to nominate a very special person in our community, my wife. Her name is Meryl DeLena and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She came here in 2003 when she was recruited by the Department pf Defense to help returning soldiers with Mental Health Issues. She worked with Reservists, National Guard, Active Duty, Special Forces and Special Operations. She now has a practice in the area where she caters to their families for deployment issues as well as many others. She also specializes in Post Traumatic Stress and has helped many soldiers with re-adjustment issues. Prior to her committment to the military community she ran a Sexual Abuse Clinic in Miami, Florida to help child victims of sexual violence. She has developed play therapy programs for children and worked on an infant mental health committee....I could go on on about her resume, but maybe you should meet a true hero of the abused, traumatized and underpriveledged. Thank you for your time.

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Mike Brothers Joshua, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:37 GMT

I would like to nominate Captain Abdul Pridgeon of the Fort Worth, Texas Police Department for implementing Project Cool Breeze to allow older persons in his section of town to access air conditioning repairs for the price of parts only. This action will save lives this summer and shows that he really does care about people!

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Ceil Wendt Jensen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:38 GMT

I nominate marcin Chumeicki, a thirty something Pole, who became an American citizen a few years ago. Baptised by Karol Wojtyła, Marcin says he feels it's right for him to be on the historic campus. He is the new director of The Polish Mission and his role is to find funding to renovate the buildings, bring the archives into usable condition, and bring new life and revenue to campus.

He oversees small museums that hold letters from the kings of Poland, and school children who sent letters to American to thank the US for their help during WWI.

He is bridging between elders who communicate best in Polish, and second and third generation Polish Americans. It's hard not to catch his enthusiasm. Currently, he is preparing a September event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Poland and spotlight the Catholic survivor stories and art work on campus. He'll conduct oral histories of the last 20 survivors of the Polish Underground Army who live in metro Detroit. He is telling the "Untold Story" of the 3 million Catholic Poles who suffered and died at the hands of the Nazis.
http://web.mac.com/polishmission/Site/Polish_Mission.html

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Peter Mckenzie Centereach,NY 11720 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:15:53 GMT

Hi Brian,
I want to suggest you honor the work done by Ms. Amy Sapio a Social Worker in a Special Program for clients with drug or alcohol problems. Amy is very caring an has a positive energy and is a encouragement to her clients. She is one of the unsung heros in the helping professsion of Social Work..privately helping people change from addictions.Thank You...Peter Mckenzie

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Mark Rowe, Greenville, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:04 GMT

A newly developed non-profit organization called the Camp Diversity Foundation provides economically challenged families with the opportunity to give their child a memorable and rewarding summer camp experience. A devoted group of individuals have seen this organization raise in excess of $60,000 to deliver its first successful summer camp experience in 2008. It is poised to offer the same rewarding opportunity to even more in 2009.

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Dan Hendrickson, Columbus, OH — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:12 GMT

These two true Americans have made it there life to honor our WWII heros. Bill & Bobbie Richards of Upper Arlington, OH lead Honor Flight in Columbus,OH.Honor Flight Columbus honors and celebrates World War II veterans’ service by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. The veterans are provided this experience at no charge as a token of our gratitude and respect. Their primary mission is to safely escort America’s World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to create an unforgettable experience at the memorials dedicated in honor of their service and sacrifice. Veterans of other wars who are terminally ill are also included. The one day trips to the nation’s capitol occur during April – November as funds permit.
http://honorflightcolumbus.org/index.html

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Victoria Sheridan, Houston, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:21 GMT

Mr.Williams,you were the one who brought the Shiba-Inu-Puppy-Cam to all our attention last year about the 6 darling puppies born to "Kika".Well, it developed quite a following that continues to this day with one pup they kept named Ayumi. Turns out Ayumi's poppa was a winner last year at the Westminster Dog Show- "Rogue"-but the amazing thing is this family (unknown to us)-we call them Mr.Feet & Mrs.Shoes-and if you went to the site and the comment section, you will see so many comments from those of us who still watch all their dogs-Haru,Kika,Yuuki,Ayumi and Mina the cat. They have left the webcam on and it gives us just pure happiness,joy, hope and love everyday-especially in all these tough times. It is supportive and just a "happy place". Such profound benevolence from 2 people who continue to bring smiles to people they don't know, people who need some "cheering up",people going through a "patch". They are so kind and spread so much good and I think they deserve recognition.

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Cal Spencer, Kenbridge, VA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:28 GMT

I would like to nominate Deborah Craven, a nurse with Lunenburg Health Service, Inc. On a daily basis, sometimes 7 days per week, she visits rural residents of Lunenburg County, Virginia providing free health care to all citizens of the county, regardless of income. She travels over 20,000 miles per year, making thousands of home visits. Her visits provide necessary medical care for many uninsured citizens, including those who fall through the cracks of having no insurance but not being eligible for governmental assistance. The Health Service is a not for profit private entity that accepts no state or federal funding and operates only upon the generosity of donors. The Service has been in operation for over 60 years. Debra provides her nursing services with a smile and friendly attitude that is welcomed by all of her patients.

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Debbie Mitchell, Ardmore, OK — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:44 GMT

I am a disabled person. I lost my husband in06. Since then I had been struggling to find some one to do my yard for what I could afford to pay. So last year I put an ad in a paper & had many calls. But really no one I could afford. Days went by & I got a call from Barbara. Wanted to know if I had found some one yet. I said not really. She said she worked for a company named Nu Star Energy. I had never heard of them. She said they would like to do my yard. I told her what I could afford to pay. She said this will be done for FREE! I couldn't believe my ears. At first I felt bad taking charity, but I know that the angels (my hubby Chesley) was looking out for me. He sent these wonderful people to me. They have taken a great burden off my shoulders. They told me if there was anything I needed that they could do just give them a call. They truelly are a gift to me. Thank you.

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Priscilla VanNess, Creston, Iowa. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:48 GMT

I'm a senior citizen and I rent a little bungalow from a farmer in the country. The propane costs are very expensive this year and I'm on a limited fixed income.
My landlord is the nicest person I have met in a long time.
When my car broke and was in the shop being fixed he let me borrow his brand new truck to go to the store for my prescriptions.
He brings me piles of wood for my wood stove and won't charge me anything. He always says let me know when you need more.
When I was in the hospital for a week he took care of my 2 dogs and few cats, making sure they were fed and let out to potty.
He brings my mail when the weather prohibits my going down to the gravel road for it.
I can count on him for just about anything and he is always kind.
If I'm late on the rent because of unforseen expenses he says, just pay me when you can no problem. He is a jewel.

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mari damico — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:16:58 GMT

I would like to nominate the owner of raytex industries.The company is family owned for the past 97 years.A textile company Dan Reich the present owner wanted to do something that was giving back to the community. We have been working with the vet dog association so that our disabled vets are entitled to a working dog thru donations that we are able to give them from our sales. He also thought that the products should be handled packaged and shipped thru disabled work shops.What is better today than to employ americans that are disabled.I am proud to be an emploee of this company.

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Pamela Mitchell Sebring, Fla — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:17:00 GMT

Here in Sebring Florida there is a clinic run by Dr. Pena who takes patients with no insurance what-so-ever. He provides medical, dental and eye care.
How to qualify is based on the amount of money in the family. This is truly a wonderful place and it is kept going by the goodness of people and the volunters who give of their time everyday. In today's economy this place is a God send to us who live here and are able to go to Dr. Pena. I think he should be regonized for all that he does.

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Heather Hutchinson, Godfrey, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:17:43 GMT

I don't quite remember their last names, but the Walt & Linda B.(?) will always have a place in my heart due to their generosity towards my boyfriend & I. We had the pleasure of meeting this couple while dining at Jinko's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (Walt Disney World Resort). My boyfriend overheard that they were celebrating their 17th Wedding Anniversary and congratulated them. This began a pleasant conversation between us all. At the end of our meal, preparing to pay our bill, Linda grabs our reciept and insists on paying for our meal! I had just lost my job and my boyfriend was taking me out because he had a 50% off coupon for being a Disney employee (in other words this place was normally out of our budget). We left the restuarant dazed. I didn't know such kindness could still exist. They said it was because we were so friendly and they enjoyed the conversation. A simple thank you just did not seem adequate enough but it was all we had. I hope they enjoyed the rest of their vacation. I'm certainly going to do my best to pass it on because their random act of kindness made our night (and gave us an awesome story pass along).

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John Walters Canton, MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:17:47 GMT

I would like to nominate Dan Cummings from Boston MA.

Dan is the founder of a nonprofit organization in MA called Journey Forward, that is dedicated to bettering the lives of those who have suffered a Spinal Cord Injury through an intense exercise recovery program.

The amazing thing is that for almost a year Dan has not received a penny for the work he has done. Dan's mission is to make Journey Forward accessible to all of those who need their services and if it wasn't for Dan's selfless acts their services may not be available.

Please visit Journey Forward's website and see the amazing things Dan is doing for the Spinal Cord Injury communities of Boston...

www.journey-forward.org

Thank you Dan for all that you do...

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Dustin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:17:49 GMT

I hope my story inspires people.

http://rxvette.blogspot.com/2009/02/simple-act-of-giving.html

I'm not trying to get attention for myself but rather my sole purpose is to inspire others.

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Kirsten Bond, St. James, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:17:53 GMT

Hey Brian,
I just saw your news cast and I wanted to nominate someone who does an "Act of Kindness". I want to nominate my mother, Carol Bond. I am a graduating senior in college. Hence, I am pretty short on cash now. I do have a few jobs, but it is hard to put in hours because I am in the middle of student teaching.
But enough about me and lets get to my Mom! By all means, I do not come from a wealthy family. We have always had enough money to just get by. However, this year so far, I have needed a lot of work done on my car, I have been overdrafted on my bank account at least once, and I needed to visit a friend of mine in Indiana. My mother, Carol, has completed at least 3 acts of Kindness in my mind. She has bailed me out of countless financial siuations. She paid for the work done on my car, gave me money to put into my bank account and paid for a plane ticket to Indiana. I know that it hasn't been easy for her and my Dad, espically in this economy, but she has always been generous to me and my inability to manage money. I know if a random strager came up to my mother and asked her for a little help, she would without a doubt help that person. My mother does this act of kindness with a full heart and I can't tell you how greatful I am to have her in my life.
Carol would be the perfect candidate for your "Good News" story. She has a countless amount of kindness that she would share with anyone.

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Barbara Smith & Diane Shipp, Travelers Rest, S. Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:18:29 GMT

Julie's husband, Keith, was diagnosed with a grade 2-3 oligodendroglioma brain tumor in 2002. Julie spent hours and hours on the computer and telephone learning as much about this type of brain tumor - the types of treatments, and medical trials available at that time, the caliber of treatment being offered at different medical facilities, and stories of survivors. She navigated governmental systems, medical systems, research libraries, and medical trials while caring for her husband and two young children.These were not easy tasks as her family dealt with all of the emotions, behavioral changes, and the financial losses the family faced. As a result of her thorough research, Keith received monoclonal antibodies at The Brain Tumor Center at Duke and is a survivor.

She knew that so many others had experienced the diagnosis, the grief, the need for information, the support, and most of all - hope.

She vowed that if they survived, She would create an online community to provide complete resources, a regional directory built by its brain tumor members. She wanted to save someone who has just heard those words, "you have a brain tumor" the hours and hours of research and inspire them with hope through her's and other's families stories and support, and to raise patient funds to help those financially devastated by this disease. As a result, Julie created a non-profit organization, The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization in 2006.

According to Julie, "Our goal is to provide an interactive web community of brain tumor advocates, brain tumor patients and their families, medical professionals and government officials who are all in the fight to improve the quality of life of those dealing with brain tumors."

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Scott Epstein, Saint Peters MO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:18:56 GMT

My group that I want to talk about for acts of kindness is the Saint Peter/ Central County Communnnity Emergency Responce Team. This is a group of volunteers in Saint Peter Missouri, that are trained by the local fire department and police department to respond in a desaster both man-made or natural. We are trained in triage, emergency first aid, light search and rescue, and fire suppression. Last year we helped with sand bagging when the rivers were flooding, help man the local emergency management office and other jobs as needed.

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Kimberly Akins Hagerstown, MD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:19:09 GMT

Dear Mr Williams,
Upon hearing your wonderful invite on some 'good news'; immediately coming to my mind is not only my wonderfully supportive Sunday School Class but one of our fantastic friends/leader in our SS Class......our dear friend is having some struggling times with job loss; along with financial and home concerns but still finds it in himself to be reaching out to help others in many ways!! As I listen and see his concern for others; I know that his faith is strong but I always look at him smiling and reaching out to others even through his time of concerns for his own and I certainly admire this Dear friend! Even if you are not interested in my story/inspiration; I hope that we do get to hear and share some up-lifting stories and see how people are truly caring/supportive in this trying and scary time with the economy issues!!

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Janet McGrail, Snow Hill, Maryland — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:19:12 GMT

I came to live in Snow Hill, Maryland one year ago, whereupon I was diagnosed with lung cancer.My friend and her family have been inordinately supportive and helpful,and also the congregants of my church, All Hallows and the people of Snow Hill have all come to my aid in assisiting me in taking me to Baltimore for
MD appointments etc. bringing me food when I can't cook, making me laugh and keeping me entertained. I do not believe I would have managed this year without Sandy and her family and my Church family and Snow Hill friends. "I was a stranger and ye took me in".

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Greg Prudich, Princeton, WV — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:19:19 GMT

There is a young woman who lives in SW Virginia who is quite remarkable. She has worked as a physical therapist and was in an automobile accident one day. Tragically, she was paralyzed from the neck down, with no movement below her neck. Remarkably, after her initial recovery and therapy, she returned to work, full time, and works a full time job every week, from the confines of her wheel chair. She helps others from a wheel chair with a bright smile and positive outlook. And yes, she returned to work as a physical therapist. With the help of a PT assistant, she is able to continue working in her field everyday. What a fine woman who chose never to give up. She is an true example of the best of our human spirit. Never give up and never give in. Way to go Billie!

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Chase Woods, Dallas TX — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:19:39 GMT

I am a 7th grade student at Frankford Middle School in Plano, TX and i would like to tell you about my Football Coach, Jeff Banner. He is always telling us to do our best, push ourselves, keep working hard, and that we are student athletes, and we come to school early every morning unlike everyone else and work our butts off to represent our school. And that you never quit.

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Lisa Hughes Lawrenceburg, Kentucky — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:20:06 GMT

I am a Registered Nurse in Lexington Kentucky. I have been involved in a program known as Surgery on Sunday. This was started by Dr. Andrew Moore,II. This program was started to help those who have a job but do not have insurance and do not qualify for public assistance. All of the staff from the surgeons to the office help are all volunteer. This is done on the third Sunday of every month. We have helped over two thousand people in two and a half years. The web site for this is surgeryonsunday.org. Take a look and see what you think. Keep up the good work. Lisa

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Harold R licht North east Md 21901 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:20:35 GMT

here is just a hint of our mixed life i am 44 my wife 42 we have 9 kids combined we have taken in and helped my x-wife for 2 years and my wifes x after his home was destroyed in a fire we have 2 english mastifs and 2 cats as well its a story worth telling i laugh and say i should write a book and no one would believe it but i love my life. if you would like to make people think there is kindness in this world just give us a ring if not all is good we are happy in our own world.

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Doug Cervi, Linwood, NJ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:20:38 GMT

Last Monday, Jim Parkinson flew in from CA to show a DVD "The Inheritance of War" about the Bataan Death March to 400 high school students that had studied WW II and gave, at his expense, each student a book he wrote on this terrible event that most Amerians have no idea even happened. He signed each book personally for all 400 students and paid for the whole trip at his expense. While he spoke after the DVD you could have heard a feather hit the floor. It was an exceptional day for all the students at Oakcrest High School who attended the presentation.

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Elliott, Memphis, TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:20:40 GMT

A group of medical students here have been traveling down to a remote, mountainous, poverty stricken region of Haiti and have discovered a concentrated occurrence of Goiter and iodine deficiency disease, the worlds most common cause of preventable mental retardation. They have since started to help treat and prevent this disease by giving the children and young women one single capsule which is effective for over a year. They have done this all with personal funds and while attending school at the same time.

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James Hogan, Davidson, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:21:04 GMT

Great idea! We've got to keep spirits up.

In Davidson, NC, one of the lesser-known basketball players on the Davidson College basketball team, Andrew Lovedale, has collected over 10,000 pairs of shoes for people in Africa.

Andrew is from Nigeria, and this is his senior year at Davidson. As a basketball player, he would often ask his teammates for their "leftover" shoes, uniform shirts, etc., which he would then pack into his suitcases and lug home every summer, handing them out to people in his community.

It's truly a remarkable effort that reminds all of us that while times are tight here in America, there are still people who need basic clothes items. When we're down, we can't forget about those who are even worse off.

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Meredith, Lebanon Junction, Kentucky — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:21:15 GMT

Lions Camp Crescendo, in Lebanon Junction, Ky, provides three service camps to special needs children.

* Camp Heart to Heart is for children ages 5-12 infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
* Kentucky Lions Youth Camp is for children ages 6-15 that are blind/visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing.
* Camp Freedom is for children ages 6-11 that are in foster care or the custody of a grandparent.

These camps are provided free of charge to Kentucky children and staffed by volunteer counselors. They not only provide fun, learning opportunities for children but also a week of respite for caregivers.

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Barbara Haile, Easley, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:21:35 GMT

My granddaughter, 8 year old Haley Ann suffers from and undiagnosed neuromuscular condition that appears progressive. I was very interested in your story tonight about the 17 year old with the dog. Would love to have her contact our Haley. Haley is very out going and compassionate. She "drives" a red motorized wheelchair, currently has two broken legs in cast due to a stress fracture on one leg and she broke the other one two weeks ago in a wheelchair accident. But you cannot keep Haley down. We had a story about her published in Chicken Soup for the Nurses Soul, a Second Dose and it tells of her caring heart towards others. She had heart surgery last year and also suffers from kidney and other related problems. She takes therapuetic horse riding lessons when she is well enough and you will never find a more positive, funny kid. Make a Wish foundation is sending her and her family to Disney World in June where her 19 year cousin is a performer. He will introduce her to his friends, ie, Tiger and Goofy! Even though Haley is in pain most of the time, she seeks the joy and heart of life, living every moment to the fullest. During a recent, rare snowstorm here in the Carolina's, her StepDad asked if she wanted to go out in the snow. Her response was a yell you could hear miles away.....He wrapped the two leg casts in trash bags, bundled her up and took out to ride with him on a sled. No fear, no hesitation, she has faced many surgeries, more pain than most of us will ever have and yet she grabs every moment. My website, Barbarahaile.com has the Chicken Soup story. Haley attends Clemson Elementary in Clemson, SC and the principle, Dr Wycle and all the teachers can attest to her personality, giving spirit and can do attitude. We can all learn a lesson from Haley. Doesn't matter how tough things may be, you can make a difference in this world and have a heart of gratitude and love. Thanks for letting me use this site to tell others about Haley. Please remember her in your prayers. sincerely, Barbara Haile

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John J. Kojcsich, Roanoke, VA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:22:32 GMT

I nominate Robyn Dobyns, the Director and only employee of the Botetourt [County, Virginia] Resource Center. The Botetourt Resource Center is an organization that has, for the past eight years, connected the residents of Botetourt County to needed human resources through information, advocacy, referral and programs. Robyn and the Center have helped countless needy citizens with food and fuel assistance and with a host of other aid for families in crisis because of harsh economic and social conditions in southwest Virginia. I inserted the web site address for the Council of Community Services which oversees the Botetourt Resource Center to show what Robyn is accomplishing here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She single-handedly established the Center and works hard to keep its funding going. Please recognize her amazing efforts. Thanks. John Kojcsich, Roanoke, VA

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Julia Marie Hess, Columbia, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:22:47 GMT

There is a super kind 83-year old woman in South Carolina who spends day after day rescuing injured, neglected, abused, and orphaned dogs. Her "adventures" have posed threats to her at times...for instance, the time she stopped her car on the shoulder of the interstate and darted across the highway to pick up a dog that was in the middle of the road....only to get quite a bite from the unappreciative suspect! She had to have rabies shots administered directly into the bite wounds. But that didn't stop her. She's been known to crawl under chicken coops and pull out flea-infested chicks to save them from suffering. More than once, she has stepped in the middle of a large-dog fight, successfully breaking up the fight, but sustaining bite wounds herself. She has an uncanny "gift" for sightings of the suffering...and she can't ignore them...not even one tiny creature. She always says, "Well, at least that's one less creature that will suffer tonight." She manages to spend time every week with 2 foster children who were taken from their home as a result of neglect. And, as if that's not enough, she volunteers at the food pantry at a local church, packing food and clothing and giving it to the less fortunate. She lives on a social security income. Her life is simple, honest, and selfless. This amazing woman has friends of all ages....from 12 to 94; she's a timeless, priceless jewel, without whom this world would have missed much joy and kindness. To recognize this humble woman would warm hearts of all ages and inspire them to give of themselves.

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S.A. Martin,Smithville,Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:23:31 GMT

Betty Nicholls,Smithville,Texas is in her 70's yet donates a good part of each week managing the operation of the Smithville Food Pantry. She and her all volunteer crew serve at least 120 families per week. She treats all people with dignity and respect. Her selflessness is amazing.

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Daniel Hammer — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:23:44 GMT

"A regular act of kindness"
I'd like to nominate my friend Jordan Hirsch, a young New Orleanian who keeps working tirelessly to help New Orleans musicians. Jordan has been running a non-profit (Sweet Home New Orleans) for musicians in this city since Katrina when his main purpose was to get musicians back to the city, and help them to continue their work here. His organisation has helped thousands of musicians with energy bills, rent & mortgage payments, instrument purchases, renovations and you name it. In this economic environment, Jordan continues his struggle to help New Orleans musicians. I think my friends work is very important, and that he deserves some public appreciation for all that he's doing to preserve the New Orleans music community.

Thanks for your consideration

Daniel Hammer

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RODNEY MANN SOUTHGATE MICHIGAN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:23:46 GMT

I WOULD LIKE NOMINATE MY WIFE ANNIE MANN WHO WORKS FOR HOLLWOODS HAIR SALON IN SOUTHGATE MICHIGAN SHE QUITE A FEW OLDER LADIES AND WHEN THEY CAN'T MAKE IT IN BECAUSE OF A ILLNESS OR SOMETHING ELSE SHE WILL GO TO THEIR HOME TO MAKE THEM BEAUTIFUL WHICH SOMETIMES ALL THEY NEED TO MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER AND SOMEONE PASSES AWAY SHE WILL GO TO THE FUNERAL HOME TO DO THEIR HAIR SHE IS A WONDERFUL SINGER WHO SINGS IN CHURCH CHOIR AND CANTORS SHE SINGS IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY THEATER GROUP SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY PLAYERS WHERE SHES PERFORMED EVA PERONE TO GOLDA IN FIDDLER SHES USUALLY DOING SOMETHING THEM AND THIS IS WHERE WE MET 20YRS AGO SOME PEOPLE THINK SHES A SAINT I JUST THINK SHES GREAT

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Kate Lawrie Indianapolis, Indiana — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:24:10 GMT

I just would like to submit an idea. I think on a local level, all over the country, people could voluntarily add a dollar (or more) to their gas, electric and water bill to help those needy people in the community who can't afford it.
On the National level, I think everyone could donate a dollar a pay (or more) to tackle the enormous burden of the:
1. National debt
2. Health care
3. Social Security

That money could be earmarked specifiacally to go to one or all three of the above. It would be a steady stream of money each month to help defray those costs.

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Sue Dalimonte, Chickasaw, Alabama — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:24:24 GMT

The front page of The Mobile, Alabama Press Register, dated Wed. 3/4/09 is an article about a Brewton, AL pharmicist (Danny Cottrell) who gave-out $16,000, in $2 bill,to his employees. He asked them to donate 15% to any charity, and the rest to spend in the local stores. The $2 bills would be an easy way to see how the money was spent and passed through the community. It's a great story. I wish the government would just give us some of the stimulus money - we could really get our local economy going!

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Wendall Holder Mt Pleasant Tennessee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:24:32 GMT

Attached is a link to an article in todays Columbia Daliy Herald, http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2009/02/04/top_stories/01fieldhouse.txt

Mt Pleasant is a small town In Southern Middle Tennessee about an hour southwest of Nashville. This slow economy has hit hard in a small town trying to build a brighter future for the athletes of Mt Pleasant. Mt Pleasant Athletic Booster are and have been working on building and Field House for the kids of the town. This economy has taken a toll on us getting donations to finish it.

We are a 10-12 member strong club that is working on raising money to construct this $250,000 facility. We have the building up, roof on but nothing done to the inside. We are striving and doing fund raisers to get this project finished.

If anyone would like more information about this please feel free to e-mail me and we then can provide other contact details.

P.S. We are stil ltakin donations to get this project finished.

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Michael Rubino, Long Beach, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:24:43 GMT

Last year, a good friend and co-worker of mine started an all-volunteer group to help recently divorced and widowed women transition back into the workforce. Since then, the group has offered classes on basic computer skills, career counceling, personal finance, home maintenance & safety, and more.

You can learn more on their web site:
http://www.jerichoschools.org/jpaw/

- Mike

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Marcel Bekers, Wilmington, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:25:05 GMT

Brian, I'd like to tell you about Heather Little, who is one of my sales manager for US Cellular in Aberdeen NC. While she is doing a great job working for and leading associates at a company that does business strictly on Values and what is right for its customers, it's what Heather does outside of her work and for her community that I'd like to make you aware of. Heather started the "Back Pack for Kids" program in Lee County NC. The program provides meals for school children K-12 who would go without any food between Friday evening and Monday morning. She got the community behind it, started with 15 back packs and today the program is grown to 200 back packs each week. She was chosen as Person of the Year for Lee County in 2008 and because of her efforts, the program is now spreading to Pitt county and other communities. Last night at our annual All Associate Meeting in Greenville NC, Heather was the first recipient of our Humanitarian Award and received a standing ovation. It's because of people like Heather that this world is a little better every day and certainly provides GOOD news which is desperately needed in today's environment.

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S.A. Martin,Smithville,Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:25:33 GMT

We just went through a pretty large wildfire here in Bastrop County, Texas. The voulunteer firefighters were and are tremendous!

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Ann Kelley, Grand Rapids, MI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:25:34 GMT

Check out columnist, Tom Rademacher's articles in the Grand Rapids (MI) Press. On today's front page is a wonderful piece titled, "Free to a Good Head!" If this doesn't make you feel good--- nothing will!

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Jay Kirtman — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:25:45 GMT

Giving girls dresses for their proms free of charge was the vision of Rebecca Kirtman. After she passed away, we at Becca's Closet continue her vision of helping those in need attend there special H.S. formals in style "little things can make a big difference". We are now giving away dresses in 32 states.

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marjorie leverett jasper,ga — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:26:39 GMT

Here's an inspiring story. Warren, a courageous, senior, mentally handicapped person, while unable to find gainful employment for the last year and a half, volunteers almost 7 days a week at "Angels on Horses", a therapeutic horseback riding program, run by Leslie.

It's a match made in Heaven...he has a passion for
horses and kids. He is so gentle with the horses and kids..and they all love "Mr. Warren".

Leslie has taken him under her wings and taught him a tremendous amount about riding,caring for horses, and how to work with handicapped kids.

She has instilled in him confidence and self-esteem that I have never seen in him before, by showing him respect and giving him responsibility.

His greatest desire in life is to live on a horse farm and be paid for working with horses.

