Tell us your good news

Steven, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:56:25 GMT

You made an error in your broadcast. The numbers game today consisted of 4 events. 12:34:56 07/08/09 twice and 04:05:06 07/08/09 twice. Just thought I'd share. :)

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bud Anderson — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:58:30 GMT

The good news is I don't have to watch Brian Williams slobber all over the televison about Michael Jackson the music maker, while ignoring the US troops who have died since the MJ died! Unbelievable Brian, you should be ashamed!

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Ellen "Frankie" Leizer, Martinsville, Va — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:05:39 GMT

A local Doctor is making a difference in Martinsville, Va. Dr. Tom Berry has a huge concert each year in this small town that has the highest unemployment in the state of Virginia. It is so uplifting. He completely supports it on his own and I for one appreciate him and have loved every one of the concerts.

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Debbie Bickford — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:07:53 GMT

Justa wondering if you could do another story on the Maine Troop Greeters. They have welcomed over 800,000 troops either going over or returning home. They have made a documentary also about it and it is winning awards all over the United States. We have greeting the troops since the war in Iraq started. Will send some links for you to check out.
http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/
http://www.themainetroopgreeters.com/
Thank you for your time.

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Paul Rogers, Lawrence, KS. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:19:58 GMT

You might check out the "largest public physical workout" held weds. eve in Lawrence, KS. Its led by a legendary Don "Red Dog" Gardner in the central part of the US.

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Wanda M Clevinger, Grundy, VA — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:56:31 GMT

Curtis Mullins, Scoutmaster from Grundy, VA has organized a trip for local boy scouts, offering many youth of our poverty stricken county the opportunity to see numerous wonders of the West. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for these kids. The boy scouts performed flag ceremonies at Mount Rushmore as well as the Crazy Horse Museum. They are half-way thru their adventure, currently in California to tour the Redwood and Yosemite National Parks, and expected to arrive back home on July 19th. Follow their adventure on their website, where photos are being posted for us anxious parents and friends left behind.
It would be great if you could catch up with them and give them two minutes of fame on national news. We are at a loss as to how we can show Mr. Mullins how much we appreciate all he does for our boys.

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Gerald Littleton, Clinton, SC — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:47:42 GMT

Hello Brian,

I enjoy watching The Nightly News with Brian Williams almost every night and most of the time you get it right but tonight was the exception and your next chance to get it right will take a hundred years. In the hour, minute, second, day, month and year sequence you said June. I hope I’m alive to hear you get it correct.

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Illine Davila Miami, Florida — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:49:10 GMT

I nominate my sister in law Charlene Thomas. Charlene as long as I can remember has made it a point to give back. Nothing stops her from all the charities she is involved in. She is a cancer survivor, a member of the Gold Diggers of Sth Fl. an organization that yearly raises funds for a charity of their choice. Charlene works in RE which is really slow but that does not bring her down every day including weekends you can find her giving back.

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Gerald Littleton, Clinton, SC — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:51:04 GMT

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Lois Aubin, Connecticut — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:54:54 GMT

Not sure if this is the place for this, but....

There's a couple in Griswold, CT who, for the last 5 years, have been involved in the Make A Wish foundation with their farm. They initially grew and sold some sunflowers, and now they have an entire field filled with them! The upcoming sunflower ("sunflowers for wishes") festival is later this month (July 18-26). Yankee Magazine recently did a spotlight on them.The link is below. It's a beautiful idea from two beautiful people.

http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2008-07/features/sunflowers-family-farm-ct

(here's the gist, copied from the article)
Duane Button readies for his day when the sun is just rising on Buttonwood Farm, its rays reflecting off tens of thousands of sunflowers, bathing the rolling farmland in a golden light. He has to harvest today's crop by hand, and the way demand has been, he'll be lucky to keep up.

The sunflowers started as a marketing gimmick in the summer of 2003. To lure people to his ice cream stand in the rural town of Griswold, Connecticut, Duane planted an acre of them in the field opposite. People admired the beauty, but aside from traffic, he got nothing from the crop except cattle feed. Land is precious on small farms, so he kept his eyes open for opportunities.

A few months later, Duane received an epiphany in the most unlikely form: junk mail. It was a mass mailing from Make-A-Wish, the type most people just throw away. But this day Duane and his wife, Kim, took note of the foundation's mission: to grant one wish -- one perfect day -- to children with life-threatening illnesses. They thought of sunflowers.

The next summer Duane planted a larger field, and Kim sold bouquets out of their gazebo for $5 donations, dubbing the event "Sunflowers for Wishes." The event lasted only nine days, but they raised $30,000. From there, things snowballed. Five years into the charity, Duane is now planting 17 acres of the golden flowers. He and Kim have started selling sunflower-themed T-shirts and post-cards, and they've even added a hayride. In 2007 alone, the festival raised almost $70,000 -- enough for at least eight children to find their perfect day.
Kim is gracious, but she and Duane aren't the type to embrace the spotlight. Local celebrity chafes them worse than the sunflowers' bristly hairs. That's one reason why Duane doesn't mind being in the field all day -- far from the crowds, at peace in his work. Still, the gratitude that truly matters always seems to find him.

Late in the day, a woman calls out to him from the roadside. Her children are playing in the grass beside her. She tells him that one is terminally ill and a Make-A-Wish recipient. For a moment, she and Duane stand opposite each other, a thin stone wall separating two strangers, each of whom is a hero to the other. She breaks the silence: "Mr. Button, there's a special place in heaven for you."

The sun sets on the last day of the festival faster than anyone would like. In a few short weeks the radiant blooms opened, filled the rolling Connecticut fields with light and joy, and then passed. Duane readies his equipment to recycle the stalks into feed and bedding for his herd -- he doesn't waste anything he can use. Some late visitors complain to him that the sunflowers didn't last longer, that a nine-day peak just isn't enough. He shrugs. For all his skill as a farmer, Duane has no control over that. They are what they are.

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Laurie Catalano, Lakeville, MA — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:56:25 GMT

I'm very upset with tonight's broadcast regarding the security breach at Federal Buildings. How irresponsible can you be? You practically gave terrorists a "how to" lesson. What were you thinking? Why is the Federal Protective Service looking for "more money and more manpower"? In Kelly's report the security is provided not by Federal employees, but contractors. Are these people employees of a company that the Federal Protective Service contracts with and shouldn't they be required to supply properly trained staff? I'm sure that out of the 2 million people that are currently unemployed there are qualified people that actually WANT to work and keep our Federal Buildings safe. The Director of the Federal Protective Service should be fired IMMEDIATELY!!! Who is he related to and what are his qualifications?

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Ginni, Hayward, CA — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:44:23 GMT

Hi Brian:

My story comes from North Carolina. I was visiting there last week and met Bonnie a friend of my sister's. She told us of a litle girl in the area that is sufferning with cancer. Her parents portion of the cost is $1000 per treatment because they do not have sufficient medical insurance to cover it. This is crippling them and they were not sure how long they could keep up the treatments. Bonnie found a way to help and get all of us involved. The bottle caps from bottled water and soft drinks are being collected and with each 1000 caps they get this little girl gets a free treatment. Bonnie has contacted all the branches of the bank she works for and put the word out to all her friends, including me who lives in California, to collect caps and get them to her. It gave me an idea to contact the bottling company here in California and see if they would be willing to do the same thing for patients out here that need help because of the cost of the treatments. I sent a letter today and hope I get a favorable response. I just sent a package to my sister in North Carolina with about 35 bottle caps in it and it felt so good to do it. Bonnie's efforts have made such an impact on this child's life and knowing Bonnie she will keep this going as long as she can.

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jane — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:33:16 GMT

Decent is Palin stepping down and not burdening her state with all the lawsuits the Libs. are charging her with costing her family and the state millions of wasted dollars. Decent is Palin believing in life and not abortion. Decent is Palin believing in God and protecting her children and herself from the likes of the extreme,radical,left-wing hateful reporters on msnbc. Decent is Palin who puts her family and this great country first and arrogant bashers last.

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Matt Storlien, Houston Texas — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:53:01 GMT

Brian-

i doubt you will actually be the person to read this, but i thought i would send anyway. I find it hard to believe you, or NBC would be such an easy sell out. dont you think 2 weeks is enough coverage of an entertainer's life? Should i expect the same when OJ passes? they were both not guilty... lets give some poor soldiers family some coverage as we are still fighting a war.. dont you think the american public would like to acknowledge a woderful soldier for 5 minutes vs. 2 weeks plus of a pop singer who may or may not have molested children? it almost makes me want to get sick to watch ANY news these days.. I dont have time to write to all, but wanted to voice my thoughts.. Freedom is not free, but it appears even the mighty NBC is still after the almight dollar... you guys do a good job, but after this, i am done w/you, and most.. i hope more think like me, and turn the tv off at 5:30, and all NBC channels like i am going to do.. it will be difficult as i love the shows you offer, but i am done.. I had a vietnam vet at my house for the 4th, and he said, 'would it kill them to put one soldier on the news every day?' Good luck

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Justin Dion, Springfield, MA — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:20:55 GMT

Although lawyers sometimes get a bad rap, it is a profession that has the capability to do tremendous good. As a bankruptcy lawyer in Springfield Massachusetts, I have become increasingly angry over the past five years as I have witnessed the foreclosure crisis transform from a slow stream of home loss to an out of control river leaving homelessness, despair, and family destruction in its wake. After seeing first hand the crisis become catastrophic, I decided to not only volunteer my time to help families facing foreclosure, but to organize other lawyers in Western Massachusetts to do the same. The result of this commitment and hard work has for the first time resulted in hope for families who now have a free legal resource to help them fight to retain home ownership. What started as a simple thought to try to help my community, has grown into a movement that hopefully will promote stability in my community, and in turn may actually improve some peoples notions about lawyers. I would be happy to talk with you and discuss the details of the volunteer work in detail if you are interested.

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David Hegdahl, Grants Pass, Oregon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:30:35 GMT

THE ASHLAND CITY BAND, Ashland, Oregon....
I have playing drums in this band since I was in high school in 1968 and many members have played even longer....
Band members are paid a stipend by the City of Ashland, by a special tax, and has been in existence since the 1920's.
Each Wednesday the band rehearses and on Thursday nights they perform in LITHIA PARK at the band shell for 250-400 (and more) people from June-August.
This is one of the countries oldest and continuous community bands and, I feel, worthy of spot on the NBC Nightly News. There is a web site for information on this band at www.ashlandband.org.
People begin showing up at 5pm to see the 7:30pm concert. This is lawn seating and bring in people from all over Southern Oregon.
The performance ends at 8:30pm so that the Oregon Shakespearian Festival can begin its outdoor theater performances.
This would be a great "American" story.

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Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:06:51 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams,I have been watching the various reports of Michael Jackson's death with great interest as well as with great concern for his three children. My heart goes out to each of them as I hear so many reports as to their biological parents. I feel their rights to privacy are not being considered in this very personal and sensitive matter. They are minors and they are precious children whose peers are listening to stories with varied implications as to who their parents are. In addition, the whole world is listening; these comments follow them for life. The two older ones, Prince Michael and Paris, must feel very bad deep inside that all this in public knowledge; and blanket will understand one day, also. Paris told us: "Ever since I was born, I had the best Daddy..." Michael is her father and she and her brothers need private time to deal with the great loss. Why not honor this need?

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Dick & Lynda Stein North Tonawanda New York — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:29:18 GMT

Brian,
Here's a suggestion for your news broadcasts.
Use maps to pinpoint the location of a news story. Our american society is pretty bad when it comes time to find something on a map. Last night you did a good news story on a fellow who used his own money to put on concerts for the people who lived in the small Tennessee town he lived in. It would have been nice had you had a map of Tennessee showing where the town was. This is a great teaching tool. This can be done for many news stories you present. Just an idea Brian. My wife and I enjoy your news broadcasts and this map idea would make them even better.

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Len J. Lemmer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:09:20 GMT

Good news? Your whole program whitewashes the real news. Why are you not reporting on the waste and abuse in the Stimulus Bill? The American public has a right to know how their tax money is being spent. We Americans want to know these answers. You abdicate your responsibility as a questioning press by failing to analyze critically the Stimulus. Why does the majority of Stimulus money go to areas that voted for President Obama? Did you even know this? Is this politically motivated?
Please be as critical to the present administration, as you were to one that you did not vote for.