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Janet Whittaker, Louisville, KY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:26:41 GMT

We live on the 3rd floor of a condo building & my husband is homebound. When our power was out (& our elevator), Home Instead, a sitter service that I employ, sent 3 able bodied men to carry my husband down the steps & took him to their office. We stayed there 3 days till our power was restored. He could not have survived the power outage here at home. The amazing thing is that the owners, Becky & Brent Beanblossom, did not charge us for our stay. They served us 3 meals a day - they truly were life savers. We will forever be in debt to them for their compassion in our time of need.

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Brenda Watson, Tampa, Fl — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:27:10 GMT

i want to nominate my good friend, Ronnie Hampton, because he has been a God-send to me. You see, i suffered 2 strokes in the fall of last year. The 2nd stroke rendered my right side very weak. i cannot do anything with my right hand. Ronnie comes by my home every day to do things for me that I cannot do. He preps meals for me, places items within reach because i am confined to a wheelchair, goes grocery shopping for me, and many other things. I look forward to see daily visits.

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Lin Snowa Winston-Salem, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:27:16 GMT

I'm undergoing radiation treatments at Duke Medical Center in Durham. The ENTIRE staff from the guys who open doors and assist others as they enter, to the doctors and EVERYONE in-between provides excellent customer experiences. There have been times we are looking at a directional sign and a random employee will stop and ask if they can help and even offer to walk you to the clinic location. Duke is what is RIGHT with health care in America.

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r. weatherford lake barrington,il. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:28:49 GMT

my husband is 76 and retired and feeling the effects of this economy as everyone else,but he take the time to pass out either tootsie rolls or pieces of good chocolate to everyone we come in contact with, when we go to the grocery,at the checkout counter or the thrift stores we like to frequent, Everyone has a smile and kind word and remembers us,especially the seniors that walk at the mall and keep us company. we've accumulated 24 seniors at he mall, and have quite a support group. Most of the people he passes the candy to are never even noticed by others.I feel like I'm married to the pied piper. It's great.

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Merrie and Aubrey McGrath, Charlotte, North Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:29:19 GMT

My 16 year old son, Aubrey, and I have started a Food Pantry Co-Op. Neighbors buy items on sale at the grocery, call or email us, and we pick it up and deliver it to a local food pantry. We just formed the Co-Op last week and, by word of mouth, 50 families have already joined. It's amazing how each family contributing just a little adds up to so much for the pantry. We hope it will grow and grow.

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Steve Packee, Slinger, Wisconsin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:29:27 GMT

A beloved companion will be taken before her time, and a random act of kindness is making her last few weeks happy ones. Cleopatra is an almost 6 year old golden retreiver who has been diagnosed with cancer. Because of its location- her nuzzle- it was decided to go for quality of life over removing half her face. In January, the doctor said she had only 2 months to live. To make those 2 months the very best became the primary goal. Cleopatra is an avid swimmer, and thanks to the generosity of Nicole at the AmericInn in Germantown, Cleopatra has been able to enjoy a few last swims- after hours of course! Nicole was a complete stranger and her act of kindness went above and beyond to make treasured memories during this difficult time. They have also allowed Cleoparta's 2 sisters to join in. It would be great if you could acknowledge this random act of kindness. Thanks. Steve and Mary Packee

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Julia Higgins Pezzi — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:29:37 GMT

I would like to nominate a brilliant painter, Jill Rudzik. She is a local portrait artist that has done children's portraits in our community. Rather than accept the usual fee (generally several thousand dollars), she has the family donate her fee to the Rafiki Foundation, a charity that supports orphans in Africa. She has done this for several years.

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Sherman Watson, Portland, OR — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:29:48 GMT

I sent President Obama, and 3 Senators a copy of my SWELL PLAN which would definitely bail us out of this economic crisis, but no one ever responds. Guess our Congress and President want to continue to waste our taxpayers money.

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Marcel Bekers, Wilmington, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:08 GMT

Brian, how many companies in today's economy are willing to help our communities and invest in the future of our children, by donating $1,000,000? That is exactly what the company I work for did over the Holidays and in the past two weeks, we travelled to the top 10 stores (based on votes from our customers) and surprised each of them with a check for $100,000, to be used in any way the schools see fit. What an experience to be able to hand over a check of that kind of money and see the joy and excitement in the faces of the school administraters, and more importantely the children who made this happen and feel like the winners they are!! Most of these schools are in rural areas of our country and most definitely in need of the money most. Please check out this program and stories and we are planning on doing it again in December 2009.

http://www.uscc.com/uscellular/SilverStream/Pages/x_page.html?p=callingallcommunities

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Jennie Youne Montgomery, Alabama — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:18 GMT

I would like to nominate Kim Wilson. She had a child, John Parker, two years ago. He was premature and his lung collapsed. JP was admitted into the Neonatal unit of Baptist Hospital. Kim said that it was the worst time in her life. After JP recovered and went home, Kim wondered how people with no support systems could ever cope with a child in the Nicu. So two years ago, with a new baby, husband and full time position, God and Kim started the Footprints ministry at Heritage Baptist Church. They give gift bags to parents with children in the Nicu. These bags contain a Bible, prayer request card, camera for the nurses to take pictures when the parents can't be there, food, gas and phone cards, a sent blanket for the mother to sleep with and return to the child, burp cloth with footprints embrodered on it and personal hygene items. After all, most Nicu babies are premature and the parents are not expecting a stay in the hospital. Baptist Hospital serves several counties in central Alabama and some parents drive from distant cities in order to be with their children. Some babies stay in the Nicu for months. Footprints trys to help these parents by providing money for gas and even having some volunteers go to the city and provide transportation for the parent. I don't know what the count of bags given out is but I do know that it was over 700 a month or so ago. Kim saw a need and stepped up to the plate. She didn't leave it for someone else to do. Last year Footprints had a golf tournament and so many golfers signed up that the golf course had to borrow more carts from another golf course. The 21st of March,they are having a 5k and 1 mile Fun Run. The Footprints ministry has expanded to Baptist East here in Montogmery and to St, Vincents in Birmingham, Alabama. It continues to grow by leaps and bounds. In this day and time, Kim deserves an atta girl!

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Carol Trievel Feeley — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:22 GMT

We have a program that is sponsored by the Kiwanis, called the Horses for Handicapped, here in Pinellas County (Seminole). The woman that has been the heart and soul of the program, giving so much of herself..selflessly to these "kids" is in her late 70's to 80. She downplays everything that SHE does..but without her tireless effort, these special kids and people with special needs would not be reaching the heights that they have. There are so many that come out every weekend that give every weekend, and ask nothing in return, but the joy of seeing the kids do well, and excell at something they never might be able to do.
She gives her time to these kids, the girlscouts and 4-H girls that she teaches to work with these kids and the horses... and still..asks nothing in return.

The program has grown, and is always in need...and she gives so much of herself to it, never asking anything in return.
She is what I aspire to be!
My son has benefitted so much from her, as have so many others. She has nurtured along several girls who have since become Vets, PT's, OT's, and her first student...a cerebral palsy afflicted girl, is now leading the program...and in charge of a department of the Children's Hospital in Tampa!

SHe is truly a woman that people should know!
She goes by the name of Snakey. :)
Her given name is Mary Urquhart. She is about 80lbs, but a force that no one will rival! :)
It is truly a heart-warming story!!
My son has won gold medals in Special Olympics in the Equestrian events through her tireless efforts...and she is content just to see the kids happy with their accomplishments. It is A LOT of work trailering the horses there, tending to them, not to mention the responsibilities she assumes.
And still...never likes to acknowledge her efforts, only the kids! She is truly a selfless person....along with many of the others involved every week! I do hope you find some place to bring some attention to her, as she and the many that give their time truly deserve it!

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CJ Scarlet, Clayton, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:23 GMT

Can I nominate my own project:-)? I founded the Kindness Cure Campaign as an effort to get people to help me perform one million acts of kindness in one year. I myself am performing 365 acts of kindness, all of which are being videotaped for use on YouTube and our online social networking site (www.thekindnesscure.org). I started this project because I was literally cured by kindness. After being told in 2002 that my long-term disability had become life-threatening, my life fell apart. Then a Tibetan lama I met with told me to "stop feeling sorry for myself and start thinking about the happiness of other people." I argued with him (which you DON'T do with a lama!) and told him I was too sick to help myself, let alone anyone else. But he insisted. So I started as I could, saying prayers when an ambulance passed and letting mothers with crying babies go ahead of me in line. As I did these things, I began to feel happier. I graduated to larger acts like giving my cane to a woman who was struggling to walk and volunteering at the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. And the most amazing thing happened--my condition went into remission! Today I am happier and healthier than I ever dreamed, all because of the healing power of kindness. My motto is: kindness is so simple...pass it on! (Our local NBC affiliate, WNCN, is doing a story on us next Tuesday, if you'd like footage of me performing acts of kindness.) Thank you for your consideration.

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Betty Diehl — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:31:57 GMT

In today's economy so many animals are suffering due to the fact that people just can not keep their family pets. So many have either been dropped off at animal shelters or just dropped off on the side of the road. Senior Citizens having to give up there loved one because they can not afford to feed them any longer. We have a program called sponser a Senior this way someone can maybe sponser 20.00 a month to go towards their food bill so the dog is able to stay with there owner and not have to be given up. I belong to a rescue group called Miniature Pinscher Rescue. We are an 11th hour rescue which means if there is a Miniature Pinscher that can be saved we will save them. Wheather any problems they have big or small. No animal deserves to be left behind abused or neglected. Our Rescue Group works on strickly volunteers and donations only. If you visit our website at www.minpin911.org you will see a slide show that will steal your heart and you will then know why this Rescue Group is so important and so deserving to be recognized on the work they do to provide treatment, foster care and forever loving homes for ones in such dire need. So I would like to nominate all of the people of the Miniature Pinscher Rescue Group for all the hard work that they do to keep the little dogs happy and give them something to call their own and especially knowing that they are not forgotten and they are much loved.

Tell us your good news

Susan Burnette, Black Mountain, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:32:02 GMT

I want to nominate John Crognale from Black Mountain, North Carolina. About 5 years ago he started something called the Welcome Table in Swannanoa and just recently started one in Black Mountain. I don't know all the details but his vision was to have a place where people from the community could come together and fellowship and eat a good meal together. Every Wednesday he prepares a wonderful meal with the help of volunteers and EVERYONE in the community is welcome. He just wants people to come together and get to know their neighbors and fellowship. Please look into this further. He would be a great person to do a story on. Thank you.

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Shelagh Delaney, Harwich, MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:32:25 GMT

I have a dear friend here in the "mid-Cape" area (Cape Cod Massachusetts) who works tirelessly to connect the homeless people in the Hyannis area (most of whom she knows personally and whose stories she has followed for years) with friends and neighbors who have items and services they are willing to part with in order to help others. Isobel Thompson of Harwich spends at least 3 full days a week traveling around in her van (which is often loaded with clothing, blankets, household items, boots, tents, items needed for job interviews), and looks for the homeless regulars who have come to depend on Izzy's pleasant smile as well as the gifts she brings. Izzy, who is a "young" senior and a registered nurse doing regular stints as a home visiting health care provider, assists with the ecumenical council's efforts to have local churches host a number of homeless men and women overnight during the winter months.

Izzy's garage is a clearinghouse of donated items, organized and catalogued for easier connections with her "people".

To me, Izzy is a true hero, a "regular" person who goes the extra mile for her neighbors... whatever their economic situation. I would love to see her honored.

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Jim Price, New York, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:32:26 GMT

You should check out what the cast of the pre-Broadway tour of Dirty Dancing is doing. These actor/dancers do eight shows a week, three hours a pop, and in their off hours, found time to put together a benefit for the new Joffery Ballet school in Chicago, and raised enough money for two full scholarships for two inner-city kids to attend next year. They are doing a benefit for a local charity in each of the cities they visit before hitting the Great White Way. Next is Boston at the end of the March. Talk about giving back...

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Andre Suleiman, Miami, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:32:44 GMT

HAPPY MAGIC BRIAN WILLIAMS-
Each day The Magic Man, with his purple cape and tall hat, visits the towns and cities of South Florida. Whether entertaining a group of children at an area fundraiser, creating smiles at a gathering of several families in a poor section of Miami, or performing a show for the local United Way, Neal Goldberg, a youthful 65, is a true Magic Man. A survivor of a brutal home invasion, kidnapping, and knife attack, Neal continues to present free shows throughout the year. As the owner/director of The Learning Center, a Jamaican based job training, life skills program, he spreads his goodwill to thousands of children. Raising the audience's self esteem is a hidden treasure that he places into every show. Please contact, so we can show you several photos of his work. This Magic Man is so deserving of your recognition. I hope that you come to learn of this living, national treasure. Thank you. Andre Suleiman

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Carolyn Norberg, Leawood, Kansas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:32:52 GMT

Are you interested in a story about an 86 year old gentleman who is still working at his age riding horses? He was in World War II and met his deceased wife of almost 60 years in Scotland where he was stationed. He then came back home to Texas and began training horses. He became a Quarter Horse Judge for 40 years and a Trainer for over approximately 50 years and is still training and conditioning horses for people in Kansas City. He was in his earlier days the National ReiningHorse Champion. He can still teach the best of the cowboys alot. He is truly an exceptional individual. He rides/trains 6-8 horses a day for people and is an inspiration for all who know and love him. A true 86 year old gentleman.

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Joyce Ball — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:33:14 GMT

The Grand Rapids Press, (Grand Rapids, MI.) has an article today about a man who crochets warm hats and then hangs them on a pole or a fence downtown with a note attached saying FREE-WOOL HAT JUST FOR YOU. He wants to remain annonymous, but the article just calls him Ernie. About 30-35 hats have been taken by homeless people.

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Kate Bomier Neenah, Wisconsin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:33:36 GMT

Brian: Here is a project two educators started that is going to save lives! It has truly moved our community and is spreading state-wide.
Worth a look! (They are both wonderful women - love their work for the kids)
http://web.mac.com/vbayer1/Reality/Welcome.htm

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Jim Rudy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:33:43 GMT

Milton Spraitlin is a retired banker who retired from the local bank in Toccoa, GA. He is a Army veteran, having servedd as a tank platoon leader in Germany back in the mid to late 1950's. He and his wife were very active in the Stephens County Historical Society which sponsors the world-class Currahee Military Museum (Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, and the Dirty Dozen movies). Since his wife passed away a few years ago, Milton overseas a monthly veterans' coffee/breakfast sponsored by the museum on the first Wed. of each month at 9:00 am. Generally 80 to 100 veterans from the area and region and from all military services come to this breakfast which is to say "thank you for your service". Each month there is a unique guest speaker, generally an area service veteran, who tells their story as the monthly guest spearker. Some that I have sponsored to speak include COL Ben Skardon, age 92, and a Battaan death march survifor; 1LT William H. Funchess, an infantry platoon leader in the Korean war who was captured and spent 1,025 days as a POW; Captain Phillip Piazza, a WW II veteran and a member of the original Merrill's Marauders and he is also 92 years old: and today, US Navy Commander Bob Fant, an aviator shot down over N. Vietnam and he spent nearly 5 years as a POW to include 10 months when his next door "neighbor" at the Hanoi Hilton was Senator John McCain. Milton and this museum need to be fetured. Since they moved the museum to the remodeled Amtrak train station in Toccoa about 3 years ago, this museum has had visitors from all 50 states and 37 foreign countries. Camp Toccoa is where all the parachute infantry regiments from World War II trained prior to their jump into Normandy.

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Sarah Kelly, Alexandria, VA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:34:00 GMT

I'm currently interning at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing in Washington, D.C. The Wendt Center has found a quiet but extremely supportive niche in the D.C. metro area in helping children, adolescents, and adults in managing grief and loss in death. They have a particular connection with families who have experienced death through homicide, which unfortunately is a reality in the Metro Area. These counselors offer support and major assistance to so many families and I feel that it is important to recognize these counselors and social workers!

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CJ Scarlet, Clayton, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:34:21 GMT

I'd like to nominate Brian Williams (not THE Brian Williams:-), founder of ThinkKindness.org. Brian is a martial artist who goes into elementary and high schools to teach kids that kindness is the best self-defense. He challenges the students and teachers to perform 5,000 acts of kindness in two weeks, which the students document in journals. Brian's goal is to document one million acts of kindness. Brian is a role model for all young people. His Shoe Some Love project is collecting gently used shoes to deliver to an orphanage in Kenya that trains youngsters to be track stars so they can get scholarships. Brian is constantly coming up with fresh ideas to motivate and inspire others. Thank you

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Mary Hudak. Toledo, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:35:05 GMT

A friend,Robert Kertesz and parishoner of Little Flower Church, Toledo Ohio is President of our small St. Vincent de Paul organization. Our parishoners are very loyal to this organization and once a month donate the funds to run SVDP. Robert is in charge and what a person to be in charge. He never sees the exterior of anyone, only the heart and the individual needs of those seeking help. I have observed Robert reaching into his pocket for funds when at the end of the month our funds are running out. Robert is a religious, kind hearted individual and if a hug or a pat on the hand is required when someone is crying out his or her problems, Robert is there. Robert's wife, Cathy is also a very giving person. She has helped cleaned houses when a person is ill, takes the ill person to the physician or hospital and then makes visits to the hospital.

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Kristin, Mt. Pleasant, MI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:35:23 GMT

Times have been tough in Michigan for awhile now. It almost seems as if we were waiting for everyone else in the country to catch up with us. However, it's even more difficult to be a college student in Michigan. We live for the free events and walk or bike to class whenever possible. Our group have friends have spent most of our lives together. In early January, our friend at the young age of 22, was diagnosed with lukemia. While we were all stunned, one of our friends, Beth, immediately sprung into action and helped to start not only a blog to receive donations for our friend, but pooled resources together for a fundraiser that raised over $20,000 in one night! It was inspirtational to see the people she connected with in the community and the sheer willingness of others in this great time of struggle who came out to support her and our friend. Beth is an amazing girl full of life and determination. Although she is in her final semester of college and should be buried in transcripts and resumes, she reminded us all of what matters most in life no matter the state of the economy or the fights for earmarks in Congress.

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V Lee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:35:23 GMT

Elouise Lee, also known as Weezie, is 81 and lives in Red Bay, Alabama.

Community Work: Has done Volunteer work at the local Care Center for about 18 years. Visits most every day. She will do special favors for patients if they ask. For example, I was visiting with her at the care center one evening, and two patients asked her to pick them up some Russell Stover sugar-free candy and they would pay her back. She was more than glad to accommodate. She also goes every 4th Thursday evening, and participates in their church service, always encouraging everyone to attend. She will help roll them to the area of the service. She will sing alto harmony.

Her church: Remains a member of a progressive Choir which is challenging for the older. Considering its a more contemporary style of music, she hangs in there. She is 30 years old than any other choir member.

Neighborly: EX. She had a senior neighbor once, and the widow was afraid of storms. She would ask Weezie to spend the night and she would. She had a small cot for her to sleep on.

Another example: A senior neighbor needed her to do her laundry, and spend the night because she was afraid, she did. She buys and gives a local newspaper for an elderly couple weekly, with a smile.

Charities: Weezie is on a fixed low income, and manages to give to her church, St. Judes, Paralyzed American Veterans, and the cancer society. (No checking account just money orders) On check day, she first pays her rent and utilities and then her charitables. It may only be $5.00, $10.00, $30.00, but she pays these charitables monthly just like she owes a monthly debt. And amazingly, she does not borrow money, and never late on a bill.

She has a great sense of humor, loves her family, friends, and church, and absolutely loves her small town.

By the way, Weezie does not drive.

Weezie is very modest and does not like alot of attention brought to herself, and would not be happy about this email. However, she truly lives a life of Giving when most would consider she does not have enough to give.

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Mike Cipolla, Plant City, Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:35:49 GMT

We are a 55+ community in Plant City Fl. We have a group of lady knitters who have grandsons, great grandsons or who have friends with same. These knitters found out that the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan were wearing inferior helmet liners.The ladies got to work and have knitted and shipped over 1300 helmet liners to the troops. All voluntary
and supported through community donations They deserve a big thanks for their unselfishness. The liners are a special organic wool and far superior to the army issue.

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Caroline Beidler, Marietta, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:36:43 GMT

Hi Brian -

My good news story is about a woman named Judith Dick. Judy has worked at Glenwood Retirement Community in Marietta, Ohio for 10 years. Judy is one of those lucky people who has found the perfect job for her personality. She smiles and greets each and every person at the community by name. This includes residents, co-workers, newspaper delivery people and visitors. She plans activities, decorates, serves meals, listens and comforts others and seems to do it all tirelessly. One day you might find an orange on your desk because they were just so sweet she wanted to share them with you. Judy lost her husband of 3 decades late last year and even though she is hurting and mourning she still has room in her heart to do what she can to make each day a good one for everyone around her. Yes, there is so much sad news but Judy makes me stop and think how much good is there, if you just allow yourself to see it.

Tell us your good news

GR Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:36:47 GMT

How about one of your own? Here in Milwaukee, WI we have Mike Jacobs as the news anchor for WTMJ Channel 4.
Mike is an early riser that starts his day w/a walk/run around the neighborhood with a plastic bag which he uses to pick up trash as he travels our streets. We have numerous businesss e.g. coffee shops, drugstores, fast food, all of which have wrappings that seem to miss the trash containers. That is until Mike sees it. Add to this, during a recent snow storm (we have 70 inches so far this winter) Mike AFTER his nightly 10:00pm news cast came to the bldg he lives in and retreived a snow shovel to shovel out the nearby bus stop. He was doing this while still dressed in his suit and overcoat.

His civic mindedness toward keeping a Great Place on a Great Lake looking great makes me proud to be his neighbor.

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Casey, Concord, North Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:36:53 GMT

I'm currently student teaching at an amazing elementary school in Concord, NC where there is a 2nd grader suffering from Leukemia (for the second time in his short lifetime). The school family is so close that they offered all of the proceeds from the Talent Show to go towards his scheduled bone marrow transplant. Because the families at the school knew of the cause, we had several anonymous donors and they raised well over $5000! Not only are they giving the money raised at the talent show, but a local restaurant is supporting the little hero, too with a portion of their proceeds going to his medical bills.
I feel so proud to be a part of such a caring and generous school family. They are going to great strides to make sure one of their own is well taken care of and everyone involved needs to be commended for it!!

Tell us your good news

Sr. Mary Jude Jun St.Louis, MO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:37:20 GMT

Dear Brian, Just heard you tonight ask for these stories. And this just came to me on email from a former student of mine. I guess you would have to contact the school in Lynn, MA to get the entire story -- to see if it's one day EACH week. But it is a good example for today's economic situation.

"I just heard on National Public Radio that teachers in Lynn, MA, a large town north of Boston, voted to work 1 day without pay. That will save enough money that 125 teachers will not be laid off for the rest of the school year. Isn't that great? With all the fear being broadcast at us every day, they saw the big picture of their colleagues and the children they teach. God Bless the !

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Christine Duffy, Concord, NH — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:37:36 GMT

I would like to nominate my mother Deborah Stauffer from Concord, NH. She is the model person who deserves this recognition for all that she has done for me, my family, for the community and for the public.

She was kind enough to give us a gift which allowed us to purchase a house (with a lower mortgage than we anticipated) and then additional to help pay off bills and she is also there whenever the need for help arises...with myself, my children and financially. In this day and age, with the economy the way that it is, she is always willing to help out and I am very grateful as is my family!

And not just to me. She is a disabled woman living with MS Multiple Sclorsis, diagnosed for the last 9 years. She will go out of her way to help anyone in need. She is constantly donated to the MS Society and always trying to get involved with others with MS and wanting to mentor others as to what the disease is and how to learn to deal with it. In honor of my mother, I am doing an MS walk in a local town to raise money to find a cure for her and others suffering from this disease

Deborah was an active volunteer in St James Nursing Home in NY when she lived there. She would volunteer her time weekly to sit with the residents and do arts and crafts. She would spend money out of her own pockets towards material and supplies to give the residents a chance to make something nice. This continued long after her mother, my grandmother passed on. She was very close with the Nurses and aids and was always helping out in any way possible.

She is always donating to the wildlife and nature conservancy, St Jude's, MS Society, etc. There is not one thing that I can think of that she wouldn't do to help others.

I really feel that my mother needs to be recognized and nominated for all the good that she does in my life and the community around her!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do this! I really appreciate it!

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Carlos Alvarez Cotera, Mint Hill, North Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:38:50 GMT

I was surprised and delighted to hear Brian ask for good news to share in these times when so many people are struggling with uncertainty; I guess I am used to the negativity we are now programmed to expect from the media.

I must say I enjoy The Today Show and Brian's half hour after the local news because they feel genuine and really come across as real people who seem to care. I applaud you for that.

The story I'd like to bring to light is one from the town I moved to 2 years ago, Mint Hill, NC, and an amazing group of people who have managed to create an Art Center for the community and the surrounding areas which bring people together to share and inspire others to create and explore the wonderful world of art.

Even if just for a short time we are making a difference everyday and breaking the monotony of everyday life by bringing attention to an essential need of mankind. When life gets difficult and necessity becomes priority over creativity, it is good to know there is a place like ours you can escape to.

What is more amazing is that Mint Hill Arts, fine arts and crafts center is run by volunteers who literally are doing this for the love of art.

We are over 160 members strong and open to everyone who wants to learn, grow or simply admire all the creativity and want to enjoy a positive and uplifting environment.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my passion with you.

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David Shuback, Chicopee, MA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:38:55 GMT

Hello to Mr. Williams and the whole crew...I think you've got the best news program on the air by far...I'd like to nominate my Mother, Diane Darin. She's an activities director for a nursing home in Agawam, Mass., just outside of Springfield. She puts so much into the work, it's truly a labor of love for her to provide creative ways for the residents to have a better quality of life, while working with a limited budget. She's always discovering new ways for raising funds...bake sales, soup and salad days where co-workers can buy lunch from the activities dept...and gives so much of her own time to create wonderful events. She sings in a big band so is able to get the band to come out to the home a few times a year...she used to be a professional photographer and donates packages in a raffle fund drive each holiday season, puts in time on the weekends and holidays even though she doesn't have to...with a small staff she's the one that has to cover if folks can't make it for whatever reason...all this and so much more. She doesn't earn nearly what she's worth but never seems to mind. As it is in her position she's always got to be accountable for the bottom line but is always working to make sure "her people" get as much as possible! She even has a Halloween event where she and her staff have a party for all the employees and their children where the residents pass out candy to the kids...talk about a win win! She's truly an unsung hero and an inspiration to all of us...children of the residents under her care are always thanking her for how well she treats their parents and the effort she puts into taking care of them and making sure they live out the rest of their lives with some dignity and grace. A recent program she implemented let's residents full fill a life-long wish...one gentleman always wanted to throw out the first pitch at a ball game and she was able to get a minor league team to let him do it for one of their home games...this guy was just beaming!

So please consider her...she is my Mom and of course there's some bias, but of all the people I know, I can't think of anyone who deserves some recognition more. Thank you for your time and for the top shelf news you deliver...and for always seeming to end your program on an up note!

David Shuback

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CJ Scarlet, Clayton, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:39:50 GMT

I'd like to nominate Ruth Gray. She is a school nurse in Mena, Ark., who goes above and beyond the call of duty to meet the emotional and physical needs of not only the students, but the teachers as well. She is always ready with a throat lozenge and a hug, and spends more time dispensing sage advice than aspirin. She gets no recognition for what she does, and asks for none. I am proud to know her.