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Preston Weatherly — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:05:56 GMT

Our son, Ash, was in need of a power chair and a van to transport him in order to avoid the amputation of both of his legs due to lymphodema. Our Church (Lutheran) has organized a fundraiser for this coming Saturday (7-11) which has elicited an outpouring of love as well as funds. The local Episcopal Church has parternered with us and we even have a sizeable check from the Muslim Sisters of Sugarland. People have volunteered and given in a manner we have never experienced!

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Darren Woods Ashland, Mo — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:14:27 GMT

As a pet lover my wife and I hate to see animals in situations that we would not put ourselves in. you should have asked the pilot to put the dog in first class. that would be making a difference.

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Phyllis McLaughlin, Milton, KY — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:51:47 GMT

In our community, we have an Easter Seals camp that serves children and adults with disabilities.
The director of that camp has been working hard to establish an ambitious hiking program for disabled people. I don't mean little hikes through a forested state part – I mean hikes to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and Mount Kilimanjaro.
He has taken several trips to both places with several disabled people. I got to go on one of these trips Oct. 8, 2008. A group of 12 volunteers (mostly from area churches and schools) plus one 22-year-old woman who is paralyzed from the waste down and the camp director, traveled in a church bus from Carrollton, Ky., to the Arizona side of the Grand Canyon.
Using a contraption called a TrailRider, a three-wheeled vehicle that is powered by human muscle, the group descended about 2/3 of the way down to the bottom. Turned out to be too much that time, but in subsequent trips another group of volunteers, this time with a disabled teen-ager, made it to the bottom, where they camped overnight.
He has planned an ambitious trip that will take four disabled individuals to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Havasu, departing Aug. 7 and returning Aug. 15.
His dream is to be able to offer these trips to anyone who wants to go, with a portion of the cost paid by the individual to go into scholarships for children to attend the camp's summer programs.
It was an extraordinary trip last year, and I think this project is very much worthwhile for NBC Nightly News. Thanks!

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Shirley Cook, La Grande, Oregon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:54:14 GMT

There is a local mortician who offers people a free ride home during high profile events in and around the community, as well as New Years, Supper Bowl etc. His name is Kevin Loveland and his business is Loveland Funeral Chapel. In a town of only 12,000 he isn't rich but he does this as a tribute to a friend he lost in a drunk driving accident. I am sure he has saved lives and he does this out of his own pocket. The local paper has acknowledged him many times. He does a good work.

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Tommy Matthews, Austin, Texas — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:11:06 GMT

My cousin has a grandson who is a Christian minister in Iraq and my cousin, Sharon Courtney of Austin, Texas, being very proud of her grandson's endeavors keeps me somewhat informed of his activities. They aren't controversial therefore not news worthy as most stories go but he is instrumental in saving the lives of children. In the short space of this memo there isn't time to explain it all but there is a Web site that does. It is http://preemptivelove.org/
I feel Jeremy Courtney deserves some attention for the work he is doing and the lives he has touched.
If I am not mistaken Jeremy, as I write (or will be soon) is in Turkey with the latest load of children he is talking about in the video. Turkey is closer than Israel (where they first took them) and less espensive, even though they are still "the enemy" of the Iraqis. The program is no longer meeting the opposition (religious differences) that it was to begin with, and he is winning their trust.

Because of the chemical warfare by Saddam against the Kurds (whom he ministers to) that saturated the ground, got into bloodstreams, and now a generation of children are being born with very serious congenital heart diseases (like holes in their hearts) and many die before they reach adulthood. A single surgery costs more than an Iraqi earns in a whole year, so they are literally saving lives of their children. They have only lost two children. One, a toddler died as they were admitted to the hospital and another older child who they didn't get to in time and was too serious.

Jeremy explains on this video how this is accomplished.

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Martha Jane Kitchens — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:44:46 GMT

Please, please, please do not take up time in your newcast for inane stories that politicians hope you fall for, e.g., the 'made-for summertime' non-issue of CIA vs. Pelosi. It seems that the democrats on the Hill are trying to make political hay on the backs of the intelligence community...again. And Panetta is helping. All that any of them (including Panetta) are saying is that during the last administration, the CIA was used for political purposes, when it should not have been. DUH!

The folks who do the work at agencies such as this are completely demoralized by being made scapegoats in this political fingerpointing game. It is counterproductive to the nation's interests. The media is being asked to contribute to the sensationalism by keeping it in the public eye.

Can anyone SERIOUSLY inagine what would happen if the intelligence agencies of this country had to tell all members of congress what they were doing and how? This polemic by members of the Democratic congressional delegations is a smokescreen to the issues these people should actually be working on.

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Melissa Winnipeg — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:05:13 GMT

Hi Brian,
I know that you do love your job and although I do not personally know you, I feel that you are truly a good person, very sincere, who loves your family,animals,your country....Elmo :) For the first time, I realized how you may feel everyday when you read your blog comments (which I know you do)
You get mainly positive comments but some people are so hurtful. A few nights ago there was the "Shame on you" comment. All week it has been comments about Michael Jackson. Michael was 50, you and I are 50 so we are from the same era so we may be interested in this story. At the funeral coverage,with Lester,you said that it is hard to get your arms around the media coverage and that a friend of yours had said that the American public has a funny way of deciding for itself what its major moments are going to be culturally, what to be interested in despite sometimes the newsmedia's better wishes.
Looking forward to tonights broadcast...

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David Snow, Halifax Nova Scotia Canada — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:46:00 GMT

Well, it seems the US networks including NBC were all in a tizzy last night about what happened "twice" today. At 12:34:56 am and then pm, the time/date stamp was: 12345678(0)9: something they say happens only once (well, twice) a century. Well, not quite, everyone. It'll be another 81 years before we can truly say it's 12:34:56 7/8/90. By the way, it'll be a bit later in Canada when we do it "right" and make the format day/month/year: August 7, 2090 and just after noon it actually will be:12:34:56 7/8/90.

I was working hard at the 12:34:56 pm milestone. At just after midnight, it was really 00:34:56 and I was sound asleep. Oops!

David Snow

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Michael Wick, Prairie Farm, Wi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:09:10 GMT

Mr. Williams,

I’m a young high school coach in the town of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. Prairie Farm’s an extremely small town of blue-collared families. And although our school is a small one, our student’s interests in extra curricular activities, especially sports, has been on the rise. However, our facilities are the bare minimum for our school and, unfortunately, sometimes insufficient. As almost all rural school districts we have very little money for improvements, and we rely on community fundraising. What’s been amazing is in the past two years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars towards our “Fields of Dreams” project, a plan to build new, sufficient ball fields. With the extremely tough times in our economy, it is incredible to see these farmers, plumbers, electricians, machinists, and factory workers come together, each pitching in a few dollars here and there to help realize a dream. Even though we’ve raised what we consider to be quite a bit of money, it’s still well short of what we need. We’ll never stop though, we’ll never give up!

We’ve set up a website to raise awareness about our project: www.PFfieldofdreams.com

Thank You!

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Warren Ganter, Webster, New York — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:14:19 GMT

Hey Brian,

Don't forget this one: 09 09 09 09 09 09
on 09/09/2009 at 09:09:09

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Jim Grisham,Baldwyn,Mississippi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:14:22 GMT

Dear Sir;s
I was living in Long Beach Ca. for the past 15 yrs a few years ago my mother passed away. While i a drank for years i somehow found my way to an AA meting a got sober. I told my brother who live in Mississippi how i had stop drinking and had been sober for a year.He and his wife talked about it and after i had been sober for 2 years they had redone my mother home where it was liveable again. The economy in Ca went south and my brother and his wife offered me my mothers home in which to live. My brother took care of my parents up until their death and i lived in Ca. where i truly enjoyed the weather however i was paying 90% of my social security to live not including food. I of course took them up and moved back here to Mississippi where i do not have to pay 90% of my income to live.
He has always taken care of others though through the years, he has needed help himself but never showed it but always has put others before himself I have never wanted help but being that i am sober now i realized that family should come first. I wish to thank him and all the others that have made my move possible though it took my being sober to realize what i had taken for granted though these many years.

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Victoria Flesher Eugene Or — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:04:36 GMT

Please look at what this young lady is doing it is amazing! WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Soccer camp helps local refugee children
Apr 28, 2009 ... A group of graduate students at the University of Tennessee organized the two-day event. Sarah Flescher, Knox Kick's Director of Outreach, ...
www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=86080...rss - Cached - SimilarRefugees United Blog » Blog Archive » » Volunteers launch Knox ...
The camp, developed by two University of Tennessee groups, ... been really uplifting,” says Sarah Flesher, a UT student volunteer with Healing Transitions. ... And support came from outside of Knoxville as well. Sarah's former school ...
www.refunite.org/blog/?p=134 - Cached - Similar
Community News for Knoxville, TN from Knoxville News Sentinel
Jul 8, 2009 ... Knoxville, TN's top Community news stories. ... Before she moved to Tennessee from Oregon, Sarah Flesher, 26, had never thought of making ...
www.knoxnews.com/news/news/local/community/ -

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Victoria Flesher Eugene Or — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:07:35 GMT

Brian I love this spot on your news! Look at what Sarah Flesher is doing for African refugees in Knoxville Tn. She has also been selected to serve as an Intern for Grassroot Soccer Inc. joining their fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. She will serve 1 year in Zambia, Malawi or South Africa. Please look at the 3 web sights and her blog spot. Thank you, you will be blessed, this girl has an amazing love for children and a vision for a brighter tomorrow!

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/apr/22/volunteers-launch-soccer-camp-local-refugees/

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/08/africa-internship-hiv-awareness/

http://www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=86080&provider=rss

http://soccersarahinafrica.blogspot.com Sarah Flesher 1 541 968 0525

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David Louden Baltimore, MD — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:52:29 GMT

Ed Freeman

You're a 19-year-old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles away and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter and you look up to see an unarmed Huey, but it doesn't seem real because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out, through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses.

And he kept coming back, 13 more times, and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman died on Wednesday, June 25th, 2009, at the age of 80, in Boise , ID. May God rest his soul.

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Sarah Anderson, Milwaukee, WI — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:31 GMT

I nominate singer Paul Rodgers (Free and Bad Company). He and his wife are designating $100,000 to be given to fans to pay it forward in random acts of kindness. Check out their website at paulrodgers.com, it explains it all. There are even emails from people who have received a gift of $100. He's a really great guy who does a lot to help people, in many different aspects of life.

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Lori Clifford — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:39:52 GMT

Brian

Last night you talked about the El Nino factor every where but the east coast. Don't we count. How about letting us know in CT. and N.Y. what we can expect.

Lori Clifford

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Janeen Johnson, Glendale, WI — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:12:42 GMT

I don't know if there's anyone specific responsible, but there's an old tradition in Milwaukee that has come back - and it's FREE! The Great Circus Parade is on this Sunday - it's good clean fun for the whole family. Ernest Borgnine will be here as he had for many years in the past. Hurray for the Circus! We need more events like this.

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Carl J. Shaw, Mt. Holly, N.J. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:44:35 GMT

Brian, I read your article in Parade Magazine, July 5th about Volunteer Firefighters. Mt. Holly, N.J. has the oldest volunteer Fire Co. in continous service in America. Organized July 11th, 1752. Tomorrow is our 257th Anniv. Can contact me for more info, and can tour our museum if you would like. Thank you, Carl J. Shaw, Historian.

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David Tyndall Kittery, ME — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:22:44 GMT

Michael Jackson dies and it’s 24/7 news coverage. A real American hero dies and not a mention of it in the news. The media has no honor and God is watching!
In Honor of Ed Freeman

You're a 19-year-old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles away and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter and you look up to see an unarmed Huey, but it doesn't seem real because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out, through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses.

And he kept coming back, 13 more times, and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman died on Wednesday, June 25th, 2009, at the age of 80, in Boise , ID. May God rest his soul.

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Pam Christensen, Seattle, WA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:39:31 GMT

I would like to nominate my step mom, Vicky, as a person who's making a difference. In December, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Soon after she began chemo, she noticed the "hat tree" at the the chemo lab, for those who were losing their hair due to their treatments. Mum immediatly decided that she could help. She started to make hats for her fellow patients. She makes them as cheery and soft (for skin that is terribly sensitive from treatments) as possible. The other thing she decided to give was her laughter. She's always finding something funny or silly to brighten up her fellow patients' (and the staff's) day when she's in the chemo lab, takes time to check in with the older folks who might be there alone, and tries to ease the new folks fears. Mum says maybe that's why she got cancer, to bring a smile to a sometimes difficult place. My Mum is a hero.