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Erin 34, Rochester, MI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:40:42 GMT

Michigan has not been living in the best of times as of late but there are still people who hold their head high and do the best they can. I'm talking in specific about my boyfriend and best friend. He is a high school History Teacher and the Head Coach of a wrestling team in Michigan. This man puts in more hours than any six figure worker I've ever known and I have known quite a few. 110% is put into every lesson plan and every practice. He lives for those students and athletes and is the most inspiring person I've ever met. Enrollment is down in his town and it is unclear whether or not he will have a job next year. He has worked his whole life to get to where he is and could loose it that quickly. It makes me worry but he doesn't let it bother him and keeps plugging along with humor and love. I just wanted to share a bit of bright news from Michigan...we are still holding our heads high and doing the very best we can in this unpredictable economy. Whatever happens will happen but we'll keep going...it's the one thing our grandparents passed down to us in spades!

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Kitty Beverly Bluffton, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:40:58 GMT

If you would like to see a happy, cheerful, positive person in action, please come down and meet my friend Carolyn Cherwon. Due to her super organizational skills, she does the work of a dozen people and she does it with seeming ease and grace. Not only that,but she always has time to listen. She is in no way a "showy" person.....just upbeat and willing to give a helping hand. She doesn't agree to do something unless she can do it well. She is also a pro at delegating according to other peoples talents. Some of her current activities include: President of Lord of Life Lutheran Church Council, member of Board of Directors for Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity where she also chairs the Restore committee, a member of the board of our local Family Promise which she was instrumental in beginning last year. Those are just three among many things she quietly goes about doing everyday. Did I mention that she cooked an exact duplicte of the Inagural luncheon menu for her husband for his birthday?! You really need to meet my friend Carolyn!

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Matthew Wendt, naples florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:41:07 GMT

I just want to say that I really didn't think people could show such kindness anymore. Just before Christmas my wife a collier county school teacher, went to the hospital for a ruptured appendix. Over all she went back to the hospital 3 times over 2 months. Finally after she got home several of the other teachers in her school including the principal got together, and for two weeks they brought us freshly made dinner ever night so that we had one less thing to worry about with my wife stuck in bed and two very rambunctious kids running around needing a lot of attention. This is the kind of thing that you would only hear about years ago, normally people just don't do stuff like this. We were so beside ourselves that it's all we could talk about. I want everyone to hear that kindness still exists in this world so please don't give up hope, people can be kind.

thanks MW

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Bill Tucker — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:42:15 GMT

I nominate Robert Atkins (Assistant Professor of Nursing) and Daniel Hart (Distinguished Professor of Psychology), two Rutgers-Camden faculty members, who together founded STARR--Sports Teaching Adolescents Responsibility and Resilience--in 1995 and have been its President and Vice-president, respectively, ever since. Its program based solidly on the results of behavioral research, STARR fosters the development of responsibility and resilience in teenagers in one of the poorest cities in the country through participation in sports, community service, academic enrichment and the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with caring, consistent adults. Among STARR's recreational activies are year-round soccer, canoeing in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and an annual week-long summer trip to Vermont. Particularly important, STARR helps to develop civic identity and the responsibility to contribute to community welfare by involving youth in such service projects as trash clean-ups at local schools and parks, tree plantings, turkey basket delivery to local needy families for Thanksgiving, raising money for lupus research, and sorting food at the South Jersey Food Bank. STARR also provides youth the opportunity to form relationships with caring adults whom they see on a regular basis. There are no paid staff members in this program; every adult involved with the program is a volunteer.

At a time when there is a lot of rhetoric about "hope," Bob and Dan have been providing it for the last 14 years to some of the most disadvantaged youth in the country.

Additional information about STARR is available on its website: http://children.camden.rutgers.edu/STARR/index.htm

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Clay and Micky Morley — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:42:27 GMT

He won't tell you that he is anyone special but to those that know the kindness of Keith Hall in Lexington, SC, he represents the best that a neighbor can offer.
Keith has the debatable luck of having four senior citizens as his closest neighbors, and we are two of them. Aside from holding down a full time job that supports his family, being there for his elderly parents and wife's parents, through the years he has found the time to cut our grass, fix our ailing appliances and climb on our roof to clean out out gutters. Being there when we've needed help has often made our golden years less stressful. His kindness even extends to those outside of our country, for through his church he has traveled to foreign lands on his own time, offering his skills to those in need.
It's the little things that make the difference in difficult times, and our neighbor Keith represents what's extraordinary about an ordinary man.

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peggy shackelford, Greenwood, IN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:42:34 GMT

Steven Rickards of the University of Indianapolis Vocal Arts Institute represents the best of "good." Prior to the first year that my daughter attended VAI, her self-esteem was bruised by a tenured public school teacher who taught by belittling and playing students against each other.

When the VAI staff conducted the assessment auditions for the camp attendees, they immediately focused on the young peoples' strengths. And while I hate the phrase "an opportunity to improve," that is how Dr. Rickards treated any vocal shortcomings.

But where VAI is a parent's best friend is Dr. Rickard's ability to recognize the "wounded soul" and allow that child to realize his or her own abilities, and that one person's "you can't do that" is just a bad opinion and not a law.

My daughter, now in college, happened to work in summer stock with an actor who had studied with Dr. Rickards during a seminar in London. In comparing experiences, the actor made the comment, "the thing about Steve is that he expects to see the good in people, so that you want to be a better person when you're with Steve."

Steve Rickards does not show random acts of kindness. They are intentional and selfless, and isn't that what an act of kindless should be anyway?

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David Shapiro, Middle Village, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:42:36 GMT

Everytime it snows, this past weekend included, Eric Ritter, a neighbor of mine in Middle Village, can be seen early in the morning clearing the sidewalks of snow in front of our row houses with his snow plow. No matter how many inches of snow are on the ground, he is out there with his snow plow first plowing down my side of the street then he crossing to clear the other side. He asks for nothing to do this. He is just a good neighbor. When I met him last year, he gave me his address and phone number because I was going to suggest that he be named New Yorker of the Week on Channel 1. In case you would like to speak to him, his address is: 64-26 84th Street, Middle Village and his phone # is 718-416-3036.

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Joann Eagle, Austin, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:42:56 GMT

My friend Michele "Chele" Arick turned her personal tradegy of losing a child into something wonderful for hundreds of women looking for hope.
She developed and has run a website/support group for women seeking help with a condition called "incompetent cervix".

For the past six years she has selflessly devoted herself to this cause. She has donated endless hours of time and money on this cause. I would attribute her constant support of this cause to the live births of hundreds of babies.

PLEASE feature my friend "Chele" and participate in her effort and the effort of Abbyloopers to save babies!!!

I have several websites to share that detail her devotion, plese contact me for more information.

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Susan Millett Stuart Florida — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:43:01 GMT

TELL US OUR GOOD NEWS
I came to the USA from New Zealand 8 years ago after meeting my Husband online !!!! He is still the most wonderful Husband. BUT I ALSO have another person who I have worked with for the past 3 years "ASKLIESH" who is an Excutive Manager for Walgreens at the store I work for in Palm City Florida. Yesterday I went into shock when I heard that "ASKLIESH" (who is the most caring and ABLE MANAGER a COMPANY could have was being transferred to another store - I have worked all over the world and I have never encountered a person of his knowledge and attitude to the consumer ( and Staff)he goes beyond... what one would expect - may the company always have his wonderful ATTITUDE.
I RUSH home ever night and turn on your program and when I heard you say about someone that has gone beyond well I had to turn on the PC - I love the USA - I guess it all comes down to the people that you are connected to each day and "ASKLIESH" was one of them.... life goes on ... but you never forget the wonderful people that cross you life!!!!!

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Barry Goukler — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:43:14 GMT

I would like to nominate Samantha Elandary who is dedicated to helping people with Parkinson ’s disease providing voice therapy on a pay forward program. She has created the Texas Voice Project (TVP) and in these difficult economic times provides voice training for free. All she requires is a commitment to attend the voice training sessions and attend Loud Crowd follow up meetings and yes to help pay it forward for someone else.
I refer to Samantha as a Saint for what she is providing. It is truly uplifting and remarkable.
Please check out the Texas Voice Project at www.texasvoiceproject.org.
Thank you,
Barry Goukler

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Mary Perl-Leslie — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:43:31 GMT

I would like to nominate Marty and Carol Piper. They live in Marcellus, NY. They have a daughter that is recovering from a brain tumor operation. Nicole is 25 yrs old, married with 2 children. Her daugher Piper was born c-section while Nicole was in a coma after the operation. Please go to www.syracuse.com and put Nicole Adams in the site search or google Nicole Adams recovers. There are two web links that will tell you her story. After a year in rehab she is living at home with her parents. Marty and Carol have given 300% to help there daughter.They are wonderful people.

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Dylan Schaffer, 14, Cumberland, Rhode Island — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:43:58 GMT

My name is Dylan Schaffer and I am a 14 year old from Cumberland, Rhode Island. I work with an organization called the Cumberland Youth Commission. Started last year, the Cumberland Youth Commission is a youth advocacy initiative made of up 11 high school aged adolescents that through programs and advocacy on local, state, and national levels, tries to achieve positive change for people, especially young people in our town and beyond. I started with the Cumberland Youth Commission last year in its second year of existence and we were challenged by our advisor to develop a service learning project to benefit our town. After a brainstorming session with about 30 ideas for projects, we unanimously voted to choose a project that was directly related to the difficult economic times that plague our town and our nation. Therefore, we chose to initiate a program in Cumberland called "The Winter Project". At the time we thought of this idea, home heating oil prices were still at record highs, and we knew that, even if prices went down by winter, many people would have locked in their rates. After doing research into the economic climate of Rhode Island and looking into projects such as the Citizen's Energy "Joe-for-Oil" program in Massachusetts run by former representative Joe Kennedy Jr., we decided to design and initiate a program that distributes oil heating vouchers to families in need in our town. After this idea came about I was elected chair of the committee that deals exclusively with "The Winter Project." We then designed an application and process for distributing applications and reviewing them. We partnered with local heating oil providers and raised nearly $4000 through private and corporate donations, as well as fundraising events and donations from local school dress down funds. The project simply accepts applications from people in dire straights economically, the members of The Winter Project Committee on the Youth Commission review and accept the applications and mail those people a voucher worth $200 of free home heating oil through their oil company. The oil company, upon receiving the voucher from their customer, bills the Cumberland Youth Commission for $200 and that money comes out of the funds we've raised. We hope to expand this project in the future to include other communities in Rhode Island as well as natural gas customers, but we consider this year to be a success. Overall we were able to assist a dozen families, in addition to providing 100 gallons of free oil to a local safe-haven for HIV/AIDS patients, the House of Compassion shelter, located in Cumberland. We felt that this project would show that young people can truly make a difference in troubling times such as these, in a program such as this that is run entirely by youth with guidance from an advisor. We would like to get out story out to other young people and to provide a bit of hope and good news to people who are in horrible situations to let them know that, hopefully, help is on the way. We would love to see our story covered if possible, and I thank you for your time.
(there is also more information on the Cumberland Youth Commission's website, www.cumberlandyouthcommission.org)

Sincerely,
Dylan Schaffer

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Anna — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:44:07 GMT

Hi Brian:

Great idea! I was talking to a friend yesterday and like she said we all just have to ban together and work together to get over these hard times.

Best to All!

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Rick Capone, Lexington, Ky. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:44:35 GMT

Hi Brian -

Not sure if this fits exactly into what you are looking for, but I'd like to nominate Michael Blowen of Old Friends at Dreamchase Farm in Georgetown, Ky. (www.oldfriendsequine.com/)

Michael runs a farm for retired thoroughbred stallions and other race horses. In some cases the horses are donated to the farm, others are returned from overseas, and in some cases, the horses are rescued from almost certain death.

An example of that is Clever Allemont, who was found on a slaughter farm last December and, thanks to a lot of people, was resuced right before Christmas. He will now get to live out his life in a much happier place at Old Friends.

What is also so great about what Michael does is that people can come to the farm and visit all of these old race horses any day of the year. They get a free tour and learn each horse's history, and can even feed a few carrots to some of the horses.

It is a beautiful farm, run by some great people, all led by Michael, who is a character in his own right (he was once an entertainmnet writer for the Boston Globe). And, in this economy, it is a great place to escape to for a few hours and see some gorgeous horses.

Anyway, hope you might consider Michael and Old Friends.

FYI... This is a great idea you had for the news each night. Keep up the great work.

Rick Capone
Lexington, Ky

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jamie jamison, youngstown, ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:44:46 GMT

My husband is one of those kind individuals whose kind acts make a difference. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon and from the time he started in practice, he personally phones every one of his patients the night before surgery to see if they have any last minute questions. He spends this time with each of his patients to insure they understand the surgery and most importantly, he helps so many by restoring their mobility. He not only treats his patients with kindess, he also treats his staff and the dedicated nurses with that same compasion. We are thankful for him and thought you should know.

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Kerstin Gianniotes, Bradenton, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:44:50 GMT

I think you should feature Mr. Matzgow (sp?), a music teacher in Palm Beach Public School in Florida. My kindergarten grandson is learning to play the violin 2 mornings each week for free. Mr. Matzgow gets no extra pay for the lessons he gives before school and after school.

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Kelly Pierce — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:00 GMT

Hello, I'd like to nominate a small farm in Georgetown KY. We're called Quest Farm and we
provide a home, work, commuinity and fulfilling
lives for adults with Mental Retardation/
Developmental Disabilies (MR/DD). We raise flowers
gardens and make crafts that we sell at the local
flea market and a small cafe in town. I have worked
at Quest Farm for 3 years and have recently taken
a full time position along with my husband, Brian.
We live in an attached apartment with our two kids
and we're expecting our 3rd in September. We love
it here and believe that Quest could be a model
for homes all acroos the nation. Please feel free
to check out our web site for more info. Thank you
so much.

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Branson Fairbrother,Forney,Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:28 GMT

One person in my community that I think is doing good things is Mr.Bobby. He is a Janitor at my school, Criswell Elementary, who is always doing good. He waves to us when we are coming to school in the morning even when its cold outside. When we have a mess in the classroom he drops whatever he is doing and cleans up the mess. He always does his job and absolutly never has to be told what to do.

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Ruth Arnson, Loveland, OH — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:29 GMT

I would like to nominate a person who has been doing a GREAT service for many years. My friend Margaret Goebel of Ann Arbor, MI has been involved with the Leader Dog program for over 20 years. Not only has she raised 12 leader dog puppies, but she has formed friendships with the people who are fortunate enough to receive one of "her" leader dogs.

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andreaschaerf@msn.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:32 GMT

Kori is a young woman who teaches music. She has had 16 or so cardiac arrests. Kori was born with a genetic condition, Long QT Syndrome. She co facilitates an on line support group for other like me, who have this. She worked with her young students so they were able to perform at Radio City Music Hall a couple years ago. I dont know the dates well.She was afraid she'd have a cardiac arrest while directing them! Imagine that. She did it all anyway. Her school announces firedrills so they dont scare her.In addition to teaching, she is married. She helps so much in the Yahoo group. Truly a remarkable woman who is inspirational.I only know her email.

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Jennifer Linchy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:42 GMT

I wanted to nominate my Aunt Debby who takes care of my 87 year old grandfather who is a World War II veteran. Despite her own health issues and inability to afford health insurance, she always puts my grandfather's and other family members' needs first. In this era where it is normal to put parents in nursing homes, I'm very grateful that my Aunt takes care of him.

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John DeWitt, Black Mountain, North Carolina — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:45:55 GMT

The Parks and Recreation department of the Town of Black Mountain is providing a weekly gourmet lunch to the community, where everyone is welcome for a time of fellowship. There is no charge and volunteers in the community do all the preparation. Over 150 people are attending and the numbers increase every week. All individuals are welcome, including the homeless, senior citizens, business and retired people and all are WELCOME. No questions asked. The program is bringing a sense of community to the town, as we all are our "brothers keeper". The program is fully self supporting through generous contributions by those that can-to help those that need help.

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Anne Doyon, Southington, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:00 GMT

I would like to tell you about a group (Trumbull County Honor Guard) who perform military honors for veterans. The group is made up of veterans from WWII through Iraqi Freedom and a retired school teacher who serves as bugler. They have in one year performed over 300 funerals. They are all volunteers and perform their duties in all kinds of weather and some very unusual circumstances. They are members of six different American Legion Posts in and around Warren, Ohio. I was a member of the group for a number of years and served as Chaplain until we started traveling. I think their devotion is worth recognizing.

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Lindsay Jauss, Kensington, MD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:17 GMT

In the day and age of Nadya Suleman, it's hard to remember that fertility is a growing issue in this country, and one that is often still taboo to discuss. Despite her attention seeking, most women (and men) feel a great deal of disappointment and shame when discussing the topic of their reproductive or adoption options.
In Maryland, a woman exists who has worked tirelessly to bring this worldwide community together. She doesn't have the money to pursue further treatments herself (she has twins), but day in and day out tracks literally thousands of fertility blogs and discussions - and for no pay, simply because of the relationships she facilitates. She produces a web newsletter, the "Lost and Found Connections Abound" in order to make the vast space seem that much smaller. She has collected money for those who do not have the resources to start their family. Without her, I never would have been able to network with the woman who ultimately brought us together with the adoption agency, and ultimately our new son.

And when she's not running her home, and running this huge network (with no pay, simply the love of doing it), she's creating gift baskets, running pledge drives for those who have lost children, volunteering for multiple community groups, and more. Melissa Ford is simply an example of the kind of person we need more of in this time of hardships.

She may not be rich, financially, but in her spirit and soul, she's the richest woman I know.

You can see her blog at http://stirrup-queens.blogspot.com - it's an amazing treasure for the 1 in 6 couples (or single parents) who are affected by infertility.

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Marguerite Adair Columbia, Pa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:30 GMT

I have multiple myeloma and am receiving chemo in preparation for a stem cell transplant. The out of pocket costs are staggering, with the worst yet to come. Yesterday, a friend came by out of the blue with a $200 check donated by memebers of her Red Hat Ladies group. This act of compassionate generousity, especially during such hard economic times, is a blessing on so many levels. I want to say that this is the way the world works when kindness prevails.

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Curtis Karl, Port Huron, Michigan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:43 GMT

My grandfather is Mickey Knowlton. He is 88 years old and has collected allmost everything possible pertaining to the natural ice industry for a good part of his life. In the 1980's he opened his collection to the public which is known as The Knowlton Ice Museum. This museum continued to grow to the point that it could not house all the additional artifacts and the antique ice wagons collected. The museum was reciently moved to downtown Port Huron Michigan. As you know many downtowns are not doing good and Port Huron is one of the many. This January we opened up the museum to the public for an annual Ice Festival. The doors were open to the public on that day and it really showed. We had nearly 1000 people come thru in a few hours and I know that most people would not have if any money was involved due to the current economic times. My Grandfather has given a real gem to our coummunity and our family is really proud of him. There is so much more of a story here that needs to be told to many. My Grandfather has seen so much in his lifetime and is still here to tell you how the way things used to be and his collection helps show people how it was. Living thru the depression and seeing the world today is quite a conversation with him. I hope you would like to here more. Please contact me if you do. Curtis Karl

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Suzanne, Charlotte,VT — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:46 GMT

PHISH REuniting is making a lot of folks very happy, even if they're not going to the show. The band is offering free downloads of the shows for a period of time...music and dancing make people happy all over the world...

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Brittany Smith — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:46:48 GMT

Hello, I am contacting you from Little Rock AR, Where the recession is just now hitting. My mother is a public school teacher here in the state for the passed 30+ years. This area has never had much. They have always worked very hard for what they have even sometimes it came up a little short. Margo Shoffner(my Mother), who has taught for 30+ years always put the children first. I can remember going to Sam's and getting breakfastbars or Power Bars because my mother said that some of her students had not eaten since the day before. Nutition was always important to her, and that really spoke to me. I never thought children actually went to bed hungry. My mother teaches art and science in Beebe Ar, and has for a long time. It is unbelievable how good news matters in this small community. If one talks to any student here, they will tell you how fortunate they are to be here and why.
Thank you for your time,
Brittany Smith

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Damian D. Toto — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:47:43 GMT

Mr. Williams:
I live in The Villages in Florida. It is a retirement community, but it is a whole lot more. We have, among other charitable causes, Operation Shoebox, every Monday both men and women get together to pack boxes with letters and goodies and odds and ends to send to our soldiers. My wife has volinteered to help write and work with them. The only time she misses is when she has to work. She has gotten letters from the soldiers thanking her, as did others in the group. But this is not about her it is about the group which has benn doing this for a number of years.

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jane — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:48:30 GMT

My random act of kindness goes to myself. I just purchased cable TV so can now recieve the news without all the bias REPORTING coming from NBC

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Sherry Alton RN, MBA/MS, CEN - Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:48:33 GMT

The Emergency Department Team at Graham Hospital in Canton Illinois is worthy of recognition! As the ED Director, I am proud to go to work daily and work with such an awesome multidisciplinary team. One of the most sincere and sad but honored moments we share in the ED is the unfornate passing of a loved one. In the event of a death in the ED, the ED staff provides an imprint of the loved ones hand using modeling clay and places it into a hand sewn bag and given to the patient's family. I'm proud to shar this with all of you - although in tough times, especially with the death of a loved one - the ED staff is providing excellent quality care with compassion and love.

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Dave Rustad, Roseville, MN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:49:07 GMT

There is a guy in Duluth, MN that is going to hold a rock & roll concert this summer and I am told that he is giving away 1000 free tickets to the event to Veterans. I talked with him and asked him why he was doing this and all he said was, "They earned it.".
I know this may not be anything but I thought it was pretty nice of this person.

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Fred Cuelar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:49:17 GMT

I want to nominate Kelsey Kolberg. To my knowledge she is the first person in the world to start a wish fulfillment company. She literally will open up her heart to practically anyone and do what ever it takes for people to live their greatest grandest life! In a world where people are ducking for cover she puts her neck on the line every single day to make other peoples lives better! Her motto is: "We all have one thing in common, one moment, one life, one now." To describe her as a modern day Mother Theresa would not be an understatement. She brings people together.

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Terry Knight Gordo, Alabama — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:50:12 GMT

Mr. Brian Williams,

I moved from the Alabama Gulf Coast in September of 2008 to escape the tropical storms and hurricanes to Gordo Alabama. As a survivor of Katrina and most recent tropical storm Fay and hurricane Gustav, I decided to move; after researching the demographics of this area and thought this would be a good place for me to live. At fifty years old, I am going to the University of Alabama and Gordo is a hop and a skip away. I do not know anyone for over a hundred miles. I moved into a house that was vacant for over ten years and had my work cut out for me from my arrival.

I had the water turned on and it had nothing but leaks. This is when I met my neighbor seventy-one year old Sue Fair. I had to ask to borrow a bucket of water from her; I had had a bath in ten days. From that point on she watches for me and brings me food to eat since I did not have a stove. Over time and as our friendship grew she has made curtains for the house, brought me firewood and so much more.

I like many of the unknown populus, have economic hardship and can’t even pay my utilities. Ms Fair even offered to help with paying some of my bills. I am hard headed and told her I would get along by myself and thanked her for offering. I will probably be without power in a week or two.

Ms Fair shows up with milk, bread and apple dump cake that she knows I like. Additionally, she has shown me shortcuts threw these rural areas and pointed out places to get bargains.

Ms Fair is a hard worker and helps the lady down the road two days a week. She feeds so many people on a weekly basis, it’s just unbelievable. She works her garden still and makes use of everything she grows.
I hope you can honor this lady, she is truly an angel. She keeps many people fed, takes care of the ones that can’t care for themselves, and never asks for any thing in return.

Terry

If you have a lead on a job, I am a very good researcher.

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Allison Winfield Kalloo, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:50:12 GMT

It is a fact that these segments always leave me tear-streaked! It is so cleansing and inspiring to see celebrated these people who really get it, who demonstrate their faith, perform the deeds and set the examples for the rest of us. These people of impact bring more balance to the news day and optimism to our collective horizon. For my small part, I would love to donate a tiny token to each of these winners that would underscore their exemplary character-- and make them instantly recognizable in a crowd: Their own KROWN. I create very distinctive headgear called "KROWNS" which are intended to reflect empowerment and celebrate our best. Honoring worthy nominees for complimentary KROWNS is already part of our business model and I would be absolutely honored to contribute KROWNS to your winners and to help you "KROWN" them appropriately. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Allison Winfield Kalloo
kallookrown.com

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Colleen Schoneveld Bethlehem, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:51:40 GMT

There is a very happy phenomenon happening here in the USA. Musically Challenged Adults are banding together and making music!
I read about an orchestra called the RTO (The Really Terrible Orchestra) in Edinburgh, Scotland when I was becoming bored with my late-in-life attempt to learn to play the violin. Reading about the RTO I realized I either needed to move to Scotland or start an RTO here. A Year ago with the blessings and encouragement of Scotland I started RTO-PA. There are now 4 RTOs with 2 more beginning to form. There is RTOOT in North Carolina; RTO-Westchester (NY);
RTSO-SF Bayarea (RT Strings Orchestra)...another seedling is in Anchorage, Alaska and one in Brooklyn, NY. Making music is for everyone no matter how inept the player.
The original RTO is coming to play a concert at the Town Hall in NYC April 1st (appropriately) kicking off the annual Tartan week celebrations.
Making music in a non-judgmental environment with other people is therapeutic and an inexpensive, healthy joy. To find more about RTOs visit thereallyterribleorchestra.com; rto-pa.com or rtoot.org .... Prepare yourself to laugh heartily.
Colleen RTO-PA

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Andrew Kalnas,Catasauqua,Pa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:51:41 GMT

Hi Brian, I'd like to give thanks to my wife Mary Jane, who has stood by me for the past 25 yrs. The last 3 yrs.She has been very busy taking care of me since I have End Stage Renal Diease. She's helped me in every aspect, from taking care of the bills, to visits to the hospital every day, also while raising our 4 yr. old daughter, taking care of the house, snowthrowing, grass cutting,trash day etc!!!! She is also working part time to help with everyday expences. Our hope is that one day I'll recieve a kidney and life can go back to raising our daughter, and The American Dream!!!

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Andrea Kaiser, St. Louis MO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:52:43 GMT

I have known my friend, Robin Rickerman since 1973, and she always does things in her life that amaze me. There was a big event honoring her volunteer spirit in her synagogue last December, and in her honor, over 300 people showed up from all of Robin's life, from her relatives to her synagogue members, her long-time racquetball buddies, and so many friends like me that she has gathered along the way!! Robin has a magnetic and positive personality that shines beyond all her many challenges in life: she ran 7 restaurants and one burned down. SHe lived with a man for ten years, and raised his 3 children in a way that makes the parents proud. She was burned out from working so hard owning her own businesses that she quit and went to work for someone else. But last fall, Robin lost her main job. She always seems to keep 1-2 part-time jobs as well. Her huge heart volunteerism, and networking landed her a job most would not take! It is a double position: the employer was glad to hire one person to fill two vacancies for less money! And she will remain working for the Jewish community where her heart lies, at the Jewish Community Center. She has spent four grueling months, trying to make ends meet in this economy. She is a also a landlord with two tiny apartments in her building, and many stressors. She puts more hours in a day, and still comes out smiling. She pulled me up from the depths of a devastating divorce 18 months ago, and gave me some toughlove. I have many friends who are proud of my accomplishments since then, and I really have Robin to thank for so much of it! many other people could share amazing stories of Robin's incredible gift of love. People gravitate to her. She is a trooper, a hard worker, a genuinely happy person, and a giving, loving valuable member of her community! I have so many other stories, too numerous to mention here. Plus, I have a published book honoring Robin's accomplishments, written by congregants, and published by her congregation. Robin deserves this honor more than anyone I have ever met (and I have lived and traveled all over the world). Thanks. Andrea

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Stephany Kraft, Palm Beach Gardens, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:52:51 GMT

I would like to nominate my husband, David for the random acts of kindness. In spite of being in constant pain from birth defects, a kidney transplant, urostomy and spinal problems, David just takes care of everyone he meets.