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Mark, Merriam Kansas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:50:03 GMT

I would like to nominate Animal Haven shelter here in Merriam, Kansas, which is Kansas City's largest no-kill shelter, for all the work they do into helping homeless pets find new homes. Currently, Animal Haven is becoming too crowded and they need help finding homes for all the animals they have. They rescue abandoned and abused animals, they offer adoption services for the animals in their shelter, and the staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable. They are always willing to help, and they will do everything they can to ensure the animals under their care will find good homes with loving families.

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Nancy Davis, New York, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:54:38 GMT

Hi Brian.

My partner Sheila, is a therapist, and her success in that field is no surprise to anyone who knows her. She is nurturing and kind to her core. On the weekends, rather than relax as some of us do, Sheila bakes amazing homemade treats and gives them to friends and family who are fighting illness. She began awhile ago when a dear friend's father was near death in a hospital in Florida, with complications too many to name. He is also diabetic and the hospital was having trouble getting him to eat (he was used to fine food) and gain the weight necessary for his recovery. Sheila began shipping homemade pastries to him, using Splenda instead of sugar, and he loved them, ate them, gained weight and got better. This is not to say that Sheila's baking alone cured him, although those of us who know her well would not be surprised. But it certainly contributed.

Now Sheila regularly bakes for my parents, both diabetics. And our neighbor, a relatively young woman fighting breast cancer, now enjoys the fruits of Sheila's labors weekly.

Sheila loves to nourish people; during the week, it's their emotional and mental health that concern her. On the weekends, she just wants them well fed!

These seem to me to be consistent acts of kindness. Selfless, thoughtful, generous and all too rare.

It's Sheila's birthday on July 17th and I can't think of a better gift than a mention on your nightly broadcast, which we watch religiously.

Many thanks.

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Candy Guilford, Tampa, FL — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:03:24 GMT

Dentist Jeff Bynum provided free dentistry on a first-come basis at his practice on 7/11. He has traveled to Central America on church missions to provide free treatment of impoverished people. Hoever, he said, "one does not need to travel to a Third World country these days to find people that are suffering. Also, it's not unusual, he said, for people in line at such events to take it upon themselves to usher children, the elderly and anyone in pain up to the front of the line. Text from The Tampa Tribune, 7/11/09.

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Kay Seymour — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:35:03 GMT

I nominate Stephen Black, founder and president of Impact Alabama, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with colleges, universities, and communities throughout the state to develop and implement substantive service-learning projects designed to engage students in addressing human and community needs and enhance students' senses of social and civic responsibility. One of their projects, FocusFirst, provides a cost-effective direct response to the vision problems of children who live in urban and rural poverty. Under the supervision of Impact staff, undergraduate and graduate students ensure that children, ages six months to five years, in Head Starts and daycares are screened for vision problems, using high-tech photo optic scan cameras, and receive subsidized follow-up care. You can read more about this program at impactalabama.org. Stephen Black is truly "making a difference".

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Polly McCord — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:04:37 GMT

Brian, I would like to nominate the individuals in our local community that started up a club about 7 years ago to raise money for local cancer patients. Their selfless work involves volunteering 2 nights a week working Bingo to raise money. They then donate it back to local cancer patients, actually they have been outstretching to other counties and communities since word has gotten out. This club is called the Cancer Care Club. They provide gas and grocery cards, payment of medical bills, transportation to doctor appointments, etc. Word of mouth has spread and family members contact the volunteers to receive help.

As great as that sounds this group has already topped itself through October in 2008. So far this year this group has donated over $30,000 to local charities and donated back into local communities over $134,000 to local cancer patients. Here is their website: http://www.cancercareclub.com/
I do hope you will consider this nomination, these people are providing people in need a small glimpse of hope when they need it the most. I work at a bank 5 days a week with several of the volunteers and am amazed that they can still find the time and effort to work at night and other times just to help other people. Yours truly, Polly McCord
Flemingsburg, KY.

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B. Love, Laramie, WY — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:47:25 GMT

In Wyoming, citizens are working together to try to keep the Geology Museum at the University of Wyoming from being closed after 122 years (see attached link)http://blip.tv/file/2343231/. The threat of losing this cherished resource is bringing young and elderly people together online and in person. Perhaps the decision makers will realize "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."

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Bill Louree — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:03:59 GMT

Coach Lonnie Porter, Regis University, established a foundation over 12 years ago to provide tutoring and mentoring to inner-city youth, and to let them know that a college education was possible. College scholarships are provided for youth who stay in the program for a minimum of 5 years. This is a year-round program with a summer camp held on the college campus. It emphasizes academic excellence and college scholarships, but also leadership, manners and balancing your checkbook. Most of all, it emphasizes doing the right thing and making the right choice, every time.
Denver Nuggets star Chauncey Billups has become a partner in this effort. You can find a story on Coach Porter in Sports Illustrated 01-27-97 and in the Denver Post 6-21-09

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Adam Lazinsk, Avon, CT — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:05:39 GMT

Retired Police Chief James A. Martino, Jr. from Avon, CT served as police officer for the town of Avon for 40 years. He could always be counted on for delivering food baskets to needy families all the year round and especially during the holidays. Since he has retired he runs a small food bank to help needy families. He is selfless in his devotion to helping people.

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Sister Mary Jude Jun, OSU — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:06:59 GMT

Dear Brian,

It's getting really embarrassing because, for the 3rd time, we have asked people to watch Sr. Bridget's
"Making a Difference" story which was postponed two times before and "for sure" would be on tonight Monday the 13th. So we are all wondering why it was promised by you and then not shown. Thank you

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Charlie McDonald, Granger, IN — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:10:53 GMT

I would like to bring Retired Judge Robert L. Miller Sr. to your attention. He has spearheaded the first outreach program for homeless veterans in our area. Maybe even the whole country. I would like you to review the information on the website www.millersvets.com. Thanks.

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Stuart Goldstein Farmington Hills, Michigan — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:14:59 GMT

Irv Pilnick is an 80+ individual in the City of Detroit who is working to help the homeless by collecting food and serving regular meals to help recovering addicts and displaced families survive in a city with almost 25% unemployment. Irv (through the Ark- a 501(c)(3) organization) although extremely ill himself gives all of his time and energy to help others less fortunate. Irv has a bad heart, cancer and has had several strokes but is selfless in his efforts for others

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Dee Dee Flavin, Houston, TX — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:18:29 GMT

Hi Brian. The Project Linus is a national organization of volunteers who make quilts/blankets/afghans and donate them to ill or traumatized children in hospitals. There are 405 local chapters and to date they have donated 3,005,973 homemade blankets to ill kids. The national headquarters can be reached by FAX309-454-1768 or by Voice Mail 309-454-1764 The Houston chapter can be reached by e-mail at sgburns4@comcast or by phone 281-492-3679 Sally Burns is chairperson.

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Xochitl Cortez Davis, San Antonio, Texas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:21:09 GMT

Hi Brian, The HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT RATE IN BEXAR COUNTY IS nearly 40%. Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc. Youth Against Gang Activity program is making a huge difference. 98% of all students that participate in our program go on to graduate high school. They overcome everday struggles within their own families and community. They are engaged in community service, youth employment opportunities, they save 10% of what they earn and often help their parents pay the bills all while still in high school. They learn self respect, self confidence, and many of these students have low self esteem when they first join this program. These students are exemplary and go on to higher education. Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc. is truly making a positive difference in the lives of many youth in our community. They are our future.

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Mike Bracht, Huntington, Indiana — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:23:15 GMT

The "Open Door" volunteers. For the last 14 years - a group of volunteers make, and deliver almost 500 meals every Sunday to anyone in the community that needs them. There are no questions asked, if you need a meal (or 10) delivered, all you have to do is call and give your address and how many meals you need - no charge. It's all run by volunteers from the shoppers, cooks, coordinators and delivery people. It's run out of a school kitchen in Huntington, Indiana. Every Sunday - 52 weeks a year. rain or shine. I have only been part of this program for about a year - but some have been doing this for over 10 years. They are all very happy to be able to help. Just wanted to share the story.

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Katherine Chiles — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:25:27 GMT

Brian-About 10 years ago, you featured Dr. Mark Ottenweller as your Person of the Week. At the time, Dr. Ottenweller was living with his family in Johannesburg, having left the suburbs of Atlanta to set up an HIV?AIDS clinic in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and then more in Soweto. Now, these many years later, Dr. Ottenweller has become one of the foremost authorities on all aspects of this horrible disease and has worked with others to spread these programs to numerous African countries. This work now touches the lives of over 145,000 orphans and vulnerable children, provide education, support and prevention for many others. A year and a half ago, due to the aging of his own parents in Louisiana and in order to create more revenue streams for the work, "Dr. Mark" and his wife, Diane, moved back to the state, to Philadelphia, the headquarters of HOPE worldwide, the charity for which he works. Two weeks later, Diane had died of a sudden heart attack, leaving him and his 3 children deeply grieving. And while he has carried on, he is now facing the possibility of his own position being cut along with that of his number 2, Dr. Marc Aguirre. Sadly, the funds for the program support are also in jeopardy as the charitable contributions have fallen.

"Dr. Mark" is a truly remarkable, brilliant, warm and caring man. What an interesting story were you to follow-up on the life of this man and all that his sacrifices have meant to so many. I would love to submit his vitae, as it is quite impressive for a boy from Lake Charles, Louisianna.

Sincerely, Katherine Chiles

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Ginny Harris, Nashville, TN — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:25:42 GMT

I am nominating my son, Private First Class (soon to be promoted to Lance Corporal) Hall, Brandon K., Field Artillery, U.S. Marine Corp., stationed at Camp Lejune, Jacksonville, North Carolina, for his heroic efforts to help sustain our country and preserve peace. I am very proud of his abilities to excel within his Mission of Statement, and want to tell the world that he reassures us that "While it is true that this world is in the midst of turbulent times with the threats of terrorism quite prevalent, that is exactly why he is in the Marines, in order to prevent the Taliban from killing innocent people, and to help make the world a better place" because it is simply what he feels called to do and he knows that his life is in God's hands." He told me this the day he was sworn into the Marine Corp. October 20, 2008.

Kyle is my only son. He is 22 years old and a very handsome young man, full of integrity and character, and love for his fellowman and country. He will be deployed to Afghanastan in the near future. I am asking for earnest prayers for his safe return home, as well as the safe return home for all of our soldiers.

Thank you,
Ginny Harris
gnnyhr@aol.com

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Ann Harrington, Rochester New York — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:27:57 GMT

Hi, Brian,
Love the NBC nightly newscast!! And I'm glad you continue to commit to the Making a Difference segment; it's very inspirational and encouraging.
I want you to be aware of One Step Closer, an organization that was founded in 2008 with the mission to provide needy youth in the Rochester, NY, City Schools with a new pair of shoes for the new school year so they may start the year with pride. This wonderful effort was the brainchild of Nicole Becker, a dedicated teacher in the Rochester City district.
The payoff for Nicole and the organization, is seeing the children's eyes when they receive new shoes, and the impact that their new-found pride has on their attitude and performance. This effort has truly made a difference in the lives of the children, their families, and One Step Closer's members and donors.
This would be a great feature in your "making a difference" segment! For the entire scoop visit www.onestepclosershoes.org/

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Wendy Wright, Bel Air, MD — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:31:21 GMT

Dear Brian,
I would like to nominate a special group of volunteers in Maryland. These wonderful people donate their time to something called OPERATION WELCOME HOME:MARYLAND. The Team Captains organize groups who show up at BWI airport to Welcome Home our returning military from Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. The stop in BWI is usually a connection for the military, but they are greeted with a warm receiving line and a goodie bag. The main volunteers or Team Capt's arrive early and get the supplies together for the goodie bags, then all the volunteers form a line and put the goodies in the bags to hand out. The Team Capt's also decorate the arrival area with patriotic posters, flags, etc. Many of these Capt's greet flights several times a week. It is amazing to see the surprise and delight of the troops as they get rock star treatment for several minutes as they pass through the receiving line. The Service Men and Women are the true heroes, but the OWH Team Capt. volunteers are heroes in their own way. Many of them are veterans or mothers/wives of military members. Anyone can show up at a scheduled event to say thanks to our brave returning men and women, but the Team Capt's make it happen. Brian, this is such a wonderful and uplifting Team. Please give them the thanks they deserve by featuring them on "Making a Difference". Attached is the Operation Welcome Home site. Thank you for your consideration.
http://www.operationwelcomehomemd.org/

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Alexandria, VA — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:39:12 GMT

Animal lovers in Arlington, Virginia are trying to raise donations for a local dog owner who has frequented local dog parks with his dogs since they were puppies.

Police officers raided his home in error - they were looking for someone who did not live there.

One of the dogs (Zeus) acted in self-defense and attempted to nip one of the officers, who in turn pursued a dangerous dog charge despite the fact that Zeus has many friends who will testify that he has never had an aggressive bone in his body.

The website below is meant to promote awareness of this growing trend, plead Zeus' case for the appeal, and raise money to help pay lawyer fees, animal welfare charges, and the costs of additions to his home.

http://www.HelpZeus.org

(I am the person who runs the site, but I would prefer the cause to be promoted under "Arlington Dog Owners.")

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Gay Ousley, Abilene, Texas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:44:44 GMT

Look at www.alzquilts.org and see what one woman--Ami Simms--has accomplished with the help of a worldwide network of quilters. Over $290,000 has been raised so far, all earmarked for Alzheimer's research. Let's beat this thing!

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Marilyn Fifer, Bayside NY — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:43:36 GMT

Hello Brian,
Breast cancer does not distinguish between rich or poor, race or religion. Gina Maisano, a breast cancer survivor has created a wonderful web site dedicated to all means of support and help for women to cope with this disease. She has never asked for anything in return. I just became a new reader to her site,I am diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Gina is making a difference in many lives; I hope you can find the air time to help her make a difference for other women who need support and do not know of the web site.
http://www.nosurrenderbreastcancerhelp.org/
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely, Marilyn Fifer

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Jan Welch Wichita, Kansas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:22:23 GMT

In the small town of Fowlerville, Michigan, although a few miles west of Detroit, unemployment has also taken a huge toll on the business community. If you are unemployed you can't afford to take your kids to the karate class, pay for baseball or the dance class the kids suffer and usually don't understand why.

One business has taken a huge stand for the kids of the unemployed: San Larioza of OHANA KARATE. He has waved fees for karate classes for those current students who, for a time, cannot pay the class fees.

We feel he is really deserving of a round of applause. Let's hear it for San Larioza, 7150 W Grand River Rd - Fowlerville, MI 48836 517-223-9131. Call him and say thanks for making a difference. And if you do have a job, sign your kids up for karate!

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Carrie Teslof, Manchester, CT — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:22:07 GMT

I am a massage therapist in Manchester, CT and have the best client anyone could ask for. My client that always remains anonymous has paid for 29 one hour massages so far this year for people that she doesn't know. Not only is she helping me out financially but she gives me the gift of giving to those that have physical and or emotional pain. Her only request is that each of these people "pay it forward" in some way no matter how small. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

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R. Jake Somers, Gavilan Hills, Ca — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:44:50 GMT

I wish to nominate Ed Harrison and the other volunteers who work the fire lookouts in the Southern California area. We have 7 of them in our local National Forests and these folks spend their time keeping us safe from a very real danger.

http://www.sbnfa.org/firelookouts.php

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Patt Metzger, The Villages, FL — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:30:51 GMT

Our square dance club in the Villages, dances at nursing homes about twice a month. Every time we go, one lady by the name of Roberta Troop has a new afgan ready for one of the residents to win. She has already made and given away over two hundred beautiful afgans. She is so much appreciated to always have colorful afgans for these people. She spends all of her free time making sure we have one for the next time we dance to cheer up these people.

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Margaret R. Hein — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:12:34 GMT

Brian,
It's me again. I meant to state in my previous contribution about the Friday ceremony at the pentagon that the author is "connected" with McClatchy Newspapers.
I am not familiar with them but thought yuou would want to know. Thanks for all you do.....

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Heather, Lowell, MI — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:21:12 GMT

For the past 3 weeks, there has been a battle raging in Lowell, MI. Not a verbal battle or a destructive battle, but a battle between North and South... the North and South sides of Main St., that is. A local realtor, Rick Seese , came up with an idea to create a competition between North and South Lowell over which side could collect the most non-perishable food items for Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM), the local food pantry. Although it got kind of a slow start, it gained momentum each week of the competition. Local businesses were designated as drop-off locations, and weekly counts were taken and announced. At one point, the North side was 1,000 items behind, which really sparked their competitive spirit... In the end, the North side won, but only by a margin of 88 items. Overall, both North and South together collected close to 9,000 food items for FROM. This incredible outpouring of generosity from the small community of Lowell sprung from one man's idea. Because of its overwhelming success, it will most likely become an annual event.

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Cissy Mills Midland Texas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:49:57 GMT

Brian, How about a couple of truly over the top heros? Gene and Becky Needham in Midland TX surely have golden thrones waiting for them one day! They are a retired couple who give thier time, heart and soul to abused and neglected children. They are CASA volunteers, actually super-volunteers. They basically work full time as CASAs. Not only do they not get paid, but they spend plenty of thier own funds getting the job done. They work recruiting and training new volunteers, fundraising, mentoring other CASAs, planning, raising awareness of the plight of kids in the family court system, I could go on. Thats all before they even start to work on their own cases. They are truly exceptional people who give thier souls to the children who need them so much. I am a better person for knowing them and I'm so proud to call them my friends/mentors. People like this are the reason you do this sort of reporting! I thank you for this forum and I thank them just for being. Cissy Mills, CASA of West Texas

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Marquis, Wichita Kansas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:47:17 GMT

There is a program called the Youth Educational Empowerment Program "YEEP" that teaches financial literacy to young people from ages birth to 24. A group of college students lead by the president of the organization, teach classes in high schools and other youth organizations. I feel that in this economy, not enough is being done to prepare our kids in financial affairs. This subject is not commonly taught in schools or covered in the news. However this organization has taught over 10,000 participants since it's inception in 1997. They have increased financial knowledge by 26% each year and students increase there savings by $160 a semester on average. The best outcome of this organization is that 4% of the students that participate say they teach their family at home what they learned in school. www.myyeep.org

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Nancy Lauseng, St. Michael, MN — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:44:51 GMT

Centura Oil Inc. of Minnetonka, Minn., is making a difference. They are using ultra-high pressure waterjets to stimulate methane and other wells. This process can increase well productivity up to 300%, reducing the need to drill more wells. Read more at http://www.jetedge.com/content.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_success_case&case_ID=92

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Sarah Bowen, Chattanooga. YN — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:52:43 GMT

Here is a couple making a difference

In Chattanooga, TN, a doctor and his wife's loss of their infant son to a rare pediatric cancer has resulted in the Ausin Hatcher Foundation and their first "Hatch's House of Hope" is about to open. Out of their loss of one..thosands will be served and saved
Here is a brief overview and the link to their website
The Austin Hatcher Foundation was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer. The foundation’s mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families function within their community. Designed as a safe haven for families, Hatch’s House of Hope will connect them with these landmark services.

Hatch’s House of Hope is a unique concept designed to keep the family unit whole when dealing with pediatric cancer. Specifically, these services include IEP neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. Erlanger Medical Mall in Chattanooga, TN is the site of the first Hatch’s House of Hope, which will open for services mid July, 2009.

hatcherfoundation.org

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Kathie Keene, Pascagoula, Mississippi — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:05:37 GMT

Thank you for the delightful story of Sister -in Boston. Her goodness comes through.

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Gordon Sorrells, Houston, TX — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:10:25 GMT

I would like to nominate Pat Prior Sorrells. She is President of Camp For All (www.campforall.org). Pat has dedicated her life to CFA and its camps for over 10 years. Camp For All is the largest special needs summer camp for children and young adults in Texas, and probably the nation. The camp is located on 206 acres in Burton, Texas, about 85 miles from Houston. It has all the normal activities of a summer camp (horses, canoeing, zip lines, climbing wall, swimming) but is completley barrier free. Its a special place for where children with all types of disabilities can be "normal kids" for a week. The Camp is open almost year round, and they would love to have you visit.

In the interest of full disclosure, Pat is my wife.

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jacqueline rogers, Bicknell, Indiana — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:15:53 GMT

If you want to know the one thing that has mage a difference in our lives now. My husband has lost his job, I am now disabled for the last 4 years. We now live to watch the news, with Brian Williams, the segment on people making a difference...HAS made a difference in our lives. It encourages, enlightens, and generally uplifts us every evening. So the person making a difference, are the people bringing us these broadcasts! Thanks to all!

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Mary Henson, St. Louis, Missouri — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:36:28 GMT

I would like to tell you of a wonderful person who has started an awesome sports organization for "special" children. Her name is Deb Fruend. She has started T.A.S.K (Team Activities for Special Kids). It is run by her and an army of volunteers. She is a special ed. teacher for the Mehlville school district here in South St. Louis County. We met her back when my son was in kindergarten (he is starting high school now). Because of TASK, he learned how to play softball, soccer, how to bowl (correctly), how to play basketball, and how to swim. There are kids there with Down's, autism, hearing impaired, sight impaired, cerebral palsy, and half a dozen other diagnoses. There are able-bodied siblings who play along too. In addition to the sports, their offerings have expanded to a social club, weight training gym, martial arts, and summer camp. I don't know how Deb does it and still work for the district (unless she has retired by now). Many go to TASK until they grow up. Others are able to "graduate" to regular team sports and leagues. Now she wants to build a permanent facility for "her" kids instead of having to depend on the kindness of local churches and schools. People from all over St. Louis come to TASK, not just South county anymore. She is just someone incredible, and if the money fairy ever smacks me upside the head, you can bet TASK will get a large share of the blessing.

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Deborah Tatum, Lexington, Kentucky — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:41:18 GMT

Brain,
Today I write to you about a very timely matter...health care. In 2006, at the Lexington Rotary Club, I heard about a new non-profit that was created by area physicians called Surgery on Sunday(SOS). I was impressed, my club was impressed and we have now help to raise funds and awareness of this group that has really hit its stride as the economy hit the wall. I hope you will be impressed as well.
While Sunday may be a day of rest for many, SOS provides outpatient surgical procedures to income-eligible individuals and families who do not have health insurance and are not eleigble for federal or state assistance. A local surgery center donates their facilities one Sunday a month. All of the physicians, nurses, medical care teams and staff volunteer their time and gifts so that people in need of surgical care may be helped. This program is so outstanding that other areas are now wanting to try to establish their own SOS program.
None of this would have been possible with Dr. Andrew Moore who is president of this organization. He thought of this program because he actually cares about health care for all and lives this every day. You can contact him at (859)246-0046. The web site is www.surgeryonsunday.org.
Thanks for sharing not only the "news", but the "good news" that shows each of us can make a difference if we want to.
Deborah Tatum

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Laurie, American Fork, Utah — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:42:45 GMT

Brian, I just caught a great story on the local NBC station, KSL 5, Salt Lake City, Utah. This is about a community coming together to help an older neighbor who had many, many animals. Humane
Society took all the animals, and his neighbors came in to put his home back into a livable environment. I was moved to tears.Too many times Our Senior Citizens become the "forgotten". KUDOS to this community and Julie Sharp.

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Paul Minne, Parker, Colorado — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:12:29 GMT

Dear Brian,
I would like to nominate Master Chris Natzke (7th degree black belt) for truly making an incredible difference. His current group of black belt candidates are doing over 27,000 random acts of kindness in 16 weeks. Moreover, they are doing a community service project in August involving down syndrome kids. The fundraiser will help raise awareness and research efforts and will engage these kids in the martial arts making them a black belt for a day. Please contact me for more information.

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Robert Wells, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:38:18 GMT

One of the first champions of environmental issues in the small town of Murray, KY - -

Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce members honored City Councilman Bill Wells by (09 July 2009)naming him "Citizen of the Year" at Thursday night's Annual Banquet.

Last year's honoree, Mayor Tom Rushing, presented Bill Wells with the award, saying he always has an upbeat outlook, is a long-time Rotarian and serves on a variety of boards, including the City Council. He said Wells had been a local champion of environmental issues long before "green" became a popular buzz word, never failing to remind people when the next Make A Difference Day is. Rushing said Wells is also known for spreading awareness of community service on his radio show, "Random Acts of Kindness," and for previously serving as the principal of Murray High School for 13 years.