Just some examples and one even involves a BANK:

He mows and landscapes about 10 neighbor's lawns for free. (He was so distressed pushing the mower when his hip went bad from immunosurpressant drugs that we bought him a riding lawnmower)for the little 60' x 100' lawns in our small middle class neighborhood.

He loans his tools and pickup truck to anyone in need; even driving it for them if they are hesitant to drive it themselves. Just last Friday a neighbor got a new boat but had a truck too small to pull it. David just gave him the keys for the weekend and said that the smile on the neighbor's face was repayment enough.

Anyone who comes to the door - Garbage men, delivery men and even neighborhood children are giving a cold drink of their choice. Something that is really needed during hot South Florida days. He has actually chased them down the street Gatorade in hand if he can't make it to the door in time.

He always has a encouraging word for those he meets and to encourage the staff at our local bank (Bank Atlantic) he periodically sends them platters of subs from a local restaurant on special Fridays.

I know that being his wife, you may think that I am biased but I can give you the contact information for any of our neighbors, garbage men, Publix employees, bank tellers, etc and I am confident that they will fill your ears with his kindness.

Even if you don't pick his story to feature. It would really be great if maybe you could send just an acknowledgment letter that he got nominated. It has been a pretty rough month for him.

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Jill Rizner, Waterloo, Iowa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:53:21 GMT

I would like to tell you about a gal in Waterloo, Iowa that works for John Deere Waterloo Works. Her name is Julie Ehlers. Julie and a group of John Deere employees got together about 6 years ago (the beginning of the war in Iraq) and decided that Iowa needs to remember our service men and women serving their country at the holiday times. Since the beginning of the war every November (Vets Day) Julie's volunteers have put holiday boxes together and shipped to the soldiers. All items are donations and they come from all over the state of Iowa. Kids at schools draw pictures, write letters, cards. A sampling of the boxes includes, socks, a Christmas stocking that has the soldier's name on it, frisbie, calling cards, playing cards, dvds, koozies, John Deere hats, magazines, cameras, note cards and stamps, food (crackers, drink mixes, candy galore!, salsa, Slim Jims, lotions, dental floss, mac & cheese) you name it! Boxes are stuffed FULL and each box is packaged the same way so each soldier gets the same things. It is an assembly line that volunteers come and do. Some people have a "station" to put their item in the box and others walk boxes around to each station. We have kids, parents, scouts, hockey team players, grandparents, mayors of surrounding towns, soldiers that received them when they were in Iraq come to help that night. No matter how many boxes that are sent that year it usually takes about 1 hour for all of them to be done and on their way to the post office. It is amazing to see all the people that come out that night to help. All items plus the shipping costs are done by donations. In April Julie organizes another shipping to the soldiers with Girl Scout cookies and Boy Scouts popcorn. This will take place at the UAW Hall 838 on April 16th. Julie just wants to make sure that our soldiers are not forgotten and that THEY know that they are not forgotten. She has also started a group called Iowa's Bravest. So when you hear of Iowa's Bravest you know what they do. Her website is www.iowasbravest.org Check out her website and see what goes on and the many letters of thanks from the soldiers that receive packages. Also available are t-shirts and flags that you can purchase that helps with the costs of shipping the boxes each year. Please check out the website and you will see what a worthwhile project this is. Julie and her husband Bruce put alot of work into these projects every year and I think they should be recognized. Thank you for wanting to deliver some good news for a change. :)

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Sherry Alton RN, MBA/MS, CEN - Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:53:46 GMT

The Emergency Department Team at Graham Hospital in Canton Illinois is worthy of recognition! As the ED Director, I am proud to go to work daily and work with such an awesome multidisciplinary team. One of the most sincere and sad but honored moments we share in the ED is the unfornate passing of a loved one. In the event of a death in the ED, the ED staff provides an imprint of the loved ones hand using modeling clay and places it into a hand sewn bag and given to the patient's family. I'm proud to share this with all of you - although in tough times, especially with the death of a loved one - the ED staff is providing excellent quality care with compassion and love.

Tell us your good news

Cassandra Quintal, Sabattus, Maine — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:54:00 GMT

My Fiancee and are I are both 25 and have been living in Maine for our entire lives. We met in College at the University of Maine at Farmington. I Graduated from Maine's top public Liberal Arts college in 2007 with a Bachelors of Art Degree. Noel, My Fiancee, studied biology while working at a local Chiropractic office in Farmington, a town of about 3000 people. Noel and I both paid our own ways through school with part time and summer jobs. After school, we moved into a 1969 Mobile home owned by my parents. Dealing with a perpetually broken furnace and a leaky roof, we both found jobs in the Central Maine Area and have been saving money to purchase our first home together. Noel works at a thriving locally owned aftermarket auto parts dealer and service shop. He is currently training in management. I am the legal secretary for a local charity hospital. I work with employees to promote safety within the hospital and out in the community.
On 3/11/09, We will be closing on our first home that is located just a few miles outside of Lewiston, Maine. The house is in need of a little repair but it is well within our price range for affordability. Our strong jobs, in strong sectors of the market has allowed us to capitalize on the falling mortgage market. We will soon have enough room to grow into a family.
My next big goal is to plan a wedding!

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Jackie Lee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:54:01 GMT

Dear Brian Williams:
Thanks for asking for this. I've been saying for months that there is lots of good going on and no one reports on it. I am a director of an inter-active media agency in Boston, Ma. called BigBad www.bigbad.com. During this recession this company has grown by doing exceptional work in building large complex websites for clients like Babson College, Wake Forrest University and Beth Israel/Deaconess Hospital, Boston, Ma. There are certain segments of the economy that are not failing and I wish the media would cover those areas. The reason I want to shine a light on this company is because the management has made a commitment to not lay anyone off during this time; continue to do exceptional work while giving clients good value. I know all companies say that but some actually do it. BigBad is successful because the CEO, Mr. Ty Glasgow, has lead this company honorably and intelligently. I'm not claiming BigBad has saved the world, it hasn't-- but throughout this horrible economic period it has honored its responsibility to its employees and its clients. In my book, that is a lot. Please look at the website for more info about what they do and again, Thanks. I know you hear many wonderful stories. Jackie Lee

Tell us your good news

melitta lovland, wesley chapel fl — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:54:19 GMT

I would like to bring your attention to a young aspiring artist, Christina Varga, who in the heart of Woodstock NY established a non profit Visionary Art Center (VAC) in her art gallery to help other visual artists. The VAC not only provides the vehicle to showcase new artists and their work, but it also provides a forum to discuss and reshape artistic expressions and established boundaries.
In these hard times art is one of the first thing neglected by the public, yet it is also one of the few avenues that can positively channel energies and provide for creative outlet, inspiration and inner peace.
The VAC established by Varga is a sanctuary for fellow artists. Varga’s tireless efforts on behalf of these artists benefit the entire community.

Tell us your good news

Kathy Reineke, Lexington Park, MD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:54:25 GMT

I teach at 'the little elementary school that could.' While we are small-- our population is about one-third of the size of most elementary schools in our area. We keep racking up strong test scores yearly (we've been on the Washington Post top 100 suburban schools since they began publishing the list). Our child-centered, community approach maintains the small-town atmosphere of years gone by. I can't really single one person out at our school who is the most terrific-- it's a team effort and we keep the focus on the the kids. We have issues such as homeless kids and families being effected by the tough economy-- but our good news is that every morning when the kids walk in, we create a cocoon of normalcy for our kids.

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Jessica Cummings, Jackson County, West Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:54:35 GMT

I am a resident of the Appalachian region, which has recently taken a hit in the media due to our "hillbilly" stereotype. My nominee is also a resident and one who works tirelessly to fight for neglected and abused children through the national organization known as CASA (Court Appointed Advocates for Neglected and Abused Children). Robin Wisard,formerly an elementary school principal,and formerly a volunteer of this organization's branch in Ohio, moved to Ripley, West Virginia and has built CASA of the 5th Judicial Circuit through, literally; blood, sweat, and tears. We have now been up and running for over a year and have served (and are serving) over 27 children. She is serving as our volunteer coordinator and goes above and beyond every day. We are a little recognized organization that trains community volunteers to be appointed by judges in child neglect and abuse cases. In our region approx. 40% of the court's time is spent on child abuse and neglect cases. We advocate and speak for these children in court, monitor their cases, and work to either reunify them with their birth parents or find suitable, safe, and loving homes for them. It has been my honor to serve as a volunteer under her and she has served as mentor to so many of us, and in turn helped us give success to so many children. She very much deserves recognition for her honorable efforts!
www.casa5wv.org

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Julie Ortman, Clarence, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:55:28 GMT

Brian,

I just saw this on our local news and was very moved. Then, just after, I saw your request to nominate people who are doing good things in our community. Here are excerpts from our local news website article and from the video that goes with it. It can be found at WGRZ.com.

'Linda Weiss and her husband own The Buffalo Shirt Factory, which is located in Clarence.

Linda has been thinking, ever since the crash of Flight 3407, that she wanted to do something to help. So, she stopped the presses at the factory --- temporarily stopped making their own orders, and began making a t-shirt designed to honor those who died in the crash.

The t-shirts are a symbol of hope and healing. They have a broken heart on them, with a bandage over it. Linda says the "karma" on this project has been amazing. She's had countless volunteers step up to help.

The t-shirts are, as Linda puts it, "free with a ten dollar donation." The donations will go to First Responders and others still living with the impacts of that day.

March 8th has been designated as a "Community Day of Caring". Everyone will wear their t-shirts in memory of the victims and to say thanks to those who responded.'

As a resident of Clarence, NY, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda and her husband for showing the rest of us that a selfless act can make a huge impact.

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Mary Busby — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:55:34 GMT

Thank you for bringing us good news when we really need it.

As a boy, Victor Mbaba lived alone in a refugee camp during wartime in Nigeria. When his surviving family reunited, he was chosen to go back to school (while other children had to work for the family's survival.) He credits his education with saving his life.

He earned several degrees and became a teacher in the U.S. When he saw used textbooks being discarded, he arranged for them to be sent to children in Nigeria. 17 years later, Mbaba has shipped more than 1.1M books in the "Gift of Books" program from the non-profit he now devotes his life to, Africa's Children's Fund. (wwww.africaschildrensfund.org)

When I am feeling frustrated, I reflect on the journey of my friend, Victor, and how he finds his joy in helping children, and I become restored and hopeful.

Thank you!

Tell us your good news

Sherry Alton RN, MBA/MS, CEN - Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:56:17 GMT

Thanks for the opportunity to share Brian and NBC. I think all of us will appreciate the postings.

Tell us your good news

John Louden, Plano, Tx — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:56:24 GMT

You should check out a group called Plain-O Helpers. They are a group of mostly retired guys and gals who provide home handyman repairs for seniors and disabled people who cannot pay for professionals. They work in Plano, Tx, which is supposed to have the highest per capita income for a city of it's size, but there are many who do not fit that mold.

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Gregory Zeigler, Jackson, Wyoming — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:57:38 GMT

Brian,
Please consider David Hall of Salt Lake City who established The Kind Acts Foundation which recognizes and awards the simple kind acts of school students anywhere in the U.S. by allowing teachers to apply for a pin and a certificate for students at no cost and with no strings attached.

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Barbara Rothman, Bronx, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:58:09 GMT

You only need to look on your network's show The Biggest Loser. Last night, Mike (I think that's his name) won a year's worth of groceries in a challenge. Since he is a student & doesn't need it, he gave it to another contestant, a mother of five!

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Alan Tery Solon Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:58:51 GMT

I nominate Rush Limbaugh he is the only one that know what is going on in the World and tells it like it is. He calls a crook a crook un like the Nightly News.
Tery Solon, Ohio

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Ralph Sierra, Mount Wolf, Pa. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:59:55 GMT

I want to nominate my friend and co-worker Joe Fultz. He does meet your criteria of doing for , and helping others, but I believe his ancestry can touch all of us and give us hope that one person can make a difference. His great, great grandfather Abraham Fultz cultivate a species of wheat that later became a main stay of wheat that was used in America for many years. I am sure you can research more about him and find out for yourself.
Thank you,

Ralph Sierra

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TracyGamino, Topeka, KS — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:02:04 GMT

I recently went to a car mechanic up the street with a friend. Her car was in need of repair. The mechanic was able to show her what the problem was before he ever did the work. Then when I took her back to pick up her car. The mechanic showed her all the parts that he had to replace and why. He took the time to educater her and I both. I was very impressed by his giving nature and honest demeanor. Its great to know there is still true and honest people in the world trying to help and not cheating and lying to make a dollar.

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Tom Reitz, Edgewater, MD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:02:21 GMT

Dear Brian,

For acts of kindness, I would like to nominate you and the excellent staff at NBC who go about the business of reporting the news, as troubling as it generally is these days, in a professional manner, underscored by the obvious concern for humanity in general, and the individuals you report on in specific. I look forward to the half hour you report on daily, but firmly believe you should expand the reporting to one hour nightly. I do not know if the economics would justify this move, but the upside in the reporting of more stories with expanded opportunities to show the upside of progress we are making in the world (witness the presidential election and the resultant embracing of a new family in the White House that was seemingly unthinkable as recently as two years ago)certainly qualifies as the most honest "reality show" on TV. The ability to report on even more diversified and interesting stories and issues, may indeed move the bar up for reporters, advertisers, and viewers alike.
Enough of the same old, same old. You have the charisma, associates, and integrity to succede. Let's make a new chapter in evening news reporting.

Sincerely,

Tom Reitz

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David Maria, Boise, Idaho — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:02:33 GMT

I'd like to nominate Reverend Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission who along with the staff continues to serve the needs of the homeless, abandoned, and recovering men, women and children making a huge huge difference in the lives of literally thousands of people.

They are a truly amazing organization.

Thanks for your consideration.

David

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Tom & Bridget Akins, Minnesott Beach, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:03:20 GMT

Hi there. My wife and I would like to nominate the kindest woman we have ever known. Her name is Cat Thomas. AKA "Miss Kitty". The woman literally spends more time volunteering, than she does sleeping. You see, we came to know of Miss Kitty while I was deployed in Iraq for 13 months. I posted a blog for my younger Marines and Miss Kitty adopted us for the length of our stay. Come to find out we are not the first, only one of many that she has adopted. Each time one group comes home, she adopts another. She sent us anything and everything we ever wanted. She even organized an entire Christmas pancake breakfast for 80+ Marines to be shipped to us, with every fixing you could dream up! She volunteers with her local grange, drives her Church bus a couple of nights a week and any other cause she may find worthy...she does those as well. Upon my return from Iraq, she still continues to support not only myself, as I just retired after 22 years, but also my family. Whenever there is anything going on with our family and she catches wind of it, she has a card or gift sent out to us right away. My wife started a new home business, and Kitty took the time to hand make her several pieces of new jewelry to wear for her business. One of our daughters was put up in the hospital due to a small accident..and faithfully two days later...packages for her showed up from Miss Kitty to help her pass the time with crafts to do. Truly just an angel here in disguise and we believe well worth mentioning. She can be reached at the following email address: catchcat@att.blackberry.net and her work is: kitty@sdri-pdx.org. She lives in Oregon. Thanks so much for your time...Tom and Bridget Akins

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Eric Wildung, Prescott Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:03:43 GMT

Eric Wildung The Home Mortgage IRA. Allowing ordinary people to bail themselves out with their own money when they need to. Because the American People are too large to fail!

Tell us your good news

A former Bridges student who is now in graduate school — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:03:56 GMT

You should take a look at Dr. Glenn Kuehn at New Mexico State University and his Bridges to American Indians Program. He's been helping us Natives in good and in bad ecomonic times. Without him, I would be stuck on the reservation without much hope for my future. He give us hope when others would just rather pass us by.

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Monique, Massachusetts — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:30 GMT

The place where my fiance works has taken up a donation collection for a co-worker who recently lost her home & cat due to a fire. Some of her family members lived in the same building so they are all out of a home. I felt so sorry for her when my fiance told me the story, and it was made even more sad by the fact that her cat died in the fire. However, I was happy to hear the co-workers have donated money to help her out, my fiance included. Sometimes I loose faith in people, but then things like this happen that make me see that there are still a lot of good folks out there.

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Wes Hyde, Denver, CO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:34 GMT

My wife, an artist, does what she calls, "Random Acts of Art in a Big Big World" through her Finders! Keepers? Art project. She creates, labels, packages small pieces of art and places in a public place somewhere on the planet for someone to discover. To learn more about her project, please visit: http://fkartproject.blogspot.com/

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David Vogelsang, Hilltown, Pennsylvania — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:36 GMT

A gentleman, and an exceedingly gentle man named Dale Perkins, who I am very privileged to know, serves his students daily in the city of Philadelphia by making their newly adopted language and culture come alive.

These kids are ESL (English as a Second Language) students, ranging in age from kindergarten to high school, and they are newly arrived here in the United States for a huge variety of reasons. Some are the children of families seeking a better life and a greater future. Some have seen and known truths that no child should ever have to witness.

All of them are here to become new citizens - and to learn what it means to live and grow in a nation where anyone's dream is possible.

Dale Perkins, a uniquely individual man and mentor, guides them toward that dream every day of the week. He digs deeply into pockets that are, by many standards, none too deep, and with the simplest of tools, crafts amazing and enchanting new worlds of learning to help every one of these youngest Americans achieve the most basic of building blocks - a solid understanding of our common language - and the infinite opportunities that lie beyond.

Dale has chosen this pathway for himself. It may not be strewn with worldly goods or great material wealth, but it is the spirit of fairness and equality...and hope, that sets the course.

It is in this simplest of ways, giving of himself, his endless talent, and his own resources, that Mr. Perkins inspires joy in learning, pride in accomplishment, and reinforces the fundamental spirit of this great country - by helping every child know that his or her dreams can become realities.

My 'nomination' could not go to a more deserving individual than this exemplary role model and leader of tomorrow's generation!

Tell us your good news

Marie Oestrick, Royal Oak, Michigan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:49 GMT

This isn't a random act of kindness, but a continuation of caring and love. My sister and her husband have been fighting to keep family members in their homes, this includes me. You see, we all rent homes from my sister and her husband and have fallen on tough times. Consequently they have struggled because of everyone else's hardship and their own lack of work. They deserve to be recognized and they deserve to know how much they are appretiated. Thank you, Ron and Janice!

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Juanita Peterson, Scottsdale, AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:50 GMT

In Scottsdale AZ, Reita Hutson has become "mom" to nearly 500 Lost Boys of Sudan. They were relocated from Sudan to Phoenix in 2000, and have tremendous dental needs since traditionally nearly all their bottom teeth are pulled when they are very young. Reita has be able to get more than $1,000,000 in free dental care to help this young men, as well as financial help for their educations. She is a true hero. The website is gabrielsdream.org.

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Julie Greenberg, Chicago, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:04:57 GMT

I would like to nominate my husband, Jeff Jenkins, to be featured on your program. Years ago we rescued a Pit Bull on the west side of Chicago. Jeff went on to train her to be an extraordinary dog and an incredible performer. Most notably a member of the Chicago Bulls entertainment family as they regularly entertain audiences of 20,000 during NBA games. But this is just the beginning of their story.
Jeff saw the impact their unique partnership had on young people, most notably young men who had a very different idea of what a Pit Bull could do. He began taking her to a maximum security youth correctional facility just outside Chicago in hopes of inspiring and educating the young men incarcerated there. The response was immediate and powerful and positive. All of this has culminated into a ground-breaking program that Jeff and The Humane Society of the United States launched over a year ago, Pit Bull Training Team.
With Pit Bull Training Team, Jeff works with young men and their dogs who have been involved in and who are at risk to being involved in Dog fighting. He trains the dogs right alongside the young men who own them. This work takes place in some of the most notorious neighborhoods in Chicago for dog fighting. A dozen young men and their dogs, all in a room together learning how to get along; Learning how to care for one another, respect one another, and in turn respect the community at large. The program has had such an impact, Jeff has recently launched Pit Bull Training Teams in Charlotte, NC and in Atlanta GA. Atlanta is a hotbed for dog fighting in the US as was brought to the nation's attention with the conviction of Falcon's star QB, Michael Vick.
I sometimes tell Jeff that I think he's fighting a losing battle here...that it's like draining the ocean with an eyedropper... He always looks at me and says that this is and will make a difference. That in order to solve the problem of dog fighting, you have to begin at both ends of the leash.
For more info on this incredible program, you can check out:

http://www.hsus.org/acf/fighting/dogfight/programs/pit_bull_training_team.html

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Laurie Fleetwood, Riverton, Wyoming — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:05:38 GMT

I work for a company that treats its employees like family. The owners, a lovely married couple, treat us to breakfast every Friday. They treat the entire company to lunch when employees have birthdays. They also regularly provide lunch to the local homeless shelter as well. It's inspiring and refreshing to see such kindness and giving in times like these.

Tell us your good news

Nicky Geisler, Mt.Sterling, Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:05:51 GMT

I am happy you are doing some positive stories we need that on the evening news. Negative coverage just creates more negative and makes us feel hopeless. The economy will get better and we all need to focus on the positive things in our lives. Thanks for helping find uplifting stories.

Tell us your good news

Carrie Roe, Parkersburg WV — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:05:53 GMT

I work with a woman who is doing acts of incredible kindness every day. This woman, Debbie Hines, is actually the head of the Treasury Departments Public Debt Accounting Office. A position of great responsibility obviously in these times. However, that is not what makes her so amazing. Every single day of her life is dedicated to helping homeless pets. Every day! Beyond her demanding job, she spends hours each day working to help animals in our shelter find homes. Specifically her volunteer work focuses on working with rescue groups in other parts of the country who will take our animals into their care and find them homes. But this work is teadious, tiresome, demanding and neverending. Each Saturday Debbie arranges to send 20 to 30 animals to other rescue organizations, making room in our shelter for the next homeless animals that are certain to come our way. Without Debbie's work, animals would die because we would run out of space to house these animals virtually every day. But Debbie's efforts save lives every day. As if that wasn't enough, Debbie helps people get their pets spayed or neutered, will pick up injurred or disabled animals and take them to speciality clinics for evaluation at her own expense, and last summer Debbie worked as our transport coordinator to coordinate the placement of more than 900 dogs that we rescued from a puppy mill to other groups around the country. Debbie managed this working tirelessly and for hours on end over a 4 day period. It was amazing. Her dedication, energy and commitment are amazing and she does it all because she cares about these homeless animals. Her job doesn't end when she goes home either, as she always has a house full of fostering and rehabbing dogs. She is an amazing person and a wonderful example of how generous people can be. She'll tell her she's gets more back from the animals than she can ever give, but she is a gift to animals in need in our community. We are all lucky to have her.

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Suzanne Witt, Orange Beach, AL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:06:45 GMT

Our Mobile, AL "Press Register did a story today titled "One-man Stimulus". A Brewton, AL pharmacist gave employees $16,000 in $2 bills and ask them to donate some to charity and spend the rest locally. The pharmacist in Danny Cottrell and he owns The Medical Center Pharmacy in Brewton.
Danny Cottrell has done a very good act of kindness of the whole community.

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Heather Marvin, Petoskey, Michigan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:06:46 GMT

"Tell Us Your Good News" Nomination

In rural Northern Michigan, a dozen girls have accomplished great things for their community over the last twelve years. The young women in Petoskey Girl Scout Troop 379 are now seniors in high school, but since the troop's inception in first grade, they have done more than most people do in a lifetime in terms of volunteer service to others. Soon they will earn their Gold Award for their Flowers for Friends project. The girls recycle flowers from weddings, funerals, etc., make them into smaller bouquets, and then deliver them to area nursing homes, visiting with the residents and building relationships while delivering smiles. For the past 5 years the troop has partnered with our local VFW to send Girl Scout cookies to our soldiers in Iraq. Last year they shipped over 3,000 boxes (that's more than 50,000 cookies!), along with calling cards. When the girls were in middle school, they wrote grants, made presentations, and raised over $14,000 to purchase six AEDs for our school district, one of which was put to use last spring in the high school. They were nominated for the Governor's Service Award, were recognized as one of President Bush's Points of Light, and have received numerous other accolades. These are just a few of the incredible accomplishments of twelve extraordinary senior high school girls. They are all on the honor roll, participate in a wide array of sports and extra-curricular activities, and will head off to various colleges next fall. This troop, and their leader, is certainly deserving of high praise, and their story will definitely capture viewers' hearts. The girls' actions remind us that even in these bleak times, goodness prevails. They show us what really matters...not the Dow Jones, or the mortgage crisis, or the bailout, but reaching out and helping and serving others. Ordinary people going about their daily lives in their local communities will see our country through this very difficult time. I can't speak highly enough of these young women. They are exceptional students and role models for us all. (To learn more about the troop, visit the Petoskey News-Review archives, our local paper).

Thank you for your consideration. We are a quintessential small town located on Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan. The entire community (6000 year-round residents) has watched these girls grow up over the years, and many have benefited from their acts of kindness. Truly, it's a wonderful, "feel good" story! Please feel free to contact me for more information.

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Kyle Ramsey, Lincoln, Nebraska — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:07:26 GMT

The working poor are an often-unrecognized group. In Lincoln, Nebraska a new venture called the Barnabas Project has been organized to help families who work hard to support themselves, but sometimes fall just a little short. In many cases they just need encouragement and support to keep their family from falling into poverty. In response to this need, and in support of our neighbors, many people in the area have volunteered their time to help these families.
I recently moved to the Lincoln area and came across the opportunity to volunteer at the Barnabas Project. The Project provides free clothing and other household goods to the working poor in the area. There is no exchange of money at the Barnabas Project or donations accepted, patrons take what they need.
The ministry is named after Barnabas, who was Paul's partner on his first missionary journey and instrumental in Paul's early ministry. Barnabas means "the son of encouragement" and that is the goal of this ministry, to provide resources to encourage and support those working hard to care for their family.
The volunteer coordinator for the Barnabas Project in Lincoln is Saundra Frerichs. Saundra does an amazing job welcoming those who are in need to come into the Project. She devotes numerous hours of her time to the Project and she is truly passionate about helping others. I have only known Saundra for several months, but from my experiences with her, she is the type of person that places others before herself. Unfortunately, I found out that she has been out of work and is searching for employment. Considering the effort that she devotes to the Barnabas Project while also looking for employment, I believe Saundra would be a deserving candidate for her regular acts of kindness.

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Julie Greenberg, Chicago, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:07:27 GMT

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Ann Scott, Trinidad CO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:07:36 GMT

I live in Trindad, CO and volunteer at a Free Medical Clinic two times a month. I would like to mention the people that are responsible for making this happen. Shery Smith, Lana Grier, Phyllis Della Beta...We have 60 patients plus each clinic and help so many folks that are in need of medical care and have no insurance, medicare or medicaid. I see these three people give so much each Clinic and know the good that is done....I am proud! The difference I have seen in those folks over the last 4 years has been the reward.....

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Art Lipski, Tucson, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:08:09 GMT

I would like to nominate Jan Hutchinson in Tucson, AZ. She has single-handedly grown Gabriel's Angels Pet Therapy in Tucson as it grew from Phoenix. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Arizona Daily Star newspaper about Gabriel's Angels. While the information is about our non-profit and my visits to at-risk children, Jan is responsible for our program in Tucson:

The impact of the Department of Economic Security cuts as outlined in the Sunday Editorial should energize those serious about helping future generations. The call to Community Service is a LOUD one. Cuts to the CPS budget will be dramatic and who will suffer most? The very children who need the most help. Research shows that an abused or neglected child is more likely to grow to be an abuser.

I volunteer with my dog Siena as a pet therapy team for Gabriel’s Angels, which serves abused, neglected and at-risk children of Pima County. I am also the volunteer coordinator. I believe people in our community would love to volunteer and allow their dog to help these children. Dogs offer unconditional love and it is through this love that children experience trust, feel empathy and show compassion. These behaviors are key elements in stopping the cycle of violence.
Job loss, home foreclosures, and the economic downturn will cause family stress levels to skyrocket and an increase in child abuse unfortunately is sure to follow.

Please join me and other Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Teams in helping these vulnerable children. You can learn more at www.gabrielsangels.org.

Influence the seedling and you can change the way the tree grows!

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County Commissioner Lisa Weik, Woodbury, Minnesota — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:08:21 GMT

I'd like to nominate Washington County in Minnesota for offering a new program called "One County - One Book" that has focused the community on a discussion of the importance of civility as outlined in Dr. P.M. Forni's book, "Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct." Going through life rude and angry can make you sick, which is magnified by the bad economy. Everyone can improve the quality of their lives and relationships by choosing to be more considerate, courteous and polite. Dr. Forni recommends following the 25 rules of considerate conduct to create a more respectful and kinder community. The program runs in March and April 2009 and will culminate in a community discussion featuring a presentation by Dr. Forni on the evening of April 21, 2009 in Woodbury, Minnesota (located 10 minutes east of St. Paul). Washington County has 200 copies of the book available at all branch libraries; the county board of commissioners hopes everyone who lives or works in our county will participate.

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Greg Norton, Boise, Idaho — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:08:51 GMT

Jennifer Sirani is a teacher at our small private high school in Boise, Idaho. She works with teens (some with disabilities) struggling to earn their high school diploma and has done SO much to get the students to succeed. Her love of teaching and showing respect and worth to the teenagers has been a huge part of the success of the school. Parents, students, and staff adore her- she is a bright sign of hope in the lives of our students. Please recognize her for her tireless efforts to help needy youth.

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Lori Duryea Surprise AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:09:04 GMT

My sister who has voluntered all her life to help other people. She worked in Chicago at Misercordia for ten years working to help the handicapped. She has volunteered everyyear at their fest and candy days. Since moving to the suburbs of Chicago she volunteers with the Spread progam at her church to bring happiness and Spirituality to the handicapped. She lost her 38 year old son this year to a massive heart attack. She works in the Automotive industry and it is a day to day prayer she will keep her job which would keep her home. Anyone that my sister to help her in her 61 years has never been turned away. I can't tell you the many people her and her husband helped move. I know she helped me twice.She has always volunteered at Alanon. It is just wonderful to know what life every hands her she states God only gives her as much as she can handle.

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Ames McGarey, Phoenix, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:09:21 GMT

I would like to nominate Dr. Debbie Wilson for her daily acts of kindness that help homeless and abandoned dogs, cats, horses, birds and other farm animals. Debbie is a gynecologist who spends her income supporting Circle L Ranch, a rescue she started. She is amazing and she has saved many, many animals from dogs that are slated to be euthanasia at county shelters to horses that are bound for slaughter in Mexico. She is an incredible inspiration to animal rescuers like me and she does it on such a grand scale. She has a rescue ranch in Prescott for the large animals and locations in Phoenix for the cats, dogs and birds. She is a bright, articulate woman who is not only a very successful doctor but she has the kindest heart for animals.

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Leslee Henson, Mapleton, Utah — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:09:39 GMT

Our next door neighbor (Alan Hakes) owns a dry cleaning business and has offered to clean suits (free of charge) to anyone needing to look nice for a job interview. The response has been terrific and he is so happy that he has been able to help those that are out of work and trying hard to find employment.

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glen moyer, Fort Montgomery, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:09:54 GMT

I do volunteer work with a man who is in my opinion, the "poster boy" of volunteering. jack Gardner is a retired public school teacher living in Mahwah NJ. jack not only continues to be involved with teachers still employed, and is a driving force in his hometown church, but he also travels 3 or 4 times a year with his wife in support of Habitat, but also is a volunteer fireman as well as a weekly volunteer in a county program that does chores to keep older people safely in their homes longer. He is truly an inspiration to all who meet him.

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Diane Rucker, Tucson, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:10:25 GMT

I would like to tell you about a remarkable person, Teacher of special needs children. I am writing to tell you about an elementary teacher by the name of Ellen Weintraub she teaches a program called project able this is a class that teaches children with disabilities and give them hope that they can secede withe the obstacles they face. Ellen is an angel sent to help these special children, she takes them in like they are her own children. I can't tell you more other then she is special in many way's. She has made a big difference in our lives since she has help my two children. Ellen is truly a one of a kind and Gale school should be proud to have her on there staff.

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Bob Allen, Allentown, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:10:50 GMT

I would like to nominate my boss, Daniel A. Kaczor, Director of the Advanced Support Group for Diagnostica Stago, Inc. for his many acts of kindness related to his "Heparin Crusade" here in the United States and Canada. He has lectured throughout the country, coast to coast to Physicians, Pharmacists, and Med Techs at Hospitals and Medical Centers large and small on the proper way for Physicians to dose patients with the drug heparin. He has helped the medical community save tens of thousands of lives of people suffering heart attacks and strokes by giving these lectures. He is amazing to watch and listen to and an enthusiastic speaker. I'd be happy to supply references from well known Institutions and Physicians to verify this. Thank you for allowing me to nominate Dan, he is very deserving of mention and recognition.

Tell us your good news

Omar Chaudhry NY, NY — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:11:03 GMT

I had a twenty-something analyst (Tim Roche) working for me at a hedge fund where I managed a structured products trading book. Due to challenges in the market environment, I had to let him go. Given the weakness in the job market, he decided to use his time more wisely and became a volunteer for PeacePlayers Intl and was deployed to Darban, South Africa to help in HIV/AIDs awareness and prevention. I think it's great that's he's taking time away from this bear market to do some good in the world, especially in a place like South Africa where so much help is needed. I wish that I had a heart that big.

Tell us your good news

Kellie Hoisington, Spotsylvania, Va — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:11:35 GMT

LIFEPOINT GIVES BACK is a project to enable the people of Lifepoint to be generous with that which God has blessed us with! On Sunday, January 25th, 2009, Lifepoint Church of Spotsylvania, Va gave its people $12,000 in cash. Each person was given a cash envelope filled with $10, $20, $100, $500 or $1000.

We have said over the past month that we need to create margin in our finances so God can use us to be a blessing. We as a church have created margin over the last several months in order to accomplish this. We truly believe that we need to lead by example.

Lifepoint Church - you are going to bless this community in such a way that has never been seen before! We look forward to hearing how God blesses you through your generosity!

This money was given with the following rules in mind!
1. You may not give the money back to Lifepoint Church.
2. You must use the money to bless someone else. This can be in any way you feel God
leading you.
3. You have to let us know how you spend the money.

To find out how over 100 people spent the money they received visit the blog at www.lifepointgivesback.org

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Melissa Mitts, Ogden, Utah — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:11:52 GMT

I would like to nominate Cher Code of Ogden, Utah for her acts of kindness. Cher retired last month and at her work site and personal retirement parties, she requested that in lieu of gifts, people bring donations for the Catholic Community Service Food Bank. At the parties, her children used cans and boxes of food for table decorations. It was so moving to see the massive piles of food that were taken to help so many.
Cher has also encouraged her children and grandchildren to move away from large, commercial Christmases to getting together as a family and shopping at warehouse grocery stores and delivering the food to the CCS Foodbank. This has brought her family very close, and I think their memories of these trips will last much longer than the Nintendo WII I bought my daughter this year. She is my best friends mother and I feel blessed to know such an amazing woman. What an an example for us all.

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Wayne Hammes Jr., Chesapeake,Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:12:54 GMT

I am 12 years old and I live in Chesapeake, Virginia. I would like to nominate my Aunt, Laura Brewer-Heilig of Hyattsville, Maryland. There are so many acts of kindness that she has done for my family and people around her. She is a mother of 2 children. She is very active in there lives. She is the head of the math department at Roosevelt High School in Maryland. She spends every Saturday that she is home helping my grandmother who is handicap. Even though she lives 4 hours away, she has taken time aside to visit me whenever she can, to help me with my school work, and to cheer me on at my baseball and basketball games. One of the most important acts of kindness she has done for my family and I, is helping us get through the difficult times of my mother's diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer these past several months. She has become my second mom when my mom had surgery and had been hospitalized. Just recently, she and her daughter came and took care of me when my mom was in the hospital for a week. When I ask her what i can do for her in return, she would tell me to pass the kindness on to someone else. I definetly think my Aunt should be nominated after what she has done for my family and I.

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Patti K. Rimey Algonquin, Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:13:34 GMT

We cannot rid the world of sorrow. We can choose to live in Joy! Everyday I set the intention to bestow someone with a Random Act of Kindness. Big or small it is the action that counts. I to have lost my job. In helping others I find a world of joy and yes happiness.

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Ella Gomez — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:13:53 GMT

The Knitters @ THE FOUNTAINS AT LA CHOLLA in Tucson, Arizona are a group of 20 ladies who knit sweaters for needy Pima County children. Last year they knitted and gave away 700 sweaters. For the past 17 years they have knitted and giveaway almost 6,000 sweaters. The knitters range in age from 80 to 93. All of the sweaters are made with donated yarn. Most of the knitters have significant medical issues but do not allow ANYTHING to interfere with their kind act of making sweaters for the children. The sweaters are absolute masterpieces! The especially enjoy making sweaters for the Mobile Medical Clinics and children at the Arizona School for the Deaf & Blind.

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Cie Meyer Royal Oak, MI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:14:04 GMT

Six weeks ago my husband and I welcomed our beautiful little girl into this world. She was stillborn due to a chromosomal abnormality called Trisomy 13. We knew the last 10 weeks of our pregnancy that she was going to die...we just didn't know when. The week before she was born a group called Walk With Me, a part of the St. John Health System, came into our lives. They provide palative care and prenatal hospice to the system. I believe god sent them to us. We were so alone grieving for our daughter before we even met her. They held our hand, cried with us, came to the hospital at 11pm for my labor, washed our baby when she was born (we were too heartbroken to do it), took pictures, made foot molds, are following us for the next year to make sure we are ok....only after did we find out that everything they did for us and our daughter Bryn was "uncompensated care." It turns out that there are few, if any, programs for families that are given a terminal diagnosis for their baby prior to birth. Everything they did for us was because they realize that every baby is loved..even the ones that don't leave the hospital.

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Kathy Everson, Largo, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:14:09 GMT

Brian,
Students at Penn State raised over 6.5 million dollars for kids with cancer in a 46-hour dance marathon!
"THON 2009 began Friday, Feb. 20, in the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus. The 46-hour Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, benefits the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, benefitting children with pediatric cancer and their families."

IT IS TOTALLY AWESOME AND INSPIRING TO SEE HOW DEDICATED THESE COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE IN THEIR QUEST TO HELP CHILDREN! Comradio broadcast the audio for the entire event this year and in 2008. Many photos and videos are available- very inspiring! You could find weeks worth of inspiring individual stories! This generation is going to go far!

We do need to hear more of the good news in the world!
Kathy

Tell us your good news

Beth A. Dressel, oak Park, Illinois 60302 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:14:32 GMT

A very special, special education teacher, Carolina Schoenbeck, teaching at Oak Park River Forest High School, Oak Park, Illinois, never allows hard times to get her down. Carolina teaches a very small, yet unique population of our high school, anything that they can handle. For this classroom is made up of autistic children part of the low-incedence program at our school. Perceive what you may, but I have observed this young teacher perform virtual miracles with seemingly uneducable children, and go above and beyond her role in developing simple activities to reach the quiet "worlds" of these autistic children. I am always in amazement of the newest "tool" she has constructed to make the impossible seem possible in teaching these children something. Respect Carolina, and how, and wonder at her undying devotion and courage to keep these children moving in a world that makes no sense to them, yet a world they must survive in, even if it is the most menial task.

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Pat Dauphinais, Scottsdale, AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:17:35 GMT

My 86 year old mother-in-law, Sarah, drives across town one day a week to volunteer at the Veteran's Hospital in Phoenix. Besides distributing books, she spends most of her time there listening to the stories that the vets want to share. She also mans a table at church every Sunday to encourage parishioners to send packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She sends two or three packages a week herself.

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Jennifer Lee, Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:18:58 GMT

I am nominating a guy named Brandt Russo. Even though he is not a part of my community, he has had an impact on my life and several communities around the US. He became homeless to help the homeless. He started a clothing line to bring awareness and to help support the impoverished. Here are a few clips of some interviews he has done as well as links to his websites.

“I dumpster freshly thrown out food and prepare meals for the hungry, repair clothes for the naked, and just meet whatever needs I see and feel led to meet. All the money I receive, I re-distribute to those in need. There are no class lines in the Kingdom of God.” - http://www.enochmagazine.com/articles/general/brandt-russo-interview-pt-1

“Describe a typical day in your life, including how you serve others through your ministry.  
A typical day in my life would consist of waking up and doing Pilates. Kidding. I always put on music and pray in the morning, and get into whatever book I’m usually reading (or just the Bible, which is a pretty dang good book too). Lately, I have been working on building the inside of my veggie oil bus; building the kitchen/medical/sleeping area. Every night we leave around 10 to dumpster dive for food, drinks, whatever we can find to serve the poor and homeless in the area. Every evening I usually go with whoever is with me at the time under the bridges and serve the homeless whatever food we end up finding from the dive the night before. Every day varies honestly. I have no idea what I’m going to do from day to day. Some nights I’m sleeping on the streets with the homeless simply because I don’t want to leave, and other nights I’m sleeping on the floor inside a million dollar mansion trying to convey the compassion of Christ to a confused businessman I may have met on the streets. I just wake up and go wherever He leads me. Its like Mary told the servants at that party in Cana, "Whatever He tells you to do, DO IT".”- http://www.relevantmagazine.com/features-reviews/reject-apathy/2661-the-homeless-evangelist

www.wheresbrandt.com
www.myspace.com/cantignorethepoor
www.myspace.com/brandtishollywood

Just google his name and you will come across tons of interviews and news stories about him.

Tell us your good news

P. Patterson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:19:46 GMT

Thank you Brian! We do need good news!

Please check out Ann Strongheart, AK what she is doing is an amazing and a very interesting story, she is helping people in the short term survive a harsh climate and economy, but also looking to the future........action in motion.

Talk about stepping up to the plate in a time of dire critical need, a true grass roots community organizer, making a difference.

Tell us your good news

JoAnne Miller, Billings MT — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:20:21 GMT

Please consider covering the annual Bataan Memorial Death March on 29 Mar '09 in White Sands, NM. It honors the few SURVIVING WWII soldiers who, in 1942, were forced to march to war prisons in the Philippines as well as those sent to POW camps in Japan. Although the subject isn't what may consider an upbeat story, the rememberance of these men is very touching and uplifting.

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Linda Dotson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:20:27 GMT

A truck driver from California suffered a heart attack while driving through Omaha NE. He died en route to the hospital and his comapanion,Zak,a besenji mixed breed dog was taken to the Humane Society. Upon learning that his family wanted Zak returned to them they asked for donations to fly him home. Omaha donated money to send this man's best friend back to the family who wanted to keep a piece of one of the most important things in this man's life. It wasn't a huge amount of money but enough was raised to use in future animal return cases. It will be a bittersweet reunion but it will hopefully offer comfort to a deeply saddened family.

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Daniel Sandoval, Las Cruces, New Mexico — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:20:27 GMT

I would like to nominate Gabe Chavez as unselfish individual who impacts the lives of 250 homeless persons per day for 6 days a week for over 20 years. Gabe is the CEO of the Las Cruces Soup Kitchen called "El Caldito" whereby his love for those less fortunate than himself has been felt and admired so much so that he has over 50 volunteers who help prepare 250 hot lunches during the week and sack lunches every Saturday. The entire organization has only two salaried employees which incude a Part Time Kitchen Manager and a Custodian. The rest of the staff are volunteers. Gabe also has orchestrated a network of donors of food stuffs throughout the year and finds it critical that the homeless enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals like the rest of society. Gabe tirelessly continues to develop other appreciation events such as a Veterans Day Dinner and volunteer appreciation picnics. Gabe's love for his fellow man is felt by all and does not waiver in good times or bad times or any unforseen coditions, manmade or deemed by mother nature. I am proud to know Gabe Chavez and he has affected thousands of lives by providing at least one hot meal six days a week to those who would otherwise go without.

Sincerely,

Daniel Sandoval

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Donna Herrmann, Pearl River, LA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:20:52 GMT

I would like to nominate my co-worker, Pattie L. She cares for her son, who has autism, she cares for her elderly mom, and assists her daughter with the care of her grandson, plus she has adopted 12 cats. Yes, she has a full plate. She does all of this while working full time and does part time work during tax season. Today, while driving to work she spotted an injured seagull sitting in the middle of the road on the white line. Pattie pulled over, put her emergency flasher lights on and then picked up the injured bird and moved him to a grassy patch on the side of the road. She returned to her car, only the see the bird hobbling back toward the road. Car back in park; emergency flashers on, and once again she picked up the injured bird. She put him in her car, called the office to say she would be late, and she drove home with the bird. She made phone calls to find someone to help the bird, eventually finding an animal refuge that will take the bird this Saturday. She said she couldn't live with herself if she had driven by and done nothing. What an amazing attitude. We should all want to be more like Pattie. She's has a busy, demanding life...but not too busy to help and injured bird. Thank you Pattie.

Tell us your good news

Shonda Olson, Whitehall, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:21:29 GMT

Brian,
I would like to tell you about my mother, Ellen. She is the most remarkable person that I know or have ever met. Through these tough economic times, she has helped support all three of her children: my brother, sister, and I. I recently graduated from college and started out on my own. I moved a couple hours from home, and it is difficult for me to support myself working commission. I never thought the economy would hit me, but it has. My brother is a single parent paying child support and was recently let go of his job. My sister is a married mother able to support herself, but my mother babysits her child almost everyday, besides working full time. My mother has been helping keep us afloat for some time now. She sometimes isn't treated the way that she deserves, but I wish there was some way that I could show her what she really means to all of us.

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Nancy Skeffington, Wauconda, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:21:45 GMT

I would like to nominate a wonderful group of high students at Vernon Hills High School in Illinois who are engaged in a unique service project. Since last fall, these dedicated members of Interact, the school's community service club, have been helping to train and socialize two service dog puppies from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). The students have learned a great deal about both the dogs and themselves, and now realize what a great need there is for these very special canines. The dogs will be leaving in May for their advanced training at the CCI center in Ohio, and their chances of making the final "cut" as a service dog have been enhanced by the hard work and dedication of their teen-aged helpers. These students have found an unusual way to give back to some of our neediest citizens.

Tell us your good news

Joseph Vance indianapolis, indiana — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:22:02 GMT

In a struggling economy its hard to nominate someone who is doing good because I believe we are all trying our hardest and the best of our ability to make it in this hard time. But, if there is someone that I could truly say who has done a lot for me and my sister, someone who is in the proccess of trying to buy a car so our household can have transportation, trying to buy a home so my sister and me can have a better roof over our heads, and continue to bring happiniess to our home, that person would have to be Tameira. This woman has done a lot to keep my family in high spirits especially during this time. This crisis have affected so many people including me, (which I am only a teenager) but Tameira has shown determination and dedication for providing a sense of home secuirtry to our household. I'm not just bragging on her because she is a realtive, I am simply telling you that she is living proof that we all can make it during these hard times and with having faith with the lord we should be able to overcome a lot, but we must all continue to do our best. This is my story to everyone, a message to every family struggling that we must keep faith and we will overcome this hard time. God bless.

Tell us your good news

Cary Skelton 19, Roanoke, Virginia. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:22:43 GMT

Wow! This is incredible Brian!

I love it! It just shows you how much good we don't hear about, but now that you've done this and people have listened, we can hear what's going on out there.

Thanks, Brian! It's amazing! I hope I can come across something special soon.

-Cary

Tell us your good news

Lori Chmielewski, Knoxville area, TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:22:55 GMT

GOOD news? YES we can provide that! A brand new non-profit group has just launched here in Knoxville, TN, called Random Acts of Flowers. The mission is to deliver unexpected (i.e. random) bouquets of flowers to people in hospitals and nursing homes to bring a moment or more of happiness, to lift spirits, to provide joy, to cause smiles. Please go to this website for complete information: www.randomactsofflowers.org.(There is a great story behind the formation of this non-profit group,too.) Also, our local newspaper, The Knoxville News Sentinel ran this story in this morning's publication: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/mar/04/friendly-flowers-deliver/. As for me, I just signed up as a volunteer and can't wait for my first smile! So glad NBC is looking some uplifting stories, too! Lori

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Philip Dunton, Tucson, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:23:04 GMT

Your story tonight on Kaiser Permanente prompted me to tell this little story.
I am a retired, somewhat disabled, Vietnam vet who spent a lifetime in the television business keeping local stations on the air. I was a Kaiser P. HMO member in Californa for the last twelve years before retiring in 2004.
I returned to Tucson, AZ on retirement and took advantage of the Veterans Administration care available to Arizona veterans.
Let me be clear here. The Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care System (SAVAHCS) is on a par with ANY care I have ever received from any source and FAR better than the care most folks get here in Tucson. The system is chock full of caring, knowledgable people that have put together an efficient system that works! If you want to do a "good news" story, spend some time with SAVAHCS. This should not be a bad assignment for someone from New York right now. It was 78 degrees and sunny today.

Tell us your good news

Lorraine Lindenberg, Salem, New Hampshire — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:23:13 GMT

I would like to nominate ALL of the AARP Tax-aide volunteers who give of their time and expertise to advise and prepare tax returns for all low and middle income taxpayers FREE of charge. I am one of 30,000 volunteers working in over 8,000 sites around the Country. We are putting hundreds of dollars more in taxpayers pockets by not charging to have their tax returns prepared. AARP tax-aide has been advising and preparing tax returns since 1984. Especially in this economy I think our volunteer work is more important than ever to help people to prepare accurate tax returns and have more money for their family expenses. I hope you recognize the AARP tax aide volunteers because they deserve it so much. Our taxpayers show their gratitude by returning every year and recommending us to family and friends. Thank you.

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Maria Arbizo, Tucson, AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:23:22 GMT

Brian Williams, too many shows implicate and or state that Mexican illegals are taking American jobs. I live by a Resort, In 2008 instead of Mexican workers waiting to be picked up for maid service, landscaping, kitchen helpers, etc. there were groups of African Refuge?? waiting to be transported. I have yet to see an American outfitted in one of these uniforms. These old cliche of American jobs being lost to the Mexican people is just that.

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Lyn McCollum — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:24:52 GMT

A WONDERFUL long-married couple in Boise, Heidi & Jim Read, are dealing with serious medical problems. Late January Heidi, while walking her dog, slipped on ice and badly broke her ankle. Jim has long coped with A.L.S. A neighbor’s dog alerted its owner about Heidi’s accident—who immediately helped her. She has 11 pins in her ankle and uses a walker but can’t prepare meals, shop for groceries, or do housework. Fortunately, Jim & Heidi have flocks of friends who are bringing them meals every day, helping with all sorts of work on their house & grounds, each saving time for conversation and laughter.

Call them: Heidi & Jim Read – (208) 378-0293; Heidi@sillystuff.org

PS
Heidi’s long served on Dr. Patch Adam’s Gesundheit Institute Board and has stitched him amazing clown costumes.

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Lion Larry McGuire, Chester, IL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:25:31 GMT

What time is it?
by James Beers, Re.D.
Most people simply look at the clock if they want to find out what time it is. Brett Pingel, a 6th grader at the Chester (Illinois) Grade School, doesn’t have that luxury any more. Several years ago, Brett lost his eye sight as a result of complications from an illness. Since then he has accomplished his educational endeavors from hard work and the assistance from Braille services. Since losing his sight, Pingel has received several bits of assistance from the Chester (Illinois)Lions Club who recently provided him with a Braille watch and compass. Pingel can now tell the time without having to ask others for assistance. The kind efforts from the Chester Lions have made his life more enjoyable and functional ever since they took an interest in him many years ago when they gave him a bicycle built for two at Christmas.

(Photo available upon request) Pingel is shown here at Chester Grade School with his personal education para-professional Tammy Surman who was testing his ability to tell the time utilizing his new Braille watch.

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Beth Lyon, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:26:20 GMT

I would like to nominate a real life "Friday Night Lights" couple for recognition, Karen and Dan Hinds from Phoenix, Arizona. Karen is a guidance counselor and Dan is the head varsity football coach at Desert Vista High School. Karen and Dan met while they were both working at another local high school--Dan was a business teacher and Karen was a special education teacher. They both transferred to Desert Vista and were married. They have a six-year old daughter, Julia, and a three and half year old son, Luke. Luke was born with special needs, and Karen and Dan have been his biggest advocate. It is ironic that Luke was born with his defects--while Karen has left the classroom, special education students remain near and dear to her heart. She is extremely active in Special Olympics and the Best Buddies organization. She has organized a national Special Olympics event and is also a coach. Karen's specialty as a counselor is working with students labeled within the American's with Disabilities Act, section 504 students. She also works with the school's Native American population. She gives a voice to those who may not be able to use their own. On top of working nearly fulltime, being a wife and mother, Karen has had to deal with the tragic loss of her brother, sister-in-law, and three of her four nieces and nephew to a horrific plane crash in June of 2008. Karen works with quiet dignity, putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She and Dan continue to give back to our community, seeking nothing else in return. They are an inspiration to all.

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Russ Petty, Sweetwater, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:27:46 GMT

I would like to nominate the mayor of our small town in West Texas. Greg Wortham has served as mayor of Sweetwater for about two years now and he has brought a new sense of well being home with him. Greg worked in New York City as lawyer in the power and transmission industry and returned back home after 9-11. Greg had this crazy idea that our rather windy part of the world was ripe for Wind Energy Development and he started the West Texas Wind Energy Consortium. Since that time their has been an explosion of wind turbine projects and Sweetwater is now the Wind Energy capital of the world. We now have companies from all over the US and the world ( including General Electric ) coming to Sweetwater to be a part of this new and exciting frontier. Greg hosts almost weekly visits by foreign press agencies and is constantly putting Sweetwater in the "Global" spotlight. Now many people helped make this all possible but Greg's name is at the top of that list. He works tirelessly for our community and does not make hardly any money as mayor of Sweetwater. Greg has and will continue to go above and beyond and I am proud to call Greg and friend of mine.

Sincerely,

Russ Petty

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David R. Burroughs, Esq. FairHill, Md — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:27:51 GMT

Mrs. Jan Brown of Harmony, Maine has tirelessly operated a hotline for victims of domestic violence.for over a decade. But most uniquely she has specialized in assisting male victims of domestic violence; the other, invisible but all to real victims of this social scourge. Though she also assist female victims she has struggled with little funding to help men who have nowhere to turn in the established DV community. She is a courageous selfless woman.

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Tyler Sweeney — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:28:07 GMT

Brian,

I live in Crested Butte, Colorado, a small mountain town about 5 hours drive from Denver. I would like to nominate a small non-profit organization and it's instructors, administrative staff, and dozens of volunteers as people who are doing good things in a down economy.