Some facts - -> over 70 Make A Difference Days held in Murray, KY-town of 16,000 people - - amount collected: 18,066 eyeglasses_- - 6,83 Ink Cartridges - - 90,400 Aluminum cans - - 14,100 gallons of used oil - -22,095 lbs of corrugated board - - 43 gallons of prescription drugs incinerated - - glass bottles taken in at a rate of 1000 lbs. per hour

His outlook & methods are contagious and could be expanded nationwide for a better world.

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April Wilson, Cheshire, OR — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:27:23 GMT

I would like to nominate buildasign.com. This is a company who makes beautiful welcome vinyl banners and signs free of charge for families of homecoming vets from Iraq and Afghanistan. also jumbo cards. I ordered one for our Son returning from Iraq, and it was beautiful! This must be costing the company a lot of money to donate these signs free of charge. I cannot thank them enough. I think they deserve recognition for quietly helping the families and veterans of war. Thank you, Aprikl p.s. Their website is buildasign.com

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Danny Parker, Clearwater, Fl. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:30:46 GMT

I would nominate Harvey Robbins. He has single handedly rebuilt the city of Tuscumbia, Al. Birthplace of Helen Keller and it is an amazing story.
I do not know all the details but you can contact Mayor Shoemaker at 256-383-5463. I hope you can follow up on this and get the rest of the story.

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The Lints, Twin Falls, Id (former residents of Brimfield, Illinois — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:04:44 GMT

In the small town of Brimfield,Illinois, there is a heartwarming but not surprising story of the town, community and even beyond the community, coming to the needs of one of the long time Brimfield residents, Steve Howe, age 61. When it was discovered that his house was actually falling down around him - three local men made plans to build him a new house. The three quickly grew to many more wanting to help.
Steve moved into his new house Friday, July 10, where he sat in his recliner and sobbed with gratefullness. The full story of Steve and his determined life is well covered, with pictures, in the July 15 edition of the Peoria Journal Star. It is a tribute to the small town quality of watching out for their own. You will find the article at www.pjs.com. Thanks for all the good stories you have covered.

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Walt Wilson, Fisheries Biologist ,NOAA/NMFS — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:43:17 GMT

Well, this is at least other news that should get some attention. Roz Savage is rowing alone across the Pacific Ocean and bringing marine environmental issues to light for many as well as inspirational motivation for life. She has already rowed solo across the Atlantic and from the west coast of the U.S. to Hawaii. She continues today and can be tracked at: http://rozsavage.com/
In our world of dismal events at least this is something and someone to keep track of that gives humanity hope that there is something else out there to inspire us to take action.

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Amy, Princeton, NJ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:05:32 GMT

I would love to nominate JMI (Jobson Medical Information) for Making a Difference, but I can't. They've just cut salaries across the board and have laid off people who've been with the company a number of years to ensure that their investors are paid projected earnings. It's pitiful.

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Dot Ayer — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:26:22 GMT

Donna Hunnewell of the Lowell Wish Project has been a life saver for the Greater Lowell Area. She collect anything and everything and manages to match donors with in need recipients. Donna started this project in donated warehouse space several years ago and now is well known in the Lowell Area. From back to school backpacks for needy school children to washers/dryers, cribs, beds for children..you name it and Donna can find it. Items move out the door almost the day they are received. So no bureaucracy, sign up qualifying applications...just have the need and Donna and her wonderful group find the items. She and her crew have helped get mothers and families out of temporary Motel rooms and into their own apartments by helping provide the furnishings. Donna can be found at The Wish Project, 1 A Foundry St., Lowell, MA 01852 (tel 978-441-9474). She and her group are gems in this terrible economy.

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Son of a World War II and Korean War decorated airman. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:37:37 GMT

I have rarely cried in my 65 years. Your story about the veterans who gather to make wooden toys that are distributed to the poorest of the poor kids at that school had me slobbering. I remember well how it feels to get a new toy and how you run out to show and play with your friends. It made me feel special and confident. Those vets are now heroes to me.

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Noran, Beltsville, MD — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:44:22 GMT

Brian,
I don't have good news but I think that some good news is not reported by the "Nightly News." I watch your "Nightly News" just about every night and I'm beginning to notice that most of you stories about the war and past wars do not feature African-Americans. Did African-Americans ever fight in any war that America was in? Especially the Afghani war and the Iraq war, and when you talk about the first and second world wars there are no mention of African-Americans. And this is also true of the Vietnam War, why is this?

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Rick O'Brien — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:04:49 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams,
WE NOMINATE MRS. KERRY TRAN OF UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY IN MOBILE, ALABAMA, AS OUR PERSON MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Our son, Connor, is six years old and has cerebral palsy. He is also non-verbal and wheelchair bound. During the past school year, Mrs. Kerry Tran believed in our son and has been instrumental in dramatically improving his communication skills with his communication device. She played a major rule in his transition to elementary school. In addition, she is a director of Camp Smile. Camp Smile is a summer camp for special needs children and adults. Our son attended the camp this year and had a great time. She is truly an angel and has had a tremendous impact on our son. Many other families also feel this way. We are thankful that she cared enough to help our son reach his potential.

Sincerely,
Rick and Lisa O'Brien

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Polly Kennedy, King City, CA. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:32:07 GMT

I would like to nominate Diane Pirzada, a home town woman from Lockwood, CA. population 85, where American Flags fly proudly and a spiritual journey led her to a new direction in her life. She has spent countless hours helping Veterans, especially those who wish to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. She would like to start her own non-profit under the umbrella of Honor Flight Network (Clint Eastwood gave a testimony on this.) (Please see www.honorflight.org) She is a gifted public speaker who created "Portraits from War",(please see www.dianepirzada.com for more details) reuniting hand painted pictures of Servicemen from that era with the Vets today. So successful was her mission, another dream came true for Pirzada when she traveled to Washington D.C. to meet one Vet face-to-face. The pair were featured on the Pentagon Channel in a documentary which aired May 21. I am helping Diane help hundred of Veterans by raising funds to visit the memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends. Honor flight will be held this fall, and a staggering statistic is that today, 1,200 Vets from World War II will die before their dreams are answered. Featuring Diane and her good works would be a much needed Patriotic boost for all Americans and our most vital folks, those that served us. Generations would be touched by a segment on her, and if you met her or viewed the documentary, you would agree! Thanks so much!

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Mrs. Donna Elledge, Del City, Oklahoma 73115 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:53:59 GMT

Dear Brian, I would like for you to consider Mrs. Jeannine Lowery, of Midwest City, OK. She & her husband both retired from the telephone company and he died shortly after... But instead of just staying home, Jeannine got involved! She voluntered for a mision trip to Chile with our church and witnessed to a recent widow there as well as spreading sunshine to all she came in contact with. After returning from the mission trip she wanted to stay involved with missions so she headed up a Ladies Ministry at one of the low rent government subsidized apartments in Midwest City. Once a week she held a Bible study with the women and afterwards she gave out bags of food and sometimes clothing. If the women needed transportation for doctor visits, job interviews or whatever, Jeannine volunteered to take the women. She was also one of the overseers of our "Mission Mid-Del" building where anyone could come 2 days a week for food, clothing, household items, toys etc. But the building was very small and cramped with the workers and all the donations, so Jeannine started a prayer chain praying for a larger building to meet the needs of the community. Land was donated to our church from an unknown person and plans were made to build a new Mission Mid-Del outlet. At the beginning of the school year they dispense school supplies to the children of the parents that come for food, counseling etc and at Christmas a big toy drive is held. Also, after surviving breast cancer herself, Jeannine started a program called "Hand in Hand" ministry for the people in our church who have experienced serious illnesses themselves or who have family members with illnesses.. They meet once a month and discuss and help each other with suggestions and prayer. Jeannine is also active in organizing our church group for the "Relay For Life" cancer walk in our community.. She is truly a wonderful lady and saw a need in her life as well as in our church and community. Mission Mid=Del will supply food, clothing, household items, and sometimes donated old cars and usually sees to the needs of about 300 a week, sometimes more.

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Marilyn Fifer, Bayside NY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:12:53 GMT

Hello Brian,

I would like to nominate Gina Maisano as a person who is making a difference. Breast cancer does not distinguish between rich or poor, race or religion. Gina Maisano, a breast cancer survivor created a wonderful web site dedicated to support and help for women diagnosed with this disease. She has never asked for anything in return. Gina is making a difference in many lives.

I hope you can find the air time to help make a difference for women who need support and do not know where to turn.

http://www.nosurrenderbreastcancerhelp.org/

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely, Marilyn Fifer

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Paul Ruth, Macomb MI — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:52:53 GMT

I would like to highlight something simple, and not really about any one person. Since the economic decline, charity donations has declined with it. There is though a simple free way to give back for internet users. There are two website that I would like to share. The first one is www.thehungersite.com, where clicking the buttons provides food, health care and so on to the ones who are in need of it. The second one is called www.freerice.com. This is run by the UN and it is where you can donate rice by increasing you knowledge in vocabulary, georaphy and so on. A great mental warm up for any student.

These are websites that I have worked into my everyday and forget that I am even helping anyone. I just wanted to share this for people who feel bad about not being able to give in these times

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Lori Holtmeier, St Louis, MO — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:28:09 GMT

There is an amazing organization that everyone should know about. It is called Hug-A-Hero. They provide dolls to children of soldiers who are deployed oversees - these are not ordinary dolls, these dolls have the image of Mom or Dad on them so that if a child needs a hug from Mommy or Daddy all they have to do is hug the doll. This helps children to deal with the stress and loneliness that is part of being in a military family. This is a non-profit organization that only wants to help the most precious amoung us. http://www.operationhugahero.org/

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Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:56:17 GMT

Lindsay Wetzel is making a huge difference to the homeless in Reno, Nevada. Last Christmas, she took some cookies to the homeless shelter, which is near the downtown casino area. One of the men asked her if she had a sandwich. She apologized that she didn't, but promised she'd come back. And she has come back again and again, every Sunday since then. When Lindsay found out that the homeless shelters don't serve a hot meal from Saturday night until Monday morning, she took it upon herself to make sure that these people have a decent meal to eat on Sunday. On a slow Sunday, she'll serve 250 people, and the number can jump to over 350 on a busy day. She cooks all the food herself in her kitchen, and brings it down to the shelter at 11:30 on Sunday mornings, where the men, women and chidren are lined up waiting for her. Besides the hot item (which can be anything from burritos, pulled pork, pasta with meat sauce), she serves a side dish like macaroni and cheese, or a pasta salad, and usually a dessert, like homemade cookies, brownies, or cake. In addition, she'll make over 100 tuna fish sandwiches so they have something to take with them for later in the day. And, she has done all this, in spite of the fact that she was laid off from her job last November. She calls those who help her out "her angels," but in fact, she is the angel.

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Brant Himes, Portland, Oregon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:35:43 GMT

Well Brian, I guess I'm going to have to nominate the government and car companies. My wife is an elementary school teacher and I'm a graduate student, and on Monday we carted our little three-week old to the local Toyota dealership to try our luck with the cash-for-clunkers program. When the salesman suggested we look at a Camry, we obliged, but were certain we wouldn't be able to afford it. Our 1991 Ford Explorer indeed qualified for the program, netting us $4500. But that was just the beginning. The car was discounted $3000 because it was a 2009 still on the lot, and then we got a $1500 factory rebate, and another $1000 for being a recent college grad. Well, with a $10,000 discount, the payments on the Camry fell right into our budget. We drove away from the lot with our little girl sleeping in her car seat amazed that a new family like us, in an economy like this, could afford such a great new car.

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Roger C. Dunham, M.D., Santa Barbara, CA — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:14:45 GMT

Hello Brian--We talked briefly a few months ago (at the Ronald Reagan Library) when I asked you about the integrity of the news as presented--you gave an excellent answer about your personal observations and your commitment to honestly presenting the news. With that same sense, I wanted to bring your news team some information about a group of very good people bringing substantial humanitarian relief to large numbers of Americans every day. As a pilot and a physician, actively involved with Angel Flight West, I have noted the recent quiet observation that our group of pilots, flying throughout the western United States, has just completed its 40,000th mission. These are all volunteer pilots (about 25 from our Santa Barbara area), hundreds of men and women flying (and paying for) their own planes, paying for gas, navigating the skies of America in about 4,000 flights this past year alone to bring the precious human passengers to their destinations. None of us is looking for public credit, but this 40,000 mission milestone does provide at least a measure of the genuine good done by so many people who care about the humanitarian needs of our country's population. The headquarters is in Santa Monica, the website is angelflightwest.org, and the story about these pilots and their spectrum of patients would likely be of considerable interest to many of your viewers. I would be happy to talk with you or any of your news staff who might have an interest in this story.

Thank you.

Roger C. Dunham

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Brian and Patty Maddox Virginia Beach Virginia — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:14:48 GMT

My wife and I watched as soldiers from Iraq returned home to Fort Story in Virginia. The streets were lined with posters and flowers welcoming them back. At the time in 2006, we thought it was very nice, but we wished we could do more for the returning soldiers. We came up with the idea of taking them to a AAA Norfolk Tides baseball game. That is how Just Baseball came about. For the past 3 years, we have sent over 1000 soldiers and their families to the Tides games, for an all you can eat picnic in left field. The soldiers and their families have time to relax, and enjoy each others company, if only for a night. I think it shows how a couple of people can make a big difference in the lives of others. Our next Tides night will be August 2 for approx 350 soldiers and their families. Thanks

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Lynda Murphy, Third Lake, Illinois — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:45:40 GMT

I would like to see you do a feature on the work Dr. Susan Love's Army of Women is doing in trying to recruit volunteers who would be willing to participate in local breat cancer research projects if they qualify. The AofW doesn't charge any membership fees or solicit donations from members. It needs all kinds of women -- all ages, races, breast cancer survivors & patients, and those who have never had breast cancer. Researchers can then use this data base (which is totally confidential) to find subjects for their projects instead of wasting valuable research time trying to find them.

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Anne Armstrong, St. Augustine, Florida — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:12:35 GMT

I really enjoy your making a difference pieces. It really shows that there are good people in the world still.

I used to volunteer at Hubbard House in Orlando, Florida when I lived in Orlando. Hubbard House is a hospitality house for individuals/famlilies who have a loved one in the hospital(ORMC). The hospital is next door and the Hubbard House is run like the McDonald House except for it is one of a kind. Peggy Smith who runs the Hubbad House has done so for years, she lives at the house and is a cancer suvivor. She knows what these individuals/families are going through on a daily basis and she, her staff and large group of volunteers are there for them 24/7. The Hubbard House also serves 3 meals a day to the individuals/families and the cost to stay there is a simple donation. The Hubbard House is run solely on donations and is not supported in any part with any entity or organization. Peggy works hard to keep the doors open and with the help of a small staff and the many volunteers is able to do so. The house has 22 rooms and usually has a waiting list. There is no time limit of how long people stay and people have stayed as long as 9 months. Now with ORMC having a cancer center Peggy is allowing individuals receiving cancer treatment at the hospital to stay at her house to keep their costs down. Every person who steps through the doors of Hubbard House is changed by the time they leave. They see how much one person can care and how much compassion there still is in the world. Peggy really deserves to be on the Making a Difference segment because in the time I volunteered with her she made a difference in my life. If all people could be like her the world would be a wonderful place. Thank you.

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Krystalynn Martin, Healdsburg, CA — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:46:58 GMT

Making a Difference: At Rio Lindo Academy, which is a Christian highschool in northern California, the campus school and church has decided to take what Christ said literally and actually feed the hungry and clothe the naked. So for a few months instead of asking for money offerings, the church collected offerings of clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, etc. The students went without a meal and donated those funds to feed the hungry the next day. So on a Saturday in November, the first service event was held, called "Open Table" (named with the idea that all are welcome at the table.) This event was held in downtown Santa Rosa, CA with the students leading out in a Praise Band, drama group, students sharing testimonies and special music, and other students giving out clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, etc. The school cafeteria came and fed over 90 homeless. There was also a booth where people could put in their names and prayer requests for a raffle of several $50 Safeway cards and calling cards. The event was a hit. Now the school does "Open Table" every 3 months. Each event has gotten bigger, with new booths getting added, such as a toiletries booth (with clean underwear, socks, and toiletries such as deoderant, shaving items, etc being handed out), a resume booth (where staff of the school and students bring computers and printers and meet with people to make resumes for them so they can have help finding jobs), and the regular booths of clothes, blankets, the raffle drawing, and a hot meal served by the school cafeteria. Not only have the homeless community come to look forward to the event, but the students have as well, asking often "when will the next Open Table be?" One student shared, "Finally this is what makes sense in being a real Christian. This feels like what church should be." The students have heard many stories of the people who come by, not just homeless, but business people in the area who are inspired by the students hearts of service, or who are just looking for a good meal. Many of the homeless are new to the streets, living in their cars due to economic hardships. All come together at the Open Table and all are equal as all find common ground in the fact that we are all human and in need.

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Elaine Winters — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:00:01 GMT

Story idea: Congress sets itself above and apart from the rest of us.

They voted a very plush health care package for themselves that the rest of us have NO access to.

This year they voted themselves a pay increase - while not doing their jobs - at the same time they decided that those receiving Social Security will not receive COLA's in 2010.

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clark jackson, Laredo, TX — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:05:06 GMT

In the summer of 2008, just before starting his senior year, Rockwall-Health High School student Jacob Way participated in an eight-day trip to South Africa sponsored by LakePointeChurch. During his trip, Jacob witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the HIV / AIDS pandemic in South Africa. He also observed the many villagers who struggled mightily each day simply to satisfy the most basic of human needs -- the need for clean water. Village women make multiple trips each day to the closest water source to get water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. In fact, the contaminated water is known to often cause illness and sometimes death among the village residents. The pain, the illness, and the daily struggles that Jacob saw during his time in South Africa caused him to return from his trip with a passionate heart for a personal mission -- raise funds needed to dig a water well and provide a clean water source for his village in South Africa.
While many students were giving their attention to fall activities in high school, Jacob set about his fundraising mission for his South African village. His plan was to organize a fundraising dinner complete with entertainment, prizes, speakers, T-shirts, and other mementos, with proceeds going to the well project. In early December 2008, all of Jacob's plans, his tireless efforts, and the hard work of the many supporters who joined him, came together as Jacob emceed a fundraising dinner at Rockwall-HealthHigh School on behalf of his South African village.
By all measures, the event was a resounding success blessed with donations in excess of $10,000, an amount that more than doubled the original $5,000 fundraising goal. Enough money was raised not only to build a well, but also to supply medications and other needs of an orphanage whose small residents are infected with the HIV / AIDS virus.
Though the successful dinner event is behind him now, Jacob's fundraising effort continued. He worked to raise additional funds for his village and for his return trip to South Africa in the summer of 2009 to help build the well…now completed.

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Michele Pubillones — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:29:02 GMT

I belong to two wonderful organizations that also exist outside my home of Loudon TN. The first is Habitat for Humanity. I have helped build two houses with them in a program called Women Build. These houses are built primarily by women volunteers.
The other group that is an honor to work with is Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic sponsored by the Lions Club. We record textbooks for disabled students to help get them through school.

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Marybeth Barrett, Clarks Summit Pa — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:49:41 GMT

I would like to nominate Jim and Debra Barrett. Together, they own Road Scholar Transport in Dunmore Pa. Jim and Deb heard of a man, his pregnant wife and their two dogs WALKING from VT to FL where he was promised a job. Local media in Pa broadcast this story and the Barretts decided they needed to do something to help. Jim sent two of his employees to pick up the couple with their dogs and drive them to Fl. He and Deb are also paying the expenses of the passengers. This couple also has an "awareness program" where in Jim and Deb have taken on the expense of painting trailers with themes of afflictions to raise awareness. They donate a percentage of the revenue generated by those trailers to the cause.

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Steven Infanti, Harrisburg, PA — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:59:58 GMT

Read the June 26 Chronicle of Higher Education (page A-18), Corporate Ties Help Build a University from the Ground Up, and learn how a community invested in its economic development in a very strategic manner It is now having a $16-million a year economic impact in the immediate area. First project of its kind in the commonwealth in a 100 years.

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Peter Crow, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:20:56 GMT

Jill Bullard and the Interfaith Food Shuttle of Wake County, North Carolina, deserve recognition. While the program did not begin with the economic downturn, this food recovery and redistribution organization is a model of such organizations and has been crucial in keeping fed people "down on their" luck throughout the Raleigh area in these difficult times. I found out about the group as a retiree to the area last summer, and on my first trip out collecting food I discovered that most of the people I was working with had a record of incarceration. That's when I realized what a unique effort this was--not just food recovery but people recovery as well.

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Heather Murray, Amherst, NH — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:34:39 GMT

Former Mayor Bernie Streeter is making a difference in Nashua, NH this summer. As reported in the Nashua Telegraph last week, the local Salvation Army's summer camp was not going to be able to bring the campers to a local lake for weekly swim time this summer due to the cost. When Streeter, who is on the Salvation Army's Board of Directors, heard this, he opened his private backyard pool to the campers. They traveled to his house last Friday in shifts on the 12-person S.A. van. Streeter will allow the campers to use his pool each Friday for the rest of the summer.

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Shawn ,Troy, NY — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:19:59 GMT

I think the PAYNE Emergency medical service is deserving of such a title as “Making a Difference”. A little background on this situation as written by Brent Curtis Staff Writer - Published: July 15, 2009…
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090715/NEWS01/907150365/1002/NEWS01
I am a good friend of the father. We have known each other for more than 14 years. Zac, still residing at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in NH and couldn't be released for the funeral. That is until PAYNE donated time, manpower and an ambulance to bring Zac to his sisters’ wake and funeral. That's right, both days. They even took him to the gathering after the funeral to visit with friends and family and they could console him. That is the best, most generous thing I have seen in a long while.

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Jan Loveday, Johnson City, TN — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:02:35 GMT

Here's someone making a difference. This is great in so many ways (a 92 year old nursing home resident making doll clothes for impoverished children): http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/22/all-dolled-up/

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Chuck wolf Columbus, Ohio — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:55:01 GMT

Hi Brian; I'd like to tell you about the Richland County Sheriff's Department in Mansfield, Ohio. Laid-off deputies and retired officers are working up to 40 hours a week in response to the laying off of 10 deputies in March because of the economy.

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Dave Stoddart (ATL) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:20:33 GMT

Dear Williams,

I would love to comment on Linda for being to life a company for Feed The Elders,the website is (www.heavenlyhealthcare.net)she wants to also give volunteer work to the elders but unable to do that because she cannot get the donation to do that as yet, she have the worker but cannot afford to pay them for service, I would love NBC to help her advertising her business, no one work like her, she are also a wonderful cook, give her anything to cook and it is delicious. Her business is located in Wyncote, PA and servicing all the metro area, we are hoping that she will be able to bring it to ATL soon.

I really hope that NBC would give her business a chance to go national and able to accomplish what she started and dream of having.

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kingsley kellier connecticut — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:44:29 GMT

Brian can you help me reach the right people at the Veteran administration .I can be evicted from my home at anytime now.i was under the impression that i was working with PHH mortgage service in hoping to redo my payments ,so i would not be on the street with my three kids. I was told i no longer own my home and it will cost me more to pay rent to someone than to refinance and keep it .With a 530 credit score no one will give me credit to refinance .I am a disabled veteran who do not want to be on the street

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Jordan Gray, Nampa, Idaho — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:59:28 GMT

Hello,
This has been an ongoing story for months in our area, but this family has suffered quite a lot.

Their children are all sick from eosinophilic enteritis and they received a house with a special air filtration system from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Then the husband started getting debilitating cluster headaches, lost his job, and his insurance recently denied coverage for brain surgery that they considered experimental. The family was faced with selling the home that was helping maintain their children's quality of life.

The good part of this story comes in where the town raised $80,000 in 27 hours on July 23 to help the Stockdale family pay for the surgery. It just goes to show what happens when a community comes together.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jul2309-stockdale_donations.6c2189af.html

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Teresa, Boise, ID — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:16:00 GMT

When a family's insurance company refused to pay for what they considered experimental brain surgery for the father of special-needs children, our little community raised the money for him to have his surgery ($80,000) in only a couple days.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jul2309-stockdale_donations.6c2189af.html

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Tomika Ferguson, Durham, NC — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:19:09 GMT

I would like to nominate 150 young adults from around the United States who are making an impact in their communities. I was a first-generation college student from a small town that lacked many resources to access higher education. When I gained the opportunity to obtain a college degree, I knew I had to return to a community like mine to assist students who needed help. I joined the National College Advising Corps to help young Americans who aspire to obtain a college degree.

The National College Advising Corps was formed in 2007 with the assistance of the Jack Cooke Kent Foundation. Using recent college graduates, college advisers are placed in high school to assist students and communities to increase the number of low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students entering and completing higher education.