Adaptive Sports Center works with individuals with all types of disabilities encouraging and facilitating outdoor recreation through the use of specialized equipment and assistance. Located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, this organization hosts and financially sponsors a variety of groups throughout the year including recently returned war veterans with a variety of injuries and disabilities. In addition to veterans groups ASC also hosts teenage burn survivor groups, visually impaired groups, and spinal cord injury groups, as well as individuals from all over the country with all types of disabilities ranging from autism to cerebral palsy.

This non-profit, which does incredible things for some amazing people, is dependent on charitable donations for it's continued survival and success and as the economy slows so does funding. Despite the economic challenges the organization faces, it's winter and summer sports instructors, administrative staff, and volunteer members continue to bring enthusiasm, compassion, empathy, and encouragement to those individuals that walk through the doors. These individuals leave ASC with a minimum of a few days of outdoor fun, though many leave with a new found sense of self which over the course of many years can evolve into some incredible accomplishments and self-actualization.

As an organization the entire valley community supports with all they can, Adaptive Sports Center is a shining example of what's right in our society when all else seems to be going wrong.

Visit the org's website at www.adaptivesports.org

Thanks a lot Brian.

Regards,

Tyler Sweeney

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Dean Keefe, Columbine Valley, Colorado — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:28:15 GMT

Dear Brian,
Two years ago my wife (71 yrs. old) put her talents together and began a foundation to put quality literature in the hands of disadvantaged children. She was a former librarian and realized how important reading quality literature and having each child have their very own special book. We all know how often children will reread a good book, or how often parents are requested to read it again, please! In the course of 2 years she has raised enough money to give books to 18 4th grade classrooms in Denver, 4 second grade classrooms in Phoenix, 4 classrooms in Naples, Florida (Yes, even Naples has underpriviledged children), and Brighton, Indiana 3rd grades. Currently over 50 volunteers have helped her with this project and she hopes to expand the giving to even more communities across the nation. After one of the volunteers reads the story to the classroom each child in the room is given a Caldecott or Newbery hardback book, inscribed with his or her name in it and "Enjoy the Power of Reading!" What a joy for each child to have their very own hardcover book! I'm so proud of her endeavor.

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Debbie Franks, Freeville, NY (formerly of Warren, NJ) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:28:45 GMT

I would like to nominate Deborah Miller of Herding Dog Rescue in Baldwin, NY. I've known Debbie for over fifteen years. She is a teacher (just outside of NYC) by day and then comes home and spends the rest of her day caring for a group of dogs she has rescued (dogs that have been abused and abandoned) - sometimes well into the night and with little sleep. She will care for them until loving forever homes are found. If none are found, they spend the rest of their lives in her care. Her life had been dedicated to these animals, even if it means that she has to go without something. Debbie is long overdue for recognition. I hope you get to meet her.

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Gilbert Sanchez, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:29:20 GMT

There's a Non-Profit Youth Organization- Gil's Professional Youth Services (GPYS)that has been attempting to do good for our communities for over 2 decades and no one is listening! I"ve even contacted the White House with over 30 pages of how GPYS can help our economy- Obama may not even know about GPYS- and how his staff kept this away from him.

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Jeana Whitaker, Phoenix, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:29:23 GMT

I want to nominate my good friend, Greg Enriquez. He always has a positive attitude and always moves forward in spite of challenges he faces. This past year has been very difficult for him, as it has for many other people. A business partner stole every penny from their investment funds causing him to file for a very large bankrupcty. He is also self-employed and in the current economy his clients have declined by about 50%. But instead of feeling down and focusing on his losses, Greg chooses to celebrate life and to be grateful for what he has - his health, family and friends. He his having his head shaved for a wonderful charity called The St. Baldrick's Foundation. He has sent out emails and has asked everyone to donate to the charity to see him shave his head. I've known him for more than 25 years and will be delighted to see him with a bald head on his 41st birthday on March 7th. St. Baldrick's is a foundation that raises funds for childhood cancer research. This event has helped us all remember that there are some things life that are far more important than losing a job, a home, or money in the stock market.

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Michael Milhorn, Johnson City, TN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:29:37 GMT

I would like to nominate David Collins from Blountville TN. This man is a legacy in the local community and has helped thousands through instructing Martial Arts combined with his teaching of Christianity and his love for the outdoors.

Since opening the doors of the American School of Empty Hand Fighting in 1971, shortly after returning from Vietnam, he has never had a price increase. There are no contracts to sign and it is not necessary to purchase uniforms. Simply wear sweats or shorts and tennis shoes. The school operates on a “pay as you go” basis. The charge to attend class is $1.00 for every day you attend. I think this just goes to show, that if you live your life right… things will work out… even in today’s economy.

He doesn’t live in a big new house and he is not concerned about financial success. Quality of life for his family, us (students) and people in general are what is most important to him. I admire him more than he will ever know for what he has done and is doing for the community. If there were more people in this world like David, there is no doubt that the world would be a better place.

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Robert Callahan — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:29:52 GMT

I want to tell you about a small group of dedicated volunteers who operate a donations only animal adoption center. They are with the Anderson Humane Society in Lawrenceburg KY. They work countless hours every day of every week taking care of the neglected, homeless animals in our community. They do this with no pay and are happy to be doing it. Without them hundreds and hundreds of homeless cats and dogs would be euthanized. They work very hard to raise money to pay for vet bills and food to take care of them, transport them and find good homes for them. I think they are a wonderful - loving group of people, some of whom have been doing this VOLUNTEER WORK FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS. I think they deserve a great pat on the back. THanks

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Kristan, Denver, CO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:30:57 GMT

There is a cafe in Denver called SAME cafe. It stands for "So All May Eat". See the website at http://www.soallmayeat.org/: "It is the intent of SAME Cafe to build a healthy community by providing a basic need of food in a respectful and dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door. SAME Cafe is unique in the lack of a set menu as well as set prices. Daily selections are made using fresh, organic ingredients, and funded by the donations of patrons. Instead of a cash register, a donation box is available for one to pay what they felt their meal was worth, or to leave a little more and help out someone less fortunate. If a diner does not have sufficient money to leave, they are encouraged to exchange an hour of service. Our philosophy is that everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity.

The owners only collect payment for meals based on what people feel they can pay (anonymously in an envelope). People who are homeless or without money can volunteer in exchange for their meals. The owners' cook with exclusively organic ingredients when they can. The owners describe themselves this way "The Birkys developed this idea through volunteer work over many years. The two were so touched during this service they decided to do something WONDERFULLY DIFFERENT. Over the course of their years working at food banks and shelters they saw the growing number of people needing assistance: hardworking single moms, the elderly who cannot retire, the educated and the uneducated. Some even work 40 hours a week on minimum wage and cannot make ends meet. It is the Birkys' sincere hope that through SAME Café they can make a difference to all who walk through the door, whether it is a person seeking help or a person seeking to help." The Birkys' are an amazing couple that is doing a great thing in Denver. Come see for yourself and do a story on it -- you won't be disappointed.

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Tammy Wolbert, Winterville, NC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:33:21 GMT

I would like to nominate my husband Rob. He has been teaching US History at a small highschool (Pamlico County HS) just outside of Oriental NC for the last 12 years. Its not just his dedication and long hours that he puts in EVERY day and night-he's also a football and track coach, and he has such a gift. A gift I'm not even sure he is aware of. He relates to these young teens like no one else. I've seen it myself on several occasions-kids love his class, he makes learning fun and interesting and because of that he always has the highest scores for the EOG (End of Grade Test) not just in the county but throughout the region.

Just this past year he was awarded Teacher of the Year-something I think was long overdue. He goes above and beyond with everything he does-Pamlico County is not the "wealthiest" area in North Carolina so it's not uncommon for kids not to be able to participate because they can't afford to get there physical, can't afford the track shoes or uniform, etc. On more than one occasion he has purchased these items for several kids-because he did not want them to miss out on participating just because of money. He often takes kids home-because they don't have anyone to pick them up-some live with grandparents and are unable to help financially or otherwise.

I would love for you to highlight him, the school or even the profession. Teachers have an incredibly difficult job-for not enough pay and are rarely recognized for what they do. What they do is so important they are literaly shaping our childrens' lives.

I've seen first hand the kind of impact a teacher can have on a young persons life and it's amazing. I'm so proud of him; even though he works long hours (coaching for not much addt'l money), doing worksheets, tests, calling parents or just giving advice to young teens.

Sincerely,
Tammy Wolbert

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Donna Dahl Chandler, Aeizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:34:03 GMT

hello, my 45 year old sister, who suffers with multiple sclerosis is always doing random acts of kindness! We live in Arizona where the drivers here aren't the friendliest of people. I can't tell you how many times she pulls off the crazy freeways here to help a stranded driver! We have told her how dangerous that is and always ask why does she risk it? 115 degrees, people will sit and honk if a car is broken down at an intersection, and sure enough, my 5'2" older sister will stop her jeep, turn her hazards on and begin pushing any car! People seem to realize the 5 minutes they spend getting the car off the road the faster we can all get going, then people join in.
She's done this forever, won't stop, despite our warnings. She just simply likes to help people, period!
When we have picked oranges, etc. from our moms trees, Leslie posts it on Craigslist "free citrus"- and it is gone within a half hour!
To me, a person with a disability as "MS", would seem to be the one needing help. She has her bad days, don't get me wrong, but maybe the bright side of her condition is the feeling she gets helping another person, especially these days. She doesn't know this but I'm so proud of her and wish I had that special kindness she does. I've read many e-mails to her from strangers thanking her for the fruit, stuff she's done, etc. maybe we all should start helping each other instead of ignoring them. I love you Leslie. My sis with 1 of her 3 dogs!
Chandler, Az.

PLAY BALL !!

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Jessica Wilson, Atlanta — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:34:19 GMT

I would like to nominate Garrett Ferguson of Mexia, TX who has suffered from a serious congenital heart defect since he was born. As a very proud Texas sixth-grader, he has taken action to raise over $10,000 to help children overseas who suffer from life-threatening heart defects and do not have treatment available in their home countries. Garrett learned about the Children’s Heart Project, a project of the aid organization Samaritan's Purse, and he immediately took action. For six months, he wrote letters to his friends and family, talked to members at his church and even placed ads in the local newspaper. The funds that Garrett raised enabled multiple children and their families to travel to the U.S. and receive treatment. Recently, Garrett was asked to take a trip to Mongolia with Samaritan's Purse to visit some of the children that he had a hand in helping. It was his first time out of the States! Today Garrett still continues to raise funds in Texas and is passionate about helping those that are in desperate need--just like he once was.

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Iris, West Palm , FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:40:12 GMT

This Person despite after losing his father, brother and possibly (im praying not) his mother ..has always kept a postive outlook in his life. He works in Radio..and keeping the mask on hiding his true feeling from the fans and listeners it is a hard thing to do every morning!! He works 24/7. I barely see him and let alone spend any time with him.. we have a son..about to turn two next week. Right now things are getting really shakey in his life.. and its hard for me to be ther for him.. due to the strain of life getting to us.. But I am telling you a little bit about him because he is the most generous kind gentleman in the city..Wherever you are, you sense his presence and his generosity..I know he blesses alot of people with his humor and crazy funny talk and there are just days where I dont get to see his smile.. In fact he never smiles...and I pray that one day I will get to see his smile.. I just dont knwo when that will be-- it has been two years. Segment or no segment I just wanted to share with you. I know he has done many acts of kindness that are countless to list..

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Billy Joelsiph, Reno, NV — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:42:19 GMT

NOW THIS IS A STORY!

A 26 year old Kindness activist with the EXACT same name -Brian Williams. He is a 4th degree black belt and - has launched a non-profit program that not only inspires but documents over 1,000,000 Acts of Kindness from our nation's youth. He has inspired hundreds to not drive for a week, shave their heads for childhood cancer, plant trees, clean graffiti, and he has even got a proclaimed DAY OF KINDNESS proclaimed by Gov. Jim Gibbons!

Check out his website: www.ThinkKindness.org

He is planning to speak at our high school and has challenged the entire student body to 15 Days of Kindness and is working to get over 1,500 people to walk a mile without shoes. The city mayor, cast from amazing race, MTV, and professional athletes will be walking in solidarity to help him bring over 2,500 shoes to children in kenya.

Oh - he also does ALL of this while working full time as a youth councilor and he is attending school at the University of Nevada full time on a full ride academic scholarship.

Amazing guy!

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Robin Sears, Columbiana, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:42:30 GMT

During a time of all bad...something good can come out of it. I was diagnosed with BREAST CANCER about 9 mths. ago. My daughter a hair stylist was the one to help me with taking care of the wig process. There was only one in our neighborhood and the people were not very friendly. She at that point decided that no mother, or sister, aunt or friend should not have an easy process when other things are happening in their life. However, the hair loss is one of the hardest things for a women to go through. She is 22 yrs. old and a great caring women. Her first client made an appt. and was unable to keep it because she was admitted to the hospital. Upset because she so desperately wanted her wig, my daughter went to the hospital and took care of her need. She thought my daughter was her life saver. In a time when all you hear about are negative things about our young adults, we need to look around and see how many wonderful young people are making a difference in this world.

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Gail Terrell, Spanish Fort AL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:43:02 GMT

Details are available in the Mobile Press-Register, Mar 4. A small town pharmacist in Brewton Alabama gave $16,000 of his own money to his employees and asked them to donate 15% to charity and spend the rest locally. He gave them $2 bills so the community would show up in circulation.

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Ron Kopko, Shippenville, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:43:03 GMT

In 1889 Women's Relief Corps of the Department of Pennsylvania, an offshoot of the Grand Army of the Republic, paid $30,000 for the property and turned it into a soldiers' home. In one form or another, it has retained that usage until very recently.

The Women's Relief Corps in Jefferson County Pennsylvania. established the Brookville Soldier's Home, known as the Pennsylvania Memorial Home.
Brookville Home, The Pennsylvania Memorial Home at Brookville.
The home is managed by the Womens’ Relief Corps, which is auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. The devotion of the patriotic women who conduct the affairs of this institution is the best guarantee that those whom fortune has placed within its walls will receive the best attention that the sympathetic hearts of American womanhood can dictate.
Now after 120 years the same organization is known as WRC Senior Services. After its beginning more that 120 years ago to care for aging Civil War veterans the organization is still following the mission and caring for the community.
Very inspiring story of how a community continues to care for the elderly in need.

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Susan Cyr, Storrs, Connecticut — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:43:19 GMT

I would like to nominate my friend, Yvonne O'Brien. She is the most selfless and caring person I've ever known. November 1, 2008 one of my 2200 pound draft horses, Tyson, stepped on my foot and broke it. I'm the Town Clerk in Coventry, CT and had the Presidential Election to administer in just a couple of days together with a part-time assistant. Yvonne drove me to work each day, even helped me to dress some days. She drove me to the doctors and various other appointments until Christmas, sometimes in the snow. Thanksgiving is always at our house and 2008 was no excemption. Yvonne came the day before and helped my husband prepare pies, soup, iron linens and set the table and anything else that needed to be done. In mid-December, while recuperating from the broken foot, I learned that I had uterine cancer. I underwent a hysterectomy on January 9, 2009 and began a six week recuperation period. My husband had to cook, do dishes and nearly everything else for me. But 5 days after surgery, he broke his wrist and was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room. Yvonne went to the hospital and remained there until he was released around midnight. For the next 5-6 weeks, she came here early every morning to feed our horses and let them out. She helped cook and ran errands and drove me to the doctor again. She was always there to help and even offered to do more! All that while singlehandedly taking care of her own 3 horses, 3 dogs and numerous sheep on her own farm. This is not new for Yvonne. She has helped many others as well. My husband and I are truly blessed to have this angel in our lives.

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Molly Ebbers, Burlington, WI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:44:06 GMT

Last year after my then eight year old niece relapsed with leukemia and a unscrupulous contractor left my sisters house in shambles, I decided to try to find help for my sister and her family.

I emailed local builders associations and within hours heard back from a woman who was ready help in whatever way she was able. Jean Kurzan and her husband, Kent, along with Lakeland Builders Association in Elkhorn, Wisconsin had just recently organized a group called Builders Help. The project they took on started as repairing damage to a home to a full fledged home makeover. The home was gutted and remodeled beyond any expectation. Jean and Builders Help worked tirelessly to complete the project in just a matter of months. I cannot tell you the number of amazing people who donated time, materials and labor. Builders Help continues to help people in our area with building needs when they cannot do so themselves. What an amazing group of people.

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Mary Patterson, Phoenix AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:44:17 GMT

There was a "good news" item on the evening news I think it was on Friday, February 21st on the local NBC Channel 12 in Phoenix, AZ. I have heard that Phoenix has one of the highest rates of bank foreclosures in the country. A yard service company by the name of White Glove Gardener has been cleaning up the front yards of homes that have been foreclosed in his neighbor. He wants to keep the neighborhood looking inviting to possible new homeowners. He does not charge for this service as he fills it is an investment in his neighborhood. He challenged other yard service companies to do the same. One house a week. One house sold were he had cleaned up the front yard.

This story impressed me so much that I looked up the company in the phone book. This is just a wonderful story of one person doing an act of kindness and not expecting to be rewarded.

Mary Patterson

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James Casey, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:44:43 GMT

I work for an organization called Crossing Over. We help inmates who have drug and alcohol addictions cope with their disease and try to get back on their feet. In these tough economic times most cannot find work. Rather than demand that they pay rent we are working with them to try to find ways so that they can stay with us rather than go back to prison. While our costs have increased we say our rents cut in half. We are trying everything to keep our doors open and help those that need a hand in getting on their feet. We are trying to change the way that people are treated in this county, be it through the prison system or just on the street. Hopefully we'll be able to make it.

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Susan Levy, Houston, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:45:46 GMT

I have the privilege to volunteer as crew for an amazing organization here in the Houston-Galveston area--Heart of Sailing--which provides recreational therapy through sailing at absolutely no cost to the families, schools and organizations that participate.

I'd like to nominate Capt. Dave McCabe the Director of the Houston-Galveston Chapter of Heart of Sailing for your good news story. Retired from the high-tech worlds at NASA and IBM, he spends his time on the water helping kids focus on their abilities, rather than their disabilities, bringing hope and smiles to the kids and their families. With over 60 years' sailing experience, Capt. McCabe was awarded Captain of the Year for 2008. In 2008 he provided service to over 300 special needs kids and is aiming for 500 in 2009. At a time in his life when he could be just resting on his laurels--or his sailboat--Dave is out there working 7 days a week, 365 days a year to give back to the community. Come sail with us and see for yourself!

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Kathy Vitale, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:46:03 GMT

A cancer survivor (my sister), Alexis Vitale, has started a new foundation online called Hopes Song. It's a place where survivors, those just diagnosed with the disease, family members, friends, experts can talk with one another about the disease. It's an online support community as well-- and she is even providing family with options (ie donations) to help them get through treatments, which most insurance companies do not cover. Alexis is very passionate about this and knows what it's like to have cancer and win the battle. There are several heartfelt stories on the site too. Alexis is in the Los Angeles area.

The website: www.hopessong.com

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Ms Billie A Jansky Colorado — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:46:48 GMT

Let talk about one of the most giving men I know Mac Burnett of Rifle CO. He delivers meals on wheels, works on the habitat home in Rifle - even during the winter months outside in the cold. He rents a truck twice a year and takes all the donated clothing, house wares, toys, the the Indian Reservation at Pine Ridge South Dakota. There isn't anything that you ask of Mac that he isn't willing to do. He is in his 70s and still rides a bike many miles a week. Which brings up that he was hit on his back 2 years ago by a hit and run driver which left him with serious injuries - and he was still wanting to get out and do his volintering. He has been noninated as one of the Humanitary of the year for Garfield County Colorado & of course we all are sure he will win. He can be reached on his cell #970-618-7703 or home 970-625-5636. He is really loved in our community and wish him the win and Gods love and peace. Billie Jansky

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Sandra Fisher, Medina, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:46:49 GMT

My 17 year old daughter, Hilary, has Cystic Fibrosis. For the past several years she has organized a group of her friends to raise money and participate in the Great Strides walk for the CF Foundation. Last year they raised over a thousand dollars for the charity through a door to door campaign, but this was less than the year before. Given the state of the economy, especially here in Ohio with so many people out of a job, they have decided this year to go to the kids. She and her friends are trying to organize a fundraising event at their high school to directly involve the student population.
The thing that makes this so extraordinary to me is that my daughter has not let her CF limit her in any way. She is an exceptional oboe player in her high school band and orchestra. In addition she volunteers after school at one of the elementary schools and also at a local nursing home. In addition she holds a part-time job and maintains a 3.7 GPA. She truly wants to make a difference and plans to study Music Therapy in college next year. She is one of the most inspirational teenagers I know.

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Nora Leslie, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:46:51 GMT

Here in College Park, Georgia Marcia May, the owner of a Pet Supply store and Tom Wargo who opened his warhouse to accept pet food donations have teamed up and are helping to distribute pet food to pet owners who cannot otherwise afford to feed their pets. The organization called "Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen" accepts pet food donations at Marcia's store, Urban Pet Supply, and she in turn gives the donors a discount on any purchase and then the collected food is distributed to the residents who are in need.

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Mark Doan, The Colony, Texas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:47:09 GMT

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order.

Blessings by the box
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.

It's both a Bargain and a Blessing!

More information including local host sites and monthly menus can be found on their website: www.angelfood.net

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Linda Mahran, Palm Coast, FL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:47:10 GMT

Here in Volusia & Flagler County Florida Brenda George started Operation Caring Through Sharing to feed the hungry one family at a time. She matches those who can give with those in need. Volunteers provide a box of food to a sponsored family anonymously each month. It's an amazing accomplishment that could be adopted by other communities.
Check out their website at: www.octs04.org

Here's an excerpt from her website:
"Founder, Brenda George has personally experienced homelessness, hunger, and extreme poverty. Brenda's compassion comes from her personal experience of being the oldest of ten children living in a home where food was scarce. Her younger brothers and sisters were diagnosed with rickets, a disease caused by poor nutrition. She remembers what it felt like to have an empty stomach and a fear of not knowing when and where the next meal would come from.

By transcending her earlier misfortunes as a child, Brenda has dedicated her life to providing food to needy families who live right here in our own community. CTS opened its doors in June of 2004 off the back porch of Brenda's home. Four years later, CTS is still going strong and growing every month! We now assist over 302 families in and across Volusia County!"
I nominate Brenda George of Ormond Beach Florida!

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Evan Cain, MD — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:48:24 GMT

The Christian Brothers of Calvert Hall High School in Towson, MD. These men have devoted their lives to teaching and every day, in and out, they have a positive attitude on life and in the hard times that we as Americans are experiencing, it is good feeling for an 18 year old year old student to be able to able to enjoy going to school each day. These men have made a difference in every students life throughout their high school career, and they continue to even in the hard times that the families of many students are facing.

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Nicole, Gettysburg, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:48:35 GMT

With one out of every 150 children having an Autism Spectrum Disorder, school systems are ill-equipped for the deluge. Even those school systems with an Autism approach, typically only have one approach, usually behavioral. The problem is:
1) Our kids are not one treatment fits all. About half do well with behavioral teaching modalities, while the other half do not do well {even extremely rebelling}, because those children need a relationship based teaching modality.
2) The kids are in school approximately 8 hours a day, and the parents have them for approximately 15 hours (once school bus time is factored in), and the parents are usually not given useful training for interacting with their child. Thus, we, as parents, are often in an abyss as our children hang off the curtains, smear fecal matter all over, run around in circles squealing "Eeeeee!" at 4 in the morning. No wonder under this pressure and lack of support that over 80% of Autism parents get divorced.

Three years of the school system's behavioral approach got our daughter having the above mentioned facets of Autism, plus 3 hour tantrums with head banging, no significant improvement in language and my husband and I at the verge of divorce.

In August 2006, we received partial scholarships to attend Startup Son-Rise training at the Autism Treatment Center of America {ATCA}. Within 3 months, the tantrums were gone, she had a normal sleep pattern, self stimulating behaviors had diminished, and she had started to give us short verbal requests. Within 5 months, she was completely potty trained. Son-Rise training has given us specific techniques for interacting with our daughter, as well as vital training on dealing with high stress emotional situations. Recently, we attended my father-in-law's funeral and our daughter behaved wonderfully, and my husband was much more emotionally prepared {than he would have been without Son-Rise} to face his father's death. Our daughter has also formed a great relationship with my mother, who's had some Son-Rise training. Our daughter draws pictures and writes notes commenting on various family members. She regularly gives us 7 to 10 word spontaneous sentences. She's a wonderfully affectionate, musical child, who at any moment can be heard singing her favorite songs from Abba, Don McLean, Elton John, etc. Most importantly, she is happy!

Parents going to the ATCA website www(dot)autismtreatmentcenter(dot)org can find a variety of free Son-Rise training webinars and bulletin boards on various Autism topics, and information to register for scholarships for formal Son-Rise training. The wisdom, support and love of the staff at the Autism Treatment Center of America has been a God send to our family and thousands of other Autism families all over the world!!!!

Please do a story on ATCA, because Autism families need to know there is real hope out there!!!!

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Greg Hine, Boulder, CO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:49:44 GMT

I feel your researchers should look at TED (www.TED.com) for an endless number of great, uplifting stories. There's no end of material there which you could highlight on Nightly News.

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A.W., Canton, MS — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:51:20 GMT

Hello. I am writing about someone I know. Her name is Alice Agner. If she new I were doing this, she would tell me not to because she is not looking for any public recognition for what it is she does, but I believe what she does is worth sharing, and perhaps others will consider doing the same. She is a second grade teacher at an inner city school in Jackson, Mississippi. She has chosen to teach at an inner city school, because it is her belief that even children in the "hood" are entitled to an excellent education, just like the children in the "burbs" and she delivers that and more. The other thing that Ms. Agner does, is what I believe to be the exceptional part: she has a student this year that had been in foster care, but recently his foster mother "turned him in" and he is now in shelter. She took it upon herself to do the following: She contacted this child's social worker, to arrange spending time with him away from school. She has taken him to her own home, to meet her family, and let me have a little dose of "normalcy" in his very abnormal world.Ms. Agner would do just about anything to rescue him, if even for a few hours at a time. It is a little thing she does, and I know that she makes a difference in all of her students' lives, and especially this child.

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Jill DeRamo, Beloit, Ohio — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:52:19 GMT

I am a high school teacher and I would like to nominate a group of my students who are working with other students from a nearby high school, on a communty service project. "Project Prom" is a dress drive in which our students are collecting gently used formal dresses so they can distribute them free of charge to others. In this tough economy, these students are working together to make sure that prom can be affordable for all girls.

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Mario D'Auria Jr., Williamsburg, Va. 23188 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:52:49 GMT

Great idea, on sprinkling in positive stories, which is much needed.

My daughter sent me a quote, when she was 16 years old, when the company I was with, filed for Chapter 11. She said, "Champions aren't people that never fail, Champions are people that never Quit" We overcame our adversity, and rose from the ashes, as America will, if we all believe, have confidence, and the will to succeed. I'm mentioning my daughters quote, because it gave me the strength to overcome all odds, and like me and my sales team, America does not have quitters, and our country will, once again, be on top.

What your doing will create positiveness, making you stand above the rest. Good Job!!

Mario

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charles p. bauer, rome, new york — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:56:37 GMT

i look at my son,my namesake, C.J. he is a mere 15 years old and since the age of just under three has battled a brain stem tumor. he relapsed 5 years ago anwas partially paralyzed on his right sidand is deaf in his right eer.
through grit, determination a heart ths boy struggled through hours of surgery, menagytus due to complications and months of occupational and physical therepy. just last week he is 5 years since his last surgery and in october of 2007 was deemed healed by his doctor.
didthis kid get down? of course. but he persevered a his now plays basketball and baseball. he cannot play football but he reinvented himself and is assitant coach and manager of his high school team.
he gives his time to the school. has given his time to the rideforkids bike ride for pediatric brain stem tumore foundation and has raised money for the make a wish foundation.
this summer he isgoing t europe on the people to people ambassador program. he now is not only representing himself anhis proud parents but his school, his community and his country.
this boy is ainspiration to all who have known him and im glad....and proud to call him my son.

charles p bauer sr.