On August 2-6, 2009 these 150 advisers will convene at Chapel Hill, NC for their annual training conference. Representing 12 higher education institutions, they are committed to serving the United States of America. They desire to impact high school students by using their age, talents, and personal experiences. Members of the National College Advising Corps deserve to be recognized for their dedication to youth and communities across the nation including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Rhode Island, Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri.

Please select these awesome young Americans in their pursuit to change the future, one college acceptance at a time.

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Mason Dufresne, Charlotte, North Carolina. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:41:41 GMT

Dear, Mr. Willams, and Nightly news staff.
within the city of Charlotte their is a small market called Common Grounds where people bring baked goods and sell them for a reasonable price. All of the proceeds go to feeding the homeless, in addition the local farmers have started to donate their excess produce to this market. The leaders of this effort are Sarah Belk and Amy Lovett

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Bryan,Maineville,OH — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:03:35 GMT

I'm sorry to hear about all the loss of corn in Texas. But what about all the states that have had above average rainfall. They are producing enough corn to not worry about Texas!

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Tanya Brody — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:07:54 GMT

Hello Brian, or whoever reads these,
Just thought I'd share this as a "Making a Difference" story. There is a person in Jerusalem who is allowing people to tweet (via Twitter) or email their prayers to the Western Wall. They are being collected and put into the wall, which I think is a very kind and good thing. The website for this is http://www.tweetyourprayers.info and the Twitter id is @thekotel It would make a good story and they need the help and publicity to get some help.
Thanks.

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Barbara Reys, Shaker Heights, Ohio — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:35:50 GMT

I want to nominate Zak Ponsky, a local Cleveland, Ohio banker, who planned and organized a free medical event in Cleveland last weekend. Hundreds of medical personnel and volunteers gave their time over the weekend, along with donated medical supplies to make this possible. MedWorks treated over 1,600 patients in two days, with the intention of continuing these grassroots clinics throughout the year. More information is available on this event on their website below.

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Sheila Gale — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:27:55 GMT

I was watering my dried up lawn feeling overwhelmed at the task at hand. Divorced, no money for garderners anymore and a yard overgrown with weeds, scrubs and trees, I let out a long sigh and said"God I need help!" In the very next moment 2 men appeared with ties and nice white shirts, "Hello Ma'am." Okay here we go, I thought. They looked around and continued, "No offense ma'am but it looks like you could use some help with your yard and we'd love the opportunity to help you!" I burst into tears not believing my ears!! I jusy asked for help and it came. It turns out they are missionaries looking to do service and they spotted me. I accepted with so much gratitude! They came back 2 days later in work clothes, then a week later with 2 more men, then last week with 8!! Theynever once preached to me or asked anything of me. They are Mormons and they took 2 years off after high school to be of service, then off to college. Today they came again with 5 extras. My heart is full with the kindness these young men have shown me!!

With Gratitude,
Sheila Gale

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Sheila Gale Monterey, Calif. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:45:08 GMT

Nancy Costello is 88 and every single day except Sundays she drives her white pick up truck (by herself) to Trader Joes, Safeway, and Whole foods to get day old food. She then fills her truck with clothing and toys (given to her by neighbors) and drives 50 miles to the back roads of Salinas, and King City to feed the migrant farm workers. She had a massive heart attack 4 years ago but that won't stop her! She wants no glory or attention but I watch her drive by my house every day. When ever I don't feel like getting out of bed or feel depressed, I just thinkof this dedicated woman who never complains or asks anyone for anything! She raised 6 children and this is her life! Her story will inspire people!!

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Bob W, Brunswick OH — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:37:18 GMT

Brian,

In support of the troops and community, good news continues to flow from Brunswick OH. Named one of the best places to live in the USA and here is just another reasons why. Supporting the USA military troops, Cross County Youth Football (www.brunswickccyf.com) continues its tradition by allowing children of family members serving in the military to play for free. Their registration fees are paid for by community sponsors and thru other fund raising events. Cross County Youth Football supports kids from ages 5 – 12 playing touch and tackle football, supporting sportsmanship, physical fitness and community spirit. Thanks for all the good news of late and keep it coming - we need it.

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Karen Dickerson, Jackson, CA — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:38:20 GMT

I would like to nominate Tim Terrio, Terrio Therapy Fitness, and TerrioKIDS for making a difference. Tim Terrio of Terrio Therapy-Fitness, Inc. established League of Dreams, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with many community partners, to establish community baseball and basketball leagues for children with moderate to severe special needs. The motto of League of Dreams is: “Every child should have the chance to play!” In the spring of 2007, League of Dreams launched their first baseball season. For the first time, children with all levels of disabilities put on a team jersey and went out and played for their team. These children were finally able to know what it was like to get their first hit, cross their first base, receive their first trophy, and know the thrill of a cheering crowd of family and friends. With the success of the baseball season, League of Dreams launched the basketball season in the fall of 2007 to again give these children the opportunity to learn a new sport and a new set of skills, but most importantly, to rejoin a team and hear the cheers of the crowd and receive congratulatory hugs from their family and friends. The League of Dreams has just finished its 3rd baseball season and its third basketball season will start in October. The overarching goal of the League of Dreams is to provide all special needs children a chance to play a league sport by adapting the sport to the kid so children regardless of disability can play baseball and basketball and enjoy the same access to the benefits of regular exercise and participation in sports and recreation activities as their typically developing peers. The objectives are:
1. To serve at least 1000 children with special needs through league participation
2. To identify and remove barriers to participation for special needs children through individual physical fitness profiles that prescribe necessary accommodations
3. To support students’ health and well-being, including increasing independent participation and skill level, self-esteem and sense of accomplishment, physical fitness, sportsmanship and team spirit
4. To inform participants’ families about the importance of regular exercise and participation in sports and recreation for their children
5. To advocate for the unmet needs for children with special needs for places and opportunities to play by creating inclusive playgrounds and adaptive sports programs. Please visit their website at:
www.ourleagueofdreams.com to learn more about the great team Tim Terrio has assembled to serve these kids and the difference he and his company is making in Kern County, California.

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Amy, Greensboro, NC — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:28:26 GMT

Hi, Brian -

I remember from your 'Behind the Scenes' Look at the Obama Administration, that you are a dog lover.

I think, then, that you - and viewers around the world like you - will really enjoy the attached link.

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Steve Urry, Manassas, VA — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:11:54 GMT

My niece from New Jersey, Lisa Corsi, is one of 18 young people riding 1,300 miles from Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico with a group from The Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit Christian housing ministry started by Millard Fuller, who also founded Habitat for Humanity. Their goal is to raise $200,000.00 for those in need of decent housing. The cyclists are from across the country, and range from college students to teachers. Not only are they enduring the physical aspect of the ride, they will stop for eight builds across seven states that include construction and repair projects for those in need. In between their rides and the construction projects, the riders will be staying at different churches to talk about what they're doing. This story is also about the generosity of those people that house and feed the riders along the way. What they are doing is awesome, and they deserve national attention. Thanks, Brian. See www.fullercenterbiketrip.com

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Charles Bauer, San Jose, CA — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:29:31 GMT

Michael Jackson dies and it's 24/7 news coverage. A real American hero
dies and not a mention of it in the news. The media has no honor and God is
watching

Ed Freeman

You're a 19-year-old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in the
jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry
unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200
yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac
helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know
you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles
away and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and
out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a
helicopter and you look up to see an unarmed Huey, but it doesn't seem real
because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but
he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs
were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire as they load 2
or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out, through the gunfire to the doctors and
nurses.

And he kept coming back, 13 more times, and took about 30 of you and your
buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman died on Wednesday, June 25th, 2009, at
the age of 80, in Boise , ID. May God rest his soul.

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Jennifer Becker — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:01:57 GMT

For your consideration, I know of a wonderful story for your "Good News" segment. Kasia Szewczyk, a resident of Florida, has taken a traumatic and life-changing experience and has turned in into a positive to help others. She created the fundraiser, Kasia's Cause to help Women in Distress of Broward County, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence.

Throughout the months of July and August, Kasia’s Cause is registering salons, spas and other “treat yourself” businesses located in Broward and Dade Counties for the fundraising campaign. On August 22, these businesses will donate 20% of gross sales and honor gift certificates, which will be sold on the Kasia’s Cause website (www.kasiascause.org) beginning August 10. All proceeds will benefit Women in Distress.

WID provides victims of domestic violence with safe shelter, crisis intervention and resources, and educates the community in order to Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE). Services include counseling, emergency shelter, respite care, advocacy/case management, 24-hour crisis line, referrals to emergency assistance, legal aid, volunteer programs, etc.

Yet, due to limited resources, two in three people are turned away from the safe house. WID is currently increasing its capacity and is in need of funds to continue its work. And Kasia wants to help. She believes that if someone has the strength to endure such a traumatic and terrifying situation and stop the cycle of abuse then being turned away due to lack of resources is not an option.

Kasia knows first-hand how essential an organization like WID is. In 2005, she was drugged and raped by an acquaintance. Over the past four years, Kasia has endured a long journey of recovery. Her life was forever changed by that one day, but she learned that with the help of others and profound resilience it is possible to prevail after a trauma and go on to live a happy life; however to get there, victims must have support.

Kasia is working on the fundraiser before and after hours from her full time job and has already created buzz in the local community. She is appearing on radio stations and in the papers. Already, she is seeing that simply telling her story is making a difference for others. Kasia is incredibly warm and articulate. She'd be a great story to tell.

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Marge Oppold, Richmond, Vermont — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:51:37 GMT

Pat O'Connor in Vermont has built a replica of both Fenway Park and Wrigley Field in his backyard to 'wiffle ball' dimensions. 24 teams from around all around New England, NY, and beyond gather in Vermont to not only play Wiffle Ball, but also to raise money for the Travis Roy Foundation.
Travis Roy is a former Boston University hockey player who was paralyzed eleven seconds into his collegiate career. After going through his rehabilitation, in 1997 he decided to start the Foundation to assist spinal cord injury survivors who can’t afford necessities like electric wheelchairs, vehicle and home modifications.
Every team that participates in the Travis Roy Foundation Wiffle Tournament is expected to bring in fan club pledges—donations from friends and family—to help raise money for the tournament.
Nearly $500,000 has been raised in 7 years, including over $186,000 last year.
The 3-day tournament kicks off on Friday, Aug 7th with a game featuring celebrities and tournament sponsors.
Celebrities include Ben Cohen (Ben and Jerry's), Dave Barger (CEO, JetBlue), Captain Richard Phillips (Sea Captain Hero), Bill Lee (Former Red Sox Pitcher), and more.
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuXho2cdpjg

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Melissa Stark, Atlantic, Iowa — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:13:50 GMT

Hi Brian, Here is a good story: "Community Fulfills Iowa Bride's Dream" how an organization called Circles4Success and members of the Atlantic community used their gifts, talents and treasure to put together a wedding for a couple that did not have the resources to fulfill this dream. To see the video clip go to http://www.kptm.com and scroll way down to the right side. Under Amanda Mueller's picture click on "Women Matter." If anyone would like more information about Circles4Success, please email stama@casshealth.org.

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Bill Greenstein — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:15:16 GMT

Here's a great story from the Oregonian on a wonderful person making a difference for people and pets.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/for_the_love_of_pongo_portland.html

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Joe White, San Diego, CA — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:32:10 GMT

Here is a perfect example to the greed that got us in this financial mess and to the lesson learned from it.

I have just found out that the Union Bank of California hired the top management that was fired by BofA from Countrywide Mortgage

Countrywide mortgage is the principal culprit for Subprime disaster
after their collapse they were taken over by Bank of America which fired the top management

Why would any company hire this people as top executives of their retail banking, may be the fault lies with the U.S. government.
Because the people that should have been in jail by now, are still out and running another financial institution.

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Colleen Kielty, Washington, DC — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:08:57 GMT

Dear Brian,

Yesterday, July 30th, a job fair in Houston, Texas drew thousands of people who hope to be employed by CHI USA. Farouk Shami, founder of CHI USA, is an example of one person making a great difference in this country. He chose to bring his company back to the United State in order to create jobs and so his products can say "Made in the USA." We should applaud Mr. Shami's efforts, and learn from his example. We can all do something to improve the economic situation.

Please visit the following link to see the enormity of the event:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6940485

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Sue Riedle, Tacoma, WA — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:01:00 GMT

I saw your story last night about the tradgedy in Wisconsin. Earlier in the day while driving a patient to our office, he must have had this on his mind. He mentioned a problem with fuel injected cars and said he'd already written the car companys a few times. He said a simple disconnect switch would turn off the fuel in a crash and would save people because the cars wouldn't be prone to catch fire so easily. I don't know if there is any truth to this but if there is and these kind of horrific vehicle fires could be reduced, why not check into the possibility?

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Mimi Gattinella, Encinitas, Ca — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:11:33 GMT

In San Diego, we have a dog by the name of Baxter.
He is a therapy dog. Not that it's unusual...but his story is. He's 19.5 years old. He can't even walk anymore...he swims however for his own therapy. He sits with those dying in hospice and sees into their souls. His human mom wrote a book about him "Moments with Baxter". All proceeds go to ASPCA and Hospice.
I think if you saw him, you'd understand why he should be highlighted on your show.

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Dorothy Brown, Redmond, WA — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:25:46 GMT

Hi Brian,
I faithfully watch the Nightly New just to see the segment, "Making A Difference". I just want to send you a link of a story about Jorge Munoz and his family, who live in Queens, NY, and who fed the needy, hungry people with over 70,000 meals! He spends half of his salary feeding others. He only makes around $700 a week as a school bus driver. After reading about him, I just started crying because I get very emotional when I read such uplifting and inspirational news. Please give kudos to Mr. Munoz and his family for sacrificing so much. I hope that if you picked Mr. Munoz for this segment, he might get exposure to receive monetary support to continue his endeavors. Please see his story using the following link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toan-lam/an-angel-in-queens-new-yo_b_248571.html
Thanks so much!
Dorothy

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Janine Awai, Tampa, Florida — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:21:38 GMT

Dear Brian,
There is someone that I think has been doing an admirable job supporting the community of physically disabled for almost 17 years. Dr. Hugo Keim, a retired spinal surgeon, began a foundation that pays for physically disabled kids to go to college. This endeavor began as a way for him and his wife, Alicia, to help kids who may face challenges similar to their own experiences. Both have dealt with severe physical disabilities, the doctor lost an eye as a child, and went on to become a surgeon and chief of spinal surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Alicia lived with an extreme case of scoliosis until Dr. Keim corrected the curvature of her spine, and changed her life forever.
What the Keim’s do through their support is to empower these kids to achieve a future full of possibilities.

You can find more out at www.chairscholars.org

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Doris Heilman, Palatine, Illinois — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:10:39 GMT

Hi Brian, We at our church have been sending fresh vegetables to our local Pantry for the last three years. Our garden is located on our church grounds and is maintained by our members, overseen by a Master Gardner in our church. We have 600 square feet of land that is planted with pea pods, snap peas, spinach, yellow onions and broccoli. Also we have tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and more. We produced several tons of food for the local food pantry. This is one of the many programs that are run at our church for local township.

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Bill Wofford, Ooltewah,Tn — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:37:08 GMT

Our church,(thecitychurch.cc) went out one sunday, indoor service, and helped others. Schools, service org. etc and some personal help.

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Alex Lotze, Littleton, Colorado — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:18:33 GMT

My story comes from Littleton, Colorado. Written by 15 year old girl. Some family friends of mine are part of a organization called Denver Senegal Humanitarian Foundation (DSHF). It all started in 1997 when Omar Dia was shot down and killed in Denver. He came from a small town in Afica called Senegal. After the tradgedy some young adults felt called to help this country. My mom, Barb lead a group of young adults to Senegal, Africa. They had no running water, few buildings and no nearby school. They started by bulding a water pump and a elementary school. Since then, they have created this organization and made a promise to continue helping this country. They went back to Senegal in 2007 and finished the elementary school and fixed the water pump. Just recently they got back from their third trip to the country. This time they helped build a college. Which for us is a middle school. (7th-9th grade) They raise money by selling homemade brefkast burritos. To date they've made over fifty thousand burritos. All to help a country in need. To help a country get back on their feet.

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Alex Lotze, Littleton Colorado — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:48:39 GMT

My story comes from Littleton, Colorado. Some family friends of mine started an organization called Denver Senegal Humanitarain Foundation.(DSHF) Lachances, Millers and Shins are just some of the memebers. It all started back in 1997 when Omar Dia was shot and killed down in Denver. He came from a small country in Africa called Senegal. Some young adults felt called to reach out and help this country after the tragic event. In 2003 they made a trip to Senegal, Africa lead by my mom, Barb Lotze. While there, they built a water pump and an elementary school. Not long after the trip they decided to start an organization in promise to continue helping this country. They went back in 2007 and fixed the water pump and finished the elementary school. Just recently they came back from their third trip to Senegal. This time they built a college, which for us is a middle school. (7th- 9th grade) They sell homemade breakfast burritos to raise money for the country and trips. To date they have made over 55 thousand burritos. You can visit http://www.dshf.org/ for more information about the organization. I feel they should be nominated for the making a difference, because they truly have helped a small country with nothing, get back on their feet.

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Marcie Oltman, Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:08:50 GMT

In response to your report about the vitamin D deficiency in children and the need for more outside play for children. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, just outside of Milwaukee, WI, operates a state licensed, year-round preschool with a nature play focus. We go outside everyday in all kinds of weather, in every season, staying in only when conditions are dangerous. (It is entirely feasible that our children spend more hours outdoors in two years of nature preschool than in all their subsequent K-12 school years combined.) The forests, prairies, ponds and Lake Michigan shoreline are our playgrounds and natural habitat. We believe these daily doses of nature play produce, competent, confident, observant, curious children full of wonder and love for the world they inhabit.
http://www.sanc.org/natpre.htm

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Cynthia Ruse Summerville, SC — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:16:17 GMT

Brian,

I had a life saving transplant,pancreas, performed two years ago 8/11/07 by Dr. Melancon. He really saved my life and changed my life and family forever. I was being treated the same way with plasma pherosis, I spelled that wrong, asthe patients in the kidney piece because I too had antibodies. I owe my life to the donor family, they had a death, and donated the childs organs and to Dr. Melancon. I was on several waiting lists for about five years with little to no hope of getting a transplant. Can you give him my best regards and many thanks as he has left Johns Hopkins, where my transplant was performed? Thank you very much on the story and for letting everyone know just how important transplants are for everyone.

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Jean Burton, Portsmouth, RI — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:31:37 GMT

I nominate Jorge Munoz of Queens, a bus driver who prepares food for 120-140 homeless people every night in his neighborhood. I just read about this guy and I would love to hear his name mentioned.

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Ann, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:36:46 GMT

Mary Wichmann is making a difference in the Fargo, ND area. She is a volunteer with the local chapter of Hospice. She has written a book, titled "Hi, I'm Mary" documenting her first experiences as a volunteer with the organization. Mary is donating all proceeds of the book to Hospice of the Red River Valley. More info can be found at www.hiimmary.com

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Stephen White, Canton, MA — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:27:09 GMT

"Making a Difference" Wednesday August 5th about Albie Pearson.
I watched Mr. Pearson play baseball when I was a boy. Well, I'm 55 now and this segment taught me something I didn't realize then...
Albie Pearson = 5'5.375" of heart.
All the best,
Stephen White

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Leigh Abril — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:54:54 GMT

Right now in the UK, comedian, actor Eddie Izzard is running a marathon a day in support of a charity that supports children world wide. He is running around the UK and so far he has run 10 marathons in 12 days (taking Sundays off). He is planning on keeping this up for 6 weeks straight to raise money for this charity. He has run 10 marathons! In 12 days! Why is it in this country unless you are an American superstar, Katie Holmes running the NY marathon for example, the media pays no attention? Here is a true good news story that is also inspirational. Even if he were to stop tomorrow that would be 11 marathons in 13 days to support a cause he believes in

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Susan E. Gadziala, Liberty, NY — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:11:20 GMT

With all the different blogs - thought you might appreciate one about one of your youngest fans - my granddaughter who is now 9 months old just absolutely loves you. When you come on the television she stops whatever she's doing and watches you intently and smiles and chats with you. I would say that you, Brian, are her first television crush! I hope that she is always interested in the news, however I'm not sure about that crush she has on you - maybe she'll out grow out it. . . but maybe not!

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Nancy Schlachet, Moreland Hills, OH — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:55:17 GMT

I would like to nominate Zac Ponsky for Making A Difference. Zac founded an organization called MedWorks in Cleveland, Ohio which provided free health care for undersinsured, uninsured people. Please go to www.cleveland.com/healthfit/ which can explain Medowrks far better than I can. Zac is an amazing young man and what he as done is simply spectacular. Thank you.

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Jason McWhorter, Cincinnati, Ohio — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:09:05 GMT

I have a friend named Rayshawn who did an incredibly courageous and heart warming act of kindness the other day.

He was driving through our city, Cincinnati, and he noticed a young man walking down the street who seemed to be in pain. He stopped and asked the young man if he needed a ride. While the young man was in the car he asked what his situation was. The young man explained that he was out of work, recently divorced (his wife left him and took their children with her) and was unemployed. The young man just wanted to be taken to the gas station so he could beg for some money.

Rayshawn would not have that, he asked when was the last time that the young man had taken a shower. The young man replied 3 days ago. Rayshawn then took the young man to his apartment and let him use his shower, gave him food, and something to drink. He then contacted his friends and started to do some research about homeless shelters in Cincinnati. After some time he was able to locate a shelter that would take this young man, he went there with him and waited until he knew that he would be taken care of. The person at the homeless shelter (the advicate) thanked him, of course as well as the young man, and stated that it is not very often that people help in a way that he did.

What I find the most amazing about this story is that Rayshawn is basically broke, can barley make his rent, and has a low paying job. Yet Rayshawn took the time out of his say to help this young man.

Rayshawn has recently gotten involved with the Church again and he said his motivation was thinking What Would Jesus Do. I am not a religous person (agnostic) but I commend him for his actions, I truly believe if we all acted like Jesus we would not have as many problems as we currently do.

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Nancy Schlachet, Moreland Hills, OH — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:42:29 GMT

I would like to nominate Zac Ponsky for Making A Difference. Zac founded an organization called MedWorks in Cleveland, Ohio which provided free health care for undersinsured, uninsured people. Please go to www.cleveland.com/healthfit/ which can explain Medworks far better than I can. Zac is an amazing young man and what he as done is simply spectacular. Thank you.

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Karen White, Silver Spring, MD — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:47:31 GMT

The ELCA National Youth Convention titled 'Jesus, Justice, and Jazz' was held in New Orlenas from 7/22 through 7/26/09. This is the largest convention of it's kind since Katrina devastated the area. It was a gathering of about 37,000 Lutheran Youth and adult chaperons who came together not just to learn and grow in their religion but in their commitment to the world community. They took advantage of many opprotunities for hands-on learning, serving, fellowship, playing and more. There were donations of around $200,000 for the ELCA Global Hunger Program; nearly 500 donations of hair for cancer patients; over 1000 pints of blood; as well as approximately 150 service projects in the New Orlean area. The youth picked up trash, painted schools, rebuilt homes, planted new grasslands,and cleaned cemeteries and parks. These young people deserve 'National Recognition' for their efforts and, more importantly, their examples of how we should all live our lives. In his letter to the Youth, President Obamo felt that their activties reminds us that "each of us has a role to play in shaping a better future for our county." It's disappointing that our President felt so mored to recognize their activity and yet the national news broadcasters neglected to make any mention of it at all. This is our youth making a difference. It was an extremely signicicant event!

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Marilyn Fajardo, Miami, Florida — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:15:21 GMT

Tens-of-thousands of men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have spent millions of volunteer hours helping the U.S. Coast Guard carry out its mission. They have saved countless lives through their work and are probably best known for their boating safety classes and Vessel Safety Checks.

There are 30,000 auxiliarists across the country. Four thousand two hundred and twelve are in Florida and one of its members is worth pointing out.

Ninety-two years young, William "Bill" Kaufmann has been an active member of Flotilla 5-1 of the Palm Beaches for the past 37 years. He is also active at Coast Guard Station Kings Point, Long Island, New York, where he's a regular visitor.

Bill spent most of his years with the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a coxswain running boats. Bill's wife, who passed away a few years ago, was also an auxiliarist.

Today, Bill visits the station three days a week. He walks to a nearby bus stop to catch a ride into work. He spends most of his time at the station and although his eyesight is fading, that doesn't stop Bill from performing his duties.

He participates in a multi-agency team that inspects containers at the Port of Palm Beach