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Deb Watkins, Muncie Indiana — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:56:45 GMT

There is a 15 year old girl in Muncie Indiana. Her name is Jennifer Watkins, and although it is not related to the economy, I believe she would make an interesting and uplifting story. At the age of 15, she has made the decision to convert to Judaism. Along with her academic study of world history and foreign affairs, Jennifer has devoted her time to the study of Judaism, a life changing decision few her age have the extraordinary maturity to make.

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Sandra, Omaha, NE — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:01:26 GMT

On Sunday, March 1st, Robert Shields (age 59) was driving a semi-truck through Omaha, Nebraska on Interstate 80 and suffered a heart attack and died. No other vehicle was involved in the accident that followed but his faithful dog and road companion since it was eight weeks old, "Zak", was suddenly alone and very far from home. The dog was brought to the local Humane Society which learned that the man's family in San Diego dearly wanted to get the dog home but could not afford the air fare. Word spread locally on Monday that the Humane Society was asking for donations to help get Zak home. By Tuesday, people in the Omaha area had already donated enough to get him home and also ensure his innoculations were up to date. I am proud my fellow Midlanders stepped up to help Zak get home again.

Tell us your good news

Carolyn Fogarty, Mobile, Ala. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:03:34 GMT

I just read a great article in today's Mobile Press-Register about a pharmacist in small-town Brewton, Ala. who is trying to help the slow economy in his town with a unique stimulus plan. He gave $16,000 in $2 bills to his full-time ($700 ea.)and part-time ($300) staff to spend in their struggling community. He asked them to especially spend in the downtown businesses as they are hurting badly now. He also required each of them to give 15% to charity. You can read about it at:
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/123616182131540.xml&coll=3
The $2 bills are showing up all over town now! It was the topic of conversation this morning at my office and we are anxious to see it succeed. It will take many other grass roots efforts to get this economy stabilized and I am proud one idea was launched just up the road from me! I especially liked seeing the requirement to give 15% to charity.

Tell us your good news

Sherri Park — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:04:51 GMT

Maria Nybur is the 89 year old leader of our arthritis swimming group in Sandy, Utah. She has been leading this group for 15 years. She invites us over for brunch, remembers birthdays, brings a card to sign for illness and other kindnesses.

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Susie Nolan Elmwood Illinois — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:04:59 GMT

Dear Brian Williams:
I would like to share an energetic man in our community who reaches out to all youth with a goal in mind. He believes in people-young and old-that they all have a purpose and have a chance at a positive life and future. Even in times of depression/recession, where there is so much negativism and increased crime, there is a man who gives so much of himself to others so that there is some HOPE which montivates people in the right direction. This man is featured on the wall in the Frederick Douglas Museum in Washington DC, and has received much recognition in this area. I would like to see him honored in this fashion to show your viewers that one step at a time, caring matters.
Here is a link on you tube for the man, Carl Cannon of Peoria Illinois.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8KUll2R-fI

Thank you,
Susie Nolan
Elmwood Illinois

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Barry Robbins San Diego, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:05:08 GMT

I love how you ended the news and applaud you for the idea of requesting GOOD news and
happy stories-that is what we all need right now….Barry Robbins

Tell us your good news

Nichole Meade, Severn, Maryland — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:05:53 GMT

In Omaha, NE there is a man named Bill Williams - who I believe is a CEO of a feed company out there, who is sponsoring honor flights for WWII veterans. He flies them on a charter plane from Omaha to Washington DC. They tour the WWII Memorial, go to Arlington National Cemetary, and tour other DC sites. They fly back home that smae night. He is doing all this at no cost to the veterans. My grandmother, Helen Matras, a Coast Guard veteran, is going on the last Honor Flight from the Omaha area on April 23rd. This project has meant so much to so many WWII veterans, many of whom have passed away shortly after making this once in a lifetime flight. Two of my grandmothers brothers have already made the trip, one passed away a few months later. I am an Air Force veteran and am so excited to meet my grandmother in DC on April 23rd to share this experience with her. Both of us are in the Women in the Military Memorial at Arlington so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be with my grandmother when she sees herself come up in the database at the Women's Memorial. This is an amazing story and experience for these veterans and is a great story in these troubled times.

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Raquel "Rocky" Deckert, aka Major Deckert, USMC, New Orleans, LA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:06:00 GMT

Awesome idea on the good news stories!

I complained to one of the local news anchors here in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina stating, "Why don't you have stories about good news, even if it was someone just getting their house repaired?" I was told, "It doesn't sell." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Especially after losing my own house, being activated with the USMC to support hurricane aftermath efforts, and my husband being sent to Iraq. I now feel vindicated that a NATIONAL news organization is doing this! Here is my small story, not national newsworthy most likely, but I still feel good about it. I'm, by no means a writer, but here is a something about a local Mardi Gras Krewe that most people do not know about.

The all female Mardi Gras Krewe, Krewe of Muses, parades and parties with a purpose. Following a successful Mardi Gras in New Orleans and after being recognized as the best parade during Mardi Gras, with the quantifiable five "crowns", as judged by one of the local magazines, the Krewe of Muses continues on with its fundraising efforts for local charities throughout the year, those specifically supporting woman and children. Besides just making both locals and tourist happy with fabulous throws to include our shoe bracelets and glittered shoe, akin to the covenent Zulu coconut, Muses concentrate their efforts towards charitable activities. Throughout the year, from small events, to large events these dedicated ladies have given $50,000.00 to the NOPD after the hurricane for replacement equipment in lieu of buying a needed float. The Krewe has also sponsored Grace House to help women get off drugs and Kingsley House to allow women, especially very young moms with little to no means with children to have a place to send their children to school while they get work and are taught job training. These organizations received about $30,000.00 from the Krewe of Muses. Sometimes great contributions, sometimes small ones, the power of over 1,300 riding and non riding woman helping other women in our area is the best good news story for me. Just FYI, our Muse sister at heart was Kimberly Rivers Roberts, star of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Trouble the Water,” as Muses’ honorary muse, Melpomene, the muse of tragedy.

So, I nominate our Captain Staci Rosenberg, who almost 10 years ago created the Krewe of Muses. She has contributed so much to this city and the women and children who continue to suffer in it.

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Sandy Genz San Jose CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:06:04 GMT

I would like to nominate my daycare provider. Back in August when I had to move to the San Jose area to be near family due to no jobs in the L.A. area, I needed to find someone to watch over my then 2 year old daughter until I could find a job. Auntie Barb and her husband Zane, told me they talked it over and would watch my daughter free of charge until I could get a job. They said sometimes it takes a village to raise a child. All of this on the promise of when I did find a job that I keep her in their daycare. I am still looking for a job and they have been the greatest people in the world to help me out like this. I don't know how I could ever repay them for what they have done for me because without it I would have no time to go look for a job. I owe them so much!

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Edith Rogers, Cleveland, Tennesse — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:08:27 GMT

I would like to nominate Lois and J. B. Bates in Benton, Tennessee. They have given to their community all of their life. (they are in their 80's) They are always there when someone is sick or their is a death in their family. When my parents were aging these two people were directly responsible for helping me help them stay in their home. They would check on them, take them out to eat, fix meals and bring to them. They have done this for some many for over 50 years. They now help Lois' sisters who are both widows, to get to doctor's appointments and other transportation needs. They are involved with the Empty Stocking fund and help raise funds and deliver gifts each year. They are the many unsung heros in the world who just go and do whatever is needed for those in their area. The deserve national recogintion.

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Scott Blake; Mountain View, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:08:42 GMT

I nominate all the public librarians. Public libraries have experienced a huge increase in patronage during the economic downturn. The downturn has caused many municipalities to cut library budgets. The result is often an extremely understaffed library working very hard to provide the same excellent service as would be available with full staffing. Next time you're in your local library, take some time to observe how well the librarians and other staffers handle the needs of their patrons. While you're at it, compliment them and thank them personally and in writing to the library director. I'm a public librarian and glad to be able to serve the public during this time of economic meltdown.

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Sandy Thomas — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:08:54 GMT

She helps people with disabilties live life to there fullest. Providing info, resources, and helping people get service dogs to keep them living independent with out expensive attendent care most can't affort. Now she is needing a service dog to replace retiring partner but you have to fund raise for them. She helped so many but now she might loose her independence now because finding donations has gotten so hard that her and others around here are facing the same issue. Sad for someone that has given so much to help others for free.

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Kelly Krager, Hatfield, Pa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:08:58 GMT

I'd like to draw attention to Animal Lifeline, Doylestown Pa. AL is a support organization for rescues, shelters and municipal groups who advocate for animals every day. They've recently opened a thrift shop in Warrington Pa. www.animallifelineonline.org

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Michael Bartholomew, Spokane Valley, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:09:03 GMT

I wanted to nominate Steve Paul of Spokane, WA. Steve works for Microsoft but spends most of his free time working on the Spokane Fantasy Flight. http://spokanefantasyflight.com/default.aspx

This is special trip to the North Pole for some under privileged children each year.

now there are many people that work on this project every year, but Steve works it all year long. making sure to always talk to anyone who wants any information. He is always trying to get more donations to make each year better.

Steve started as an elf and now has become the Santa's Head Elf. Steve works tirelessly to make it a special event for these kids. Even though the one day event ended in December, Steve is still working on it processing pictures, putting together a DVD, drumming up more donations and donors.

I know there are many people out there doing good things, but this is truly someone who will go unnoticed except for those of us at the North Pole on that one day. Even most of the other Elfs do not realize his dedication.

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Chris Lindsey — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:11:20 GMT

I would like to nominate a very special group of individuals that donated their time and materials to make a difference in the lives of several students at the No Limits Academy in Melbourne Florida. In these times one of the areas that has been affected so badly as you know is the construction and home building market. I attended an appreciation dinner at the No Limits Academy and was moved to tears. The school is a not for profit Christian based school for physically disabled children, the school was in need of a physical therapy area for the children. A group of local business owners from all areas of construction banded together and provided the school with a beautiful new Therapy area, all time and material donated, including a $30,000 air conditioning system..The Children and their families were so grateful..it was wonderful.

Tell us your good news

Kathleen Pratt, Portland, Oregon — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:12:33 GMT

Good Evening- I am a 4th year medical student at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland Oregon. As naturopathic doctors, we are trained as primary care physicians with the same training as medical doctors. The difference is seen in our philosophy and treatment. Much of what we do is to prevent and treat diseases with lifestyle, nutrition and other non-pharmaceutical modalities.
The reason I am writing is that my school does a phenomenal job at providing low cost to no cost health care for the at-need communities here in Portland. We run over thirteen community clinic that have a $20 or less fee for a visit and provide free or extremely discounted supplements, herbs etc to our patients. Our clinics are set up in churches and community centers. We serve the non insured, the homeless youth, and those struggling with addictions just to name a few. We offer free health care, including STD testing, PAP smears and acupuncture to the homeless community at a fabulous non-profit center called Outside In.
It is in this day and age, where I believe it is a shame that health is not a universal right for everyone , that our services are so important. Unfortunatly, even the Portland community does not know home many hours and funds our school commits to the health of those in need. This is a strength of our school, and our medicine. Prevention and lifestyle are the most effective and affordable ways to decrease disease. And it is here that our conventional model fails us. I believe that the country needs to hear our story to understand that there are doctors who care, who provide and that there is another way to health.

Tell us your good news

Beth Lyon, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:12:45 GMT

I would like to nominate a real life "Friday Night Lights" couple for recognition, Karen and Dan Hinds from Phoenix, Arizona. Karen is a guidance counselor and Dan is the head varsity football coach at Desert Vista High School. Karen and Dan met while they were both working at another local high school--Dan was a business teacher and Karen was a special education teacher. They both transferred to Desert Vista and were married. They have a six-year old daughter, Julia, and a three and half year old son, Luke. Luke was born with special needs, and Karen and Dan have been his biggest advocate. It is ironic that Luke was born with his defects--while Karen has left the classroom, special education students remain near and dear to her heart. She is extremely active in Special Olympics and the Best Buddies organization. She has organized a national Special Olympics event and is also a coach. Karen's specialty as a counselor is working with students labeled within the American's with Disabilities Act, section 504 students. She also works with the school's Native American population. She gives a voice to those who may not be able to use their own. On top of working nearly fulltime, being a wife and mother, Karen has had to deal with the tragic loss of her brother, sister-in-law, and three of her four nieces and nephews to a horrific plane crash in June of 2008. Karen works with quiet dignity, putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She and Dan continue to give back to our community, seeking nothing else in return. They are an inspiration to all.

Tell us your good news

Jessica Peters, Arcata, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:14:16 GMT

hello,

I have an English professor that I have had 2 classes with, and I have witnesses him go above and beyond the call of duty as a professor for many of his students.

I am a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, who served in Iraq as a civilian for almost 2 years. When I came home to go to college, I found out that the military had cheated me out of my G.I. Bill and I was not going to receive money to go to school.

I wrote my congressman Mike Thompson about my situation, to see if he could help me out in this matter. I received a response letting me know that there was nothing they could do for me.

I informed my professor, David Holper, of my situation, and he promptly got on the phone to Mike Thompson's office and respectfully gave his opinion to them. He defended my situation and helped fight for me to receive my military benefits that I am rightly entitled to.

As a consequence, the office called me back and is going to reconsider finding a solution for me to receive my benefits for college! They said that my issue is on high priority and that they are coming up with a solution to my problem!

All because my English professor cares about his students, I will be able too not only afford college, but receive my benefits as a veteran of the U.S. military!

I am so very humbled by his act of kindness, that I want to give back to him any way that I can. I think he should receive public recognition for his actions and selfless service to his students. He is a fantastic professor, and a wonderful person; he truly deserves to be recognized by his community. I am just ONE of many others he has helped out along his path as a professor at CR.

Professor Holper has helped our college receive thousands of dollars in financial aid for computers and projectors in our class rooms. He is highly active in the community in so many ways. He is an environmentalist and also a published author. He really is an extraordinary man who helps students achieve their dreams even if it is on his personal time.

Please, if there is any way you could give him the recognition he deserves, it would not only make for a wonderful story, but it would make an amazing professor feel rewarded for his service.

All too often today, Americans open the newspaper to read only about the negative events happing around the world, or right here in our own community. I believe people who go above and beyond in their jobs, to help out others in the community, is news worthy too!

Please contact me back to let me know if there is anything you can do for my professor. Thank you for your time and attention.
Blessings,
JESS

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Evelyn Pezzolla, Landrum, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:14:43 GMT

I live in an area near Landrum, SC and would like to nominate my neighbor, Jeanne Moore who spearheads a group of volunteers. Weekly the volunteers collect food for a number of needy families in the upstate of SC with particular focus on the elementary school childen to help ensure that they do not go to school hungry. We must realize that our children are the backbone of our country and Jeanne gives tirelessly of her time, money and energy.

Tell us your good news

Kirk Mishawaka,In — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:15:06 GMT

I would like to nominate Jeff Samardzija. He is a baseball player for the Chicago Cubs . He set up a scholarship at Notre Dame amd iots awarded each year to a student who has suffered the loss of a loved one while continuing to strive for academic excellence. He is what giving back is all about . He is only been in the big league for less than half of season and he is already gving back . This is the story from the cubs site http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090204&content_id=3797646&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Jeff is a good person and deserves praise for the way he conducts himself in real life he is always giving back and doing for others .

Sincerely
Kirk Mishwaka,In

Tell us your good news

Toan Lam, San Francisco, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:15:25 GMT

Hi Brian,

My name is Toan Lam, I have been reporting the local news for 9 years and was recently laid off and joined the "New economy." So many people have been telling me they want good news, so I created a website for everyone to share good news/insiring stories ...Please look at the link below:

This is the scope of what I know I can do, so I'm asking people to find out what they can do to make their community better!

I would love for you to do a package on me; a TV Reporter who was laid off and helping make my community better, one story at a time!

I'm asking everyone to Please:

1.) Watch my video to learn about my mission

2.) Subscribe to my ToanLamTV Youtube Channel (it's free)

3.) Submit a story about you or someone you know that inspires you in the
"Comments" section of this Channel.

4.) Share my link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ToanLamTV

5.) Be INSPIRED...

Tell us your good news

Phoebe Crais, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:16:54 GMT

I would like to nominate Beth DeCaprio, the CEO of the Grace Foundation of Northern California, a non-profit organization she started about 6 years ago. The Grace Foundation rescues abused and neglected horses, then uses these animals to help children with physical and mental disabilities as well as those who have been abused. I started volunteering at this organization 2 years ago, and to see what this new organization has done in the few years it has been in existance is truly amazing. Beth heals everyone she comes in contact with. She works 6 days a week and 12 hour days to keep everything going. She takes the time to answer each child's question, and she can calm a frightened animal with her loveing, gentle nature. She is a beacon of light for all of us. Check out our web site at www.thegracefoundation.com, to get a better idea of what Beth has done to serve the greater Sacramento area. She would be an outstanding addition to the nightly news.

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William Heritage, Loxley, AL — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:16:56 GMT

Here in Baldwin County south Alabama, I see a tiny young man perhaps 8 years old that goes to school every morning as I go to work. At precisely 06:40 AM each morning, rain or shine, his mother and his sister who is about 9 or 10 years old take him to the end of their lane to wait for the school bus. While this scene is played out all over America every day very few children his age do this in an electric wheel chair. What a heroic young man he must be. However this is not the extent of this story. What moved me to write you was one specific morning when I pulled up behind the school bus. That morning when the young man rolled up to the bus (it was freezing cold) the ramp came half way down and malfunctioned. Immediately the bus driver got out of the bus came to the rear. The driver and attendant (both women) grabbed the wheel chair on each side and lifted him up a few feet and onto the ramp. The ramp then went up as a young white hand reached out, took the hand of the small black child and assisted him into the bus. The attendants jumped back on the bus and on their way they went.

I don’t know who the bus driver and attendant are nor do I know the young man and his mother and sister. They live in a mobile home on county road 55 a 10th of a mile south of county road 48 which is 2 miles south of the town of Silverhill, AL in Baldwin County. I’m certain that the Baldwin county school system could tell you more about the driver and attendant.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information insight or help I could be regarding the above.

Sincerely

William Heritage

Tell us your good news

MAURICE BUSSIERE — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:17:37 GMT

JUST AN ORDINARY PERSON MAKING AN EXTRAORDINARY DIFFERENCE.
I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN IN MAINE. MY WIFE WORKS FULL TIME AS A DENTAL ASSISTANT, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER & WIFE YET SHE HAS FOUND TIME TO DO SOME, IN MY MIND, EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.
SHE HAS TAKEN IN 2 CHILDREN WHOM NEEDED A PLACE TO LIVE AS TEENAGERS AND RAISED THEM ALONG WITH OUR OTHER 7 KIDS. NO PREFERENCE WAS EVER SHOWN. THE KIDS WERE PUT OUT BY THEIR OWN FAMILIES AND SHE HAD THEM STAY WITH US UNTIL THEY COULD MAKE IT ON THEIR OWN. THIS ENDED UP BEING WHEN THEY REACHED ADULTHOOD! I REMEMBER ONE NIGHT I EXPLAINED THAT CHARLES COULDN'T LIVE ON OUR COUCH FOREVER, SO SHE WENT OUT AND BOUGHT HIM A BED.I TOLD HER THAT WASN'T QUITE WHAT I MEANT!)SHE IS NOW A GRANDMOTHER TO THEIR CHILDREN! NOW THAT SHE HAS FINISHED TAKING IN STRAYS, SHE STILL NEEDS TO HELP PEOPLE. SHE RECENTLY MET A MAN AT THE BINGO HALL WHOM NEEDED A RIDE TO THE LAHEY CLINIC IN BURLINGTON MASSACHUSETTS. A 2.5 HOUR DRIVE AWAY. NO ONE WOULD TAKE THIS MAN DOWN FOR A LIVER BIOPSY! SHE HAPPILY VOLUNTEERED. SINCE THAT DAY BACK IN NOVEMBER OF 2007, SHE HAS MADE NUMEROUS TRIPS TO LAHEY FOR THIS MAN. ONE TRIP LASTED 8.5 HOURS AS THEY WERE DRIVING BACK IN A NOREASTER! SHE HAS BEEN BY HIS BEDSIDE THROUGH MANY, MANY MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND IS ALWAYS THERE WHEN HE CALLS. WHETHER IT BE HIS GROCERIES, MEDICINES OR A SHOWER, SHE IS THERE TO ANSWER THE CALL. SHE IS GIVEN NO COMPENSATION, NOR DOES SHE WANT ANY. JUST THE FACT THAT SHE CAN HELP ONE PERSON AT A TIME MAKES HER HAPPY! SHE HOPES TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW, YOU KNOW, PASS IT FORWARD!
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND CONSIDERING GIVING MY WIFE THE RECOGNITION I FEEL SHE DESERVES!

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Jan Bryant in Santa Rosa, Calif. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:17:50 GMT

My neighbor Merle Reuser is an amazing man. He has spread happiness and good will in our neighborhood for years (we've lived down the street for 20 yrs) There was even an article in our local paper today about him. (THe Santa Rosa Press Democrat) He honored a young cancer victim's memory by gathering over 5,000 daffodils, each bouquet of 16 for the 16 years she spent here on earth. THe daffodils came from a ranch where he has gathered them since he was 8 0r 9, from Margarets Ranch. He honors
Margarets memory with 109 daffodils, for each year she lived. He picks them each spring and puts them on your door stop, and for the ladies at the bank. What's so amazing about Merle is that he is a rough and hardy guy, has run a portable saw mill for years. I call him Merle the Pearl because he is so rough on the outside but with a special tenderness inside and a gift for giving. I could go on and on. He's helped a disabled boy, adopted all the neighborhood dogs....walked and talked to all of us when we need an ear. There's so much more I'm sure I don't even know about, he has been this wonderful way always, way before these difficult times. It would be wonderful to see this humble man honored.
Sincerely, Jan Bryant

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L. Love Penns Grove NJ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:19:09 GMT

As one of the many unemployed people I would like to nominate two employees that work in the local unemployment office in Salem, NJ. Both Jami and Deborah have been there and done everything they could when a bureaucratic nightmare unfolds. When the checks ceased to come, and the money ran out, Jami got on the phone and got an answer. Deborah has listened to my woes and lent a supportive shoulder. I am grateful to them in my quest to find employment. So many times government employees are unimaginative and seem to have a chip on their shoulders. In Jami and Deborah's case they are by far the most helpful and thoughtful government employees I have come across.

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Robert Tippett, Mather, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:19:43 GMT

Delaire Doyle is a Grambling State University graduate. His enthusiasm is contagious. We're working together with the Folsom/Cordova CA school district's bad kids at Mather Youth Academy, a military alternative education school.
The students here all have been expelled. Their families are struggling or have simply given up. Several are in foster, or group homes.
Doyle has been organizing and filming special events, visiting families, and encouraging the teachers here to do the same.
He's a bright light in a dark place. He's been giving his all, and has been inspiring many more to do the same.

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Cindy Amerine, Aiken, SC — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:20:42 GMT

I would like to nominate my 5 year old grandson, Carson Pazdan, who is making a cook book called "Kids Feeding Kids" and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Northern Illinois Food Bank-Youth Nutrition Program! "Chef Carson" is gathering 1000 receipes from kids all over the country to enter their charming "kid" recipes in this book. Each book sold will provide a hungry child in northern Illinois with a hundred pounds of food!!! Carson's dream of creating a cookbook FOR kids BY kids and helping hungry children has inspired several professionals who have donated their time and talent to make this book a reality. It is his hope that this book will not only feed hungry children, but will also build awareness, compassion, and a foundation of philanthropy to last a lifetime for the participating children in the cookbook. To learn more, please visit: www.kidsfeedingkids.blogspot.com.

With Pride,

Cindy Amerine

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Richard J. Puleo, Lancaster, Pennsylvania — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:22:04 GMT

Brian: Great idea, to finally start spreading some good news which always starts with good people. The world needs more people to simply give to others and stop taking from others. Few places can compair or rank higher in giving of time, talent and possessions then Lancaster, PA. My wife and the City of Lancaster simply continues to poor out gifts to those in need. I met my wife as a result of a Lancaster resident asking me if I would provide free legal services to a woman who was having her home foreclosed upon by her first husband who stole her identity and succesfully re-financed their home with a fraudulent mortgage. When the bank started to forclose, I provieded her free legal services to prevent her from losing the house. Numerous teachers at the local high school where she worked provided her with food and presents so her two young children could enjoy christmas. However, despite her delima she never stopped giving to others even though she fully expected to lose her home. With everyone helping out everyone in need good things happen. As fate would have it, we fell in love and her dream having two boys and two girls came true. We now have two beautiful little girls. We were able to repay some of the friends that helped her by finding a child for a couple to adopt who couldn't have children. When the local Amish community experienced a terible tradety when a shooter killed 5 people at a local Amish School the victims family immediately gave forgiveness - a rare thing these days. And when the Hurrican ravaged Gulf coast needed help the local high schools immediatley organized an amazing mission trip to help the victims. The giving simply keeps going on and on and the results are more amazing then you could ever imagine. The citizens of this community are some of the greatest givers and the world simply needs more of this to go on.

Brian, I think you started something good, let's see if we can keep it going.

Sincerely,

Tell us your good news

Steve Olsen, Ogden Utah — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:22:11 GMT

A story that received nationwide attention during the election season was the passage of California's Proposition 8. A significant part of that story was the influence of California members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in campaigning for the proposition.

National gay rights groups were understandably angry, and there were calls for boycotts of Utah and threats of retaliation against the LDS Church. Given this backdrop, the actions of Utah's gay rights organization, Equality Utah, and its executive director, Mike Thompson were a real inspiration.

Equality Utah bucked the trend of their national movement. They publicly defended their Mormon neighbors as good people, and despite differences of opinion, reached out to the leaders of the Mormon Church for constructive dialog. What resulted from this was the "Common Ground Initiative" (see http://www.equalityutah.org/action/common.html), a series of proposals to create common-sense legal protections for non-traditional families that were designed to conform to public statements by LDS Church leaders. As part of Mike's efforts, they gained the public endorsement for the Common Ground Initiative from Utah's Mormon Republican Governor, Jon Huntsman, and other respected Utah leaders.

Unfortunately, the initiative was killed for this year by a few extremist senators in the Utah Legislature, but Mike and his team are continuing with their optimistic, upbeat and respectful campaign. As a straight practicing Mormon who supported Prop 8, I think Mike and Equality Utah have shown a great example to the nation that mutual respect and collaboration can bring diverse groups together and make real change.

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Patrick Spears — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:24:14 GMT

Brian, This has been covered on MsNBC, and on NPR, but these two young men are making a huge difference in Wilmington, Ohio.. the community that was devistated when DHL ceased US operations and put thousands in the area out of work

http://energizecc.com/about_us/who-we-are/

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Katherine F Carpenter — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:25:47 GMT

A social worker turned real estate lawyer (Jamie Arledge-Vancouver WA) is tkaing her time and billable hours to help homeless in need that are capable, to start their own business. It's still in the works, but after some screnning and finding support from other agencies we will have a meeting this weekend to present the project to a forum. Our hope is that those who can, will offer their time to help see this through and perhaps help this to become an on-going project. I met Jamie when she took a case for me in a fraud/forgery situation http://www.columbian.com/article/20080830/NEWS02/308309014 and even helped see me through it when the County/State prosecuted the person; http://columbian.com/article/20081126/NEWS02/711269998. We wondered why our paths crossed. Now we're doing this together and it's becoming more clear every day.

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Debby Kobayashi Berkley, MI — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:26:35 GMT

This story is about a space, instead of a specific person. It's a downtown studio, run by artists (mostly volunteer) to nurture the creativity and spirit of disabled people; youth and adults. The student artists have afflictions such as Alzheimer's, brain injury, autism. The space is open and welcoming. It exists in Rochester, Michigan. Just google-Paint a Miracle.

Tell us your good news

Brian Landis, Richmond, Virginia — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:27:32 GMT

Larry Lindsey founded First Contractors in Richmond, Virginia to help teach construction and responsibility to young men and women that have been released from "the system". Wether it be juvenile detention or foster homes, he's dedicated his life to making sure kids who may have never had strong role models or who have been in trouble with the law have a chance to make their lives positive and constructive.

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Steve Chin, Menlo Park, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:27:40 GMT

Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law senior faculty should be nominated for the Random Act of Kindness Award. My daughter, who started work for the Law College in career services last August, called me this afternoon to tell me the good story. She said the Dean of Law School called a meeting of all the administrative assistants and front line worker of the college together this morning in the faculty hall. The workers were a bit uneasy going into this unannounced meeting because of the recently instituted two days a month furlough they have to take due to the University's budget shortfall. The Dean announced at the meeting that the senior faculty members did not agree with University Admin's furlough affecting the lower-pay front line personnel. The faculty feel they can absorb the salary cut better than the front line personnel. Therefore, in the spirit of community unity, the faculty unanimously donated to a pot of money for them. All front line personnel of the College got a surprise gift this morning. My daughter was given an envelope of two $50 bills. Wow, that was truly an act of kindness in these economic times to lift people's spirit! What a caring faculty at Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law at ASU, Tempe, AZ.

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Mike Russell, Topeka, KS — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:32:02 GMT

IMAGINE THIS: A STUDENT WHO CARES ABOUT THE WORLD, NOT DRINKING, AND IS HELPING ALL OF US MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We all know how important it is to conserve and recycle, as well as the importance of renewable energy. Well, there is an undergraduate student, Lacey Bisnett, that is taking it to a new level. Lacey is a student at Wasburn University (located in Topeka, KS) and she is trying to educate those in the Kansas capital and surrounding areas. She is accomplishing this by creating and organizing a Green Fair.

http://www.topekagreenfair.webs.com/

At Washburn University, student's are presented with an exciting opportunity, the Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE). Students have the option of fulfilling a Creative & Scholarly (i.e., research), International Education, Leadership, or Community Service WTE. Lacey is a one of a kind student. She has combined all of the WTEs into one. At a time when most college students are concerned with sleeping in, drinking (often to excess), cramming for exams, and so forth, Lacey is doing something to make the world a better place live in for all of us. Imagine if all college students were doing something like this.

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Joe Porter,Harrogate, Tennessee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:32:24 GMT

Mr. Williams,
The second grade classes at Middlesboro Primary School located in Middlesboro, Kentucky demonstrated an act of kindness this week. Orchestrated by Mrs. Cindy Porter they are preparing to send 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to a serviceman stationed on the U.S.S. Roosevelt. The children chose to send Girl Scout cookies because they had been informed that servicemen and women enjoy receiving them because it gives them "a little taste of home". This also helped out local Girl Scout troops who have seen a drop in sales due to a decline in the economy. The classes have also sent birthday messages , Valentine's Day cards and several other gifts since developing their relationship with the serviceman in December. These children are excited to have an opportunity to show their appreciation to one of our dedicated servicemen.

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Claire Gliddon, Sacramento, California — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:32:39 GMT

I am a big believer is volunteering and giving back to the community and now that President Obama is encouraging just that, I’ve gotten more people to join me. As part of that plan, and chiefly concerning senior citizens, I would like to make an offer to your readers, cheer up the community, and honor my dad at the same time.

After Nancy Reagan fell last year, my dad's doctor told him he really needed to start using a cane, to prevent falls. He was not looking forward to that. I took one look at that dull brown cane and decided I needed to do something about it. So I came up with the Cane Sweater! This is a crocheted tube that slides up the cane after removing the rubber tip at the bottom (and then replacing the tip). It really is jazzy and my 88-year-old dad loves it! Now that it's nice and cheery, he takes it with him everywhere and shows people all the time! And as another user of a Cane Sweater said, she would never misplace her cane again! These Cane Sweaters come in bright or subdued colors, four different sizes, are washable, and are great conversation starters. I take some wherever I go and when I see a person who has a cane, I respectfully ask if I can give him/her a cane sweater, explain the story, and put it on for them. They are delighted!

My mission is to give away 1,000 Cane Sweaters. We have a Cane Sweater website at www.canesweaters.com (be sure to read the Testimonials!) to find out more, but as mentioned, the first 1,000 are free. We have made Cane Sweaters for such prominent people as Sacramento's former Mayor Heather Fargo and even George Bush, Sr., who remarked in a note to me afterwards that he certainly wouldn’t misplace his cane ever again! (Interestingly, it was on Brian William’s newscast last December when I saw George Bush, Sr., walk to the podium to speak, and he was using a cane, and Brian mentioned he recently had hip surgery. That made me want to send him one!)

I would love to see these Cane Sweaters around the country, cheering people up, and letting them know that someone else cares!

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Dr. Evan Pitkoff, Newtown, Connecticut — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:33:36 GMT

For the past nine years, Dr. Richard Shulman, a clinical psychologist in West Hartford, Connecticut has volunteered and devoted most of his professional time to heading a non-profit organization he founded called Volunteers in Psychotherapy (VIP). In this program, clients receive free psychotherapy sessions by a licensed therapist in exchange for providing volunteer service of their choosing to their community. For every four hours of community service conducted the client earns one hour of psychotherapy.

The therapists in this organization receive a much reduced fee for the therapy, about 1/3 the going rate, from donations and small grants that Dr. Shulman has procured.

VIP helps those with no insurance or those who do not wish to have their insurance company (and possibly their employer) know that they are engaged in psychotherapy. In this way, the sessions are truly private and confidential allowing clients to freely deal with the complex and sensitive therapy issues without worrying about others finding out about it.

In the past nine years Dr. Shulman's organization has helped 340+ people/families. More than 11,000 hours of volunteer work has been conducted by clients who have thereby earned 2,800 free sessions of psychotherapy. Dr. Shulman has successfully written 62 grants from 29 foundations. Dr. Shulman has also volunteered to consult with other agencies that provide psychotherapy and wish to replicate the program to which he has devoted his career.

I have served on the Board of Directors of VIP for the past six years and am amazed at the difference this program has made in the lives of so many people who might otherwise not be able, or willing, to deal with their sometimes haunting and painful secrets.

Dr. Richard Shulman should be commended for his commitment, volunteerism and altruism in founding and leading this program. For more information one can view the VIP website at www.CTVIP.org.

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Brian Johnson, Portland, OR — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:35:44 GMT

The American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org) holds bike rides throughout the country each year in events called Tour de Cure (http://tour.diabetes.org).

This is a major fundraiser and a lot of money is raised for diabetes research, education, and outreach. Thousands of individuals participate, bringing in donations from many, many more people.

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Cathy Bongiovi [Morrisville, Pa.] — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:36:06 GMT

With all the bad news in the world today, thank you for taking the time to tell some happy stories!

This is about a 12-year old boy named Riley Gillespie of Langhorne, Pa. For the last three years, he's held an Alex's Lemonade Stand to honor three of his friends with cancer. Two of them are still battling difficult cancers. Last fall Riley raised $11,100 for ALS.

His friend Leah Chapman, 14, is the sickest. Last month Riley wanted to do more, so he started a national prayer chain for her. His goal was to get at least one person in each of the 50 states to pray for her. In just 12 days, not only had we received prayers from all 50 states, but from several countries as well. Right now the prayer chain has hit 22 countries on five continents. We've tracked this all on my website as well as on Facebook [Prayers for Leah Chapman group].

To read more about this remarkable 12-year-old boy and his quest to help his friends, visit my website for his story, pictures, and Leah's prayer chain.

http://www.cathybongiovi.com/march09.html

Thanks for your consideration!

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Michelle Erickson, Wenatchee, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:36:14 GMT

Water district workers erect shelter for burned-out homeowner
By Dee Riggs
World staff writer
Posted March 04, 2009

EAST WENATCHEE — At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Fred Smith, was, in his own words, "doing all right."

Which was hard to believe, what with him living in a 1982 Chevy van next to his burned-out house in the 1900 block of Cascade Avenue Northwest.

"I just don’t like to be going around to other people’s houses," the 88-year-old said.

Since a fire that started in the kitchen gutted his one-story home Feb. 24, he’d been showering at his daughter’s house and sleeping there about every other night. But Smith turned down her request that he move in with her for the time it will take to repair his home.

"I’m just kind of a loner, to be honest about it," he says.

At 3:30 p.m., six employees of the East Wenatchee Water District showed up and gave Smith a new living option — a large Army-style tent that they use, as a group of buddies, when they go hunting in the fall.

"We’ve got a surprise for you," said Doug Dillard, owner of the tent, as he and the other guys stood just outside the van. Inside, in the back, sat Smith, momentarily speechless, in a plastic lawn chair.

"I was nice and comfortable in the van," Smith said, continuing to look stunned.

So would he move into the tent?

"I wasn’t planning on it but, if they put it up, I guess I’ll have to," he said.

The men spent the next 90 minutes setting up the tent, which came complete with a big wood stove — vented to the outside via a large pipe — a big piece of carpet on the floor, a couch, a table, a propane-fueled stove and a big foam pad atop a single bed frame.

Dillard said the men have all known Smith for years, seeing him outside his home, selling a fixed-up rottotiller or lawn mower, as they’d drive down Northwest Cascade Street. Dillard said he had stopped after the fire and approached Smith about the tent but Smith had said he was doing fine in the van.

"Today, I thought, ‘Let’s just do it,’ " Dillard said.

"Nobody wants to see him living in his van," said Brandon Collins.

Others putting up the tent were Roy Gosvener, Tony Yancey, Jeff Johnston, Brian Kniffen and Dillard’s 11-year-old son Carson.

Banter was about what you’d expect at a make-shift hunting camp.

"Doug, when are the dancing girls coming?" asked Collins.

"In about an hour," Dillard responded.

Smith chuckled, and work progressed.

"I absolutely can’t believe this," Smith said over and over again. "I don’t know how I’m going to repay them for doing this."

When the tent was up, the men prepared to head out.

"When you run out of wood, we’ll bring some more," Dillard told him.

Smith, standing alone next to the stove, was rapidly warming to the idea of a larger living space than his van.

"I’ve had a cold all this past week and I’ve been shivering all day," he said. "It sure feels good around this stove."

Dee Riggs: 664-7147
deeriggs@wenatcheeworld.com

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Betsy Ehrler, President — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:36:28 GMT

HI
I want to nominate South County People's Kitchen located in Grover Beach, CA. We started serving a hot noon-time meal in May, 1991 to the food-challenged section of our community. We are an organization that is 100% volunteers with 200-250 people making and serving the food daily, every day of the year. Everyone is welcome to come and eat with us. Currently, we are serving our meals outside of a church -- rain or shine. We are hoping to someday get permanent housing sharing the building with other agencies that help the homeless and under-priviledged.

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Ellen B. Lyons, Seattle, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:36:57 GMT

Here in Seattle, we have a group called The Seattle Women's Jewelry Project. It was founded by Micki Lippe, a well-known jewelry designer/metalsmith. Anyway, what we do is we take jewelry that has been donated, we clean it, repair it and then we pass it on to area shelters to help women who have been beaten and abused. A single earring becomes a pendant. A battered chain is reinvented into something new with the metalsmithing skills of the women who volunteer. A broken pendant is repaired into a new one. The newly reinvented jewelry becomes a gift to commemorate a birthday, a new job, Mother's Day. a job interview.... To find out more google Seattle Womens Jewelry Project

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Laura Dinapolis, Covington, LA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:37:50 GMT

I wanted to tell you my good news about someone I once knew. Even though she's been gone some seven years now, her independent and giving spirit is what still inspires me today.
Garnet was my mother-in-law. As a psychiatric nurse who worked for the state, she retired with the full intention of going into the Peace Corps. At 65! She tried for a few years and after being turned down finally was assigned to Guatemala. She wore out the tread on many pairs of tennis shoes traveling the hillsides and administering vaccinations to the local children. I'm sure customs would have been amused to open up our care packages to her - they were filled with peanut butter, Hickory Farms sausage, tennis shoes and whatever other necessary items needed. She NEVER complained.
After returning to the states Garnet then became a Peace Corp recruiter for a tri-state area. She'd bring me t-shirts from all the college campuses she visited - my favorite was the lips and handprints on a pink shirt that said, "HUGGED AND KISSED AT KENNESAW."
For my birthday every year she would make my favorite apple cheesecake that seemed a mile high and full of at least five pounds of apples. The joke was she would never give me the recipe instead always saying I couldn't have until after she died. We joked like that even after she was no longer my in-law but rather my out-law. She was such a wonderful person.
So to my dismay there did come a day I received a card in the mail but it was written in her daughter's handwriting. Her mom had replied to my last written letter but she had not mailed it - the cancer came quick and even barely after they started treatment she passed away. Included in the envelope was the memorial notice and the cake recipe. I cried for a week.
To this day I think of Garnet often - she was truly inspirational and I will always cherish the time we had and marvel at how unselfish she was.

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Cassandra Kettenhofen, Redmond, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:40:06 GMT

I would like to nominate my medical assisting instructor, James Robinson.He is always searching for the positive in his students. No matter how much hesitancy his students sometimes face, he is always there to support and encourage his students to be the best. He will go to no end (within limits, of course) to hep his students succeed! He is an excellent instructor!

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Phyllis Glazer Omaha, Nebraska — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:40:16 GMT

A 68-yr. old Grandmother in Omaha, NE. was inspired by her 12-yr.old deaf grandson to find a company which would accept the gift of a closed captioning device for one of their movie theaters.
From a laptop computer in her bedroom, she contacted RAVE Theaters in Texas. After 18 months of diligent pleading, the company not only listened, but actually accepted her gift.
The grandmother learned through her research that the number one injury sustained by our returning veterans has been that of hearing loss. She also became aware of the myriad of hearing impaired citizens in our aging population. She already knew of Boys Town Research Institute located in Omaha and the work that it does as well as the work done by the many schools for the deaf in the Omaha area.
Omaha is now the first and ONLY city in the USA which has digital closed captioning capability for moviegoers who are hearing impaired or deaf.
Still, however, Hollywood moviemakers are reticent to digitally caption their films. Thus, the equipment, fully installed and ready for use, is sitting idle.
With digital communication becoming cutting age technology, both Grandmother and Omaha would like to send a "wake up call" to the movemaking studios. How easy it would be for them to partner with those who are seeking to make life easier for those who would be enriched by their work!!

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Diane Harlan, Sacramento, CA. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:40:58 GMT

These folks ar no drag on the econmy. Mom raised son without help. See the 14 year accomplishment on their web site whitesideart.com . This mom has raised a A-student son for 14 years.

Thank you, Grandma/Diane Harlan

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Dale Carlson Fountain Hills, Arizona — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:41:06 GMT

I would like to nominate a person I have yet to meet, but I will meet her March 26, 2009. Her name is Melanie Finger, she is from Lemgo, Germany and she is coming to the United States for the first time. Why you ask? Melanie saved my life by giving me the gift of life when she donated her bone marrow on December 7,2006. I am 37 years old today,only because of Melanie, she was the only match for me of the 8 million people on the bone marrow registry. I was diagnosed AML Leukemia in September of 2005 two weeks before my wedding. After being in the hospital for over a month I was told I was in remission. My wife and I wound getting married while I was in the hospital. Then in July 2006 I was told the cancer was back. After another 30 plus days in the hospital, I was back in remission, but the doctors told me I would need a bone marrow transplant to hold off the cancer from coming back again. After many months of waiting I was told there was a match. When receiving a transplant you are not told who your donor is. By Melanie's brave act she saved my life, but there is more to this story. Through quick action of our family friend who is a Dr. we froze my sperm just after I was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were lucky to have the invetro process work the very first time, this we were grateful because we did not have many chances at this. To top it all off we are expecting twins. We are so blessed because of Melanie. During the transplant I did have some complications, including an infection to my brain that had the doctors telling my family and wife that I had less than 24 hours to live. To sum this all up I would be honored if my story was shared. By Melanie signing up to be a donor she saved my life. It is very simple to be a donor these days however most people have no idea what or how to become one. Melanie arrives in 22 days, I will probably be in tears when she steps foot off that plane. I would love for you all to be there to welcome her to the states to give her the heroes welcome she so deserves. She is coming to the US by herself (she is 28) for the first time. Thank You for consideration, hope to here from you Dale Carlson. 480-650-7789 Fountain Hills, AZ

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JIm Quinn Redding, CA. 96003 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:42:20 GMT

There are some incredible things happening in our Church (and many more across the country) that can be proven , documented and testified to. That is the power of God working in the way of healings. Instant and total healings! I would like to nominate Bethel Church and in peticular Bill Johnson in Redding, California. 530-246-6000. It's happening so frequently now they have hired a secretary to document these spectacular things. Please do a story on this, I will give people the hope they desperately seek in these scary times. Thank You, JIm Qunn 530-232-0856

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Sharon Tenney, Santa Cruz, California — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:43:01 GMT

http://www.ksbw.com/news/18781531/detail.html

Gina Castaneda of Watsonville, CA, voluntarily began the Aztecas Soccer Team. This highly unusual soccer team was her inspired voluntary creation.

The Aztecas are highly unusual because the team is comprised of both Norteños and Sureños gang members, who voluntarily join the team (they are not mandated by any courts or otherwise forced to join – they willingly participate).

While the team is made up of both Norteños and Sureños, these boys demonstrate through playing together that they are team mates both on and off the playing field. The boys consistently exhibit improved communication skills, strong leadership tendencies, and excellent sportsmanship. Gina has managed to not only communicate and successfully work closely with gang members, but now she has also joined opposing gangs onto one sports team – working together! That is astounding! She has stories of how the team mates will see an opposing gang member outside of the soccer team who will be "protective" of that opposing team member. These kids learn that once they get to know each other, that people are people.

I believe that Gina's work is outstanding. I am astounded by her ability to voluntarily, on her own time, with a family and a full-time job as a probation officer, to care so deeply about the gang issue in Central California that she willingly started a successful soccer team, the Aztecas, who are comprised of opposing gang members. With more individuals like Gina, we would be a better world.

Gina deserves to be nationally recognized because gang problems abound throughout the U.S. Gina is an example of how one person can help to make positive change in a difficult world.

Thank you.

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Janetta Overholser, Cottage Grove, OR — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:44:32 GMT

I would like to nominate a veterinary clinic in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

There are two clinics in town. The vet in one clinic passed away very unexpectedly, leaving the community, the staff, the family, and the local Humane Society in shock.

In their grief, the family designated the Humane Society to receive donations in memory of Dr. Bill Steinkruger, and the money has poured in.

We thank the community, the family, and staff at the clinic for thinking of us in their time of grief.

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Diane Harlan, Sacramento, CA. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:48:22 GMT

I would like to nominate my daughter, she is a single mom for the last 14 years. Heather has raised her son without financial help or government programs. Dalton is 14 years old and a A student. My daughter has accomplishish this by painting fine art. It's been amazing to watch her journey. She is my hero. thank you, Diane Harlan - Heather's Mom.

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Sandy , Sacramento, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:48:54 GMT

I would like to nominate the SFShiba Puppy Cam. When you broadcast about them several months ago it was mentioned why are they so popular. Well if you would take the time to read some of the comments from people around the world who post there you will see them mention the tough times they are having, being diagnosed with cancer, loosing pets, loosing jobs etc. and yet they still follow this web site because of the love that has been shown through it. (The site will be closing down soon) It brings joy and happiness to all who watch and comment. You have an extended family out there that really cares about each other despite all the hard times alot of them are going through. I could not imagine anything else that has made so many people in so many walks of life so happy. This puppy cam has been viewed by people in 74 countries across the globe. They will surely be missed when they off the air.

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Gary Spelts, Olympia, Washington — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:49:03 GMT

I attend Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Washington. One of our professors; Doctor Barbara Peterson teaches us Ethics and Case Management. She is an exceptional professor who really knows these topics. She takes extra time to help us understand and is very patient. Recently I became sick and missed 2 weeks of school at the end of the quarter, a bad time to be sick. Doctor Peterson took the time to answer all my emails, helped me get a medical withdrawal for the quarter, and wished me well daily. For someone who has the Doctor before her name this is highly unusual. She also works free to help children and is extremely busy. She really knows her stuff!

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Jill Johnson, Federal Way, WA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:49:58 GMT

Megan Johnson is a 17 year old that has endured 26 surgeries so far and she suffered horrible harrassement in elementary school. Instead of hating the world, she has dedicated herself to helping others and making the world a better place. When she was 9, she started a program she calls "Kids Helping Kids". She got her Girl Scout troop and other troops and they collected over 3000 videos and she delivered them to 5 area children's hospitals. Then when she was 10, she started "Megans Mission". She makes blankets and buys supplies and takes them to the street people. So far she has deliverd over 1000 blankets. Then she started also raising enough money to give $100 every month to 3 different places. A homeless shelter, a homeless school and a facility for drug babies. Then she started making blankets for these drug babies. She then decided to branch out and try to raise enough money to get at least 1 family every year off the streets and into their own home. So far, she has been able to do this wonderful deed for 3 families. Now she has started a program she calls "Giving Back". She has inmates at a men's state prison making sock hats and blankets for Megan's Mission. They make enough to supply her for the whole year. Megan also decided to raise money to help kids get free surgeries at Shriner's hospitals. So she has written and illustrated 2 children's books and money from these books go to 1 of the 22 Shriner's Hospitals. Megan has done so much. In one year she voluntereed over 100 hours at a local nursing home, she raise 1000 to send to hurricane Katrina victims, she gives to a local agency that takes in women and kids escaping domestic violence. She speaks at schools to tell other teens how they can help. Megan is a perfect example of a person giving all to help others. Like one resident at the nursing home said. "Megan always brigtens my day, she is definately a ray of sunshine". Megan has also gone to school to learn how to become a hospital clown. She totally understands how kids hate hospitals and she wants to help make them smile.

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Julie Kelley, Martinsburg, WV — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:50:50 GMT

I have a nomination for your "people who do good things". Her name is Kay Barkwill. In 2005, she and a few others from First Baptist Church and Pleasant Ridge Farm, started a therapeutic riding program called Horses with Hearts located in Martinsburg, WV. It's clients include children and adults with disabilities such as brain trauma, cerebral palsy, downs, MS and others. The dreams are many for this program. Reach out to autistic and special needs children within the school system who otherwise would not be part of such a program. Start a Veterans program with our local Veterans Administration Hospital. And, lastly, acquire land to expand the Horses With Hearts program and construct an indoor arena so that clients can attend classes year round. Presently classes run April-October (with August off due to heat).
I thank you for your time and considerations.

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Debbie Howard, Spring Valley, CA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:51:32 GMT

I nominate the volunteers for Horsemanship For the Handicapped in La Mesa,CA. This therapy/fun program is run totally by volunteers every Saturday morning free of charge to disabled children. Dave Carter is the director of the program and there are five other volunteers who each have a job to keep the program running. They make sure the four horses in the program are kept in good health as well. We have over 50 children who ride each Saturday and to see their faces is just phenomenal and rewarding which keeps the volunteers coming back each week. My son is one of the recipients of this program and looks forward to each and every ride. The dedication of these volunteers is amazing to me that they have such big and generous hearts. They are truly selfless and dedicated to making children with disabilities happy with a morning's ride. Every penny of donations goes to the program - no pay is taken by anyone for their services. I just wish the world had more people like them as the world would be such a nice place if there were.

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Duane Mariage, Springfield, Missouri — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:52:42 GMT

9 years ago my brother, Phil Mariage heard a patients story from Levi Hospital about someone surviving concentration camp by hiding under clothes stripped from prisoners. Phil didn't want the story to be lost to future generations. That inspired him to create his radio program on national public radio called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Each show provides listeners with three generational perspectives on a new topic each time. It is truly a fascinating program to listen to & thousands have listened while they drive in their cars.

Your viewers might be amazed to learn that Phil has provided this show for the last 9 years without ever receiving a penny. He sets the topic, lines up his guests, hosts and edits the show all on his own time without pay of any kind. As far as I know, nobody has ever even thanked Phil for his generous gift of time.

You can check into the show and even listen to in by podcast from his website. The site is hosted by the Univ of Arkansas. You can locate it at KUAR FM89 radio. The web site is www.ualr.edu/ytt/

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Bob Bennie, Spokane, Wash — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:52:45 GMT

This story is how one community, and one man is MAKING A DIFFERENCE

My Brother In-Law, Leo McCarthy is the proud father of two amazing, beautiful daughters. His oldest Jenna, on this earth, and his youngest Mariah, is watching over us from above. Mariah was lost on October 28, 2007… She and two of her friends were hit from behind by an underage, hit and run drunk driver as they walked home from a friend’s house. This unbearable tragedy took place less than one block from his front door. His wife Janice and daughter Jenna heard the emergency vehicles and ran to the crime scene only to watch paramedics work on the other two girls. The next 20 hours was spent saying goodbye to his beloved Mariah as she was on life support awaiting the preparation of donors for her organs. She was and will always be 14 years old…..

Mariah McCarthy loved her home town, Butte, Montana. Her Irish heritage fit well with Buttes Irish history. Butte is a mining town and has all of the vices that come with it. Copper is one of Buttes most valuable assets. Drinking and Alcohol Abuse has always been an accepted practice and for far too long has been acknowledged as a rite of passage. If a teen was old enough to work in the mines, he was old enough to stand at the bar with his father after the shift and have a few drinks. Times have moved slowly in Butte and this rite has yet to fade. As a result, every year, Butte suffers the loss of its young people who die as a result of alcohol abuse. In 2007, Leo’s daughter and family paid the price.

On November 1, 2007 Butte turned out for the funeral services of Mariah. At her services Leo challenged all of Butte, but especially Mariah’s Classmates to stop this nonsense. He issued them a challenge…

He issued them Mariah’s Challenge and begged of them this….

“Let’s strive to be the first graduating class not to drink. Lets prevent drinking and driving from taking any more of Butte’s most valuable asset… it’s YOUTH!!”

On November 8th, one week after the funeral services, my brother in law started an organization called Mariah’s Challenge.

www.mariahschallenge.com

On Friday February 8, 2008, Mariah’s Challenge was introduced to the Mining City during the local high school basketball game… This was the first time in the history of Butte that the silent majority rose up to create positive change that will undoubtedly save countless lives.

Now Leo spends his time at town hall meetings, High Schools and Junior High assemblies, at family oriented events, and civic meetings. He and the large contingent that has joined him are spreading Mariah’s Challenge to thousands of teen and pre-teen children. These young adults are left with the desire to remain alcohol free, and the communities that he speaks in are accepting Mariah’s Challenge as well.

The story and actions of Leo McCarthy is amazing. The wounds of losing a daughter are still so fresh, but he somehow finds the courage to talk. Leo McCarthy is all that is good in Butte, and in Montana, and in the US.

Please visit www.mariahschallenge to learn more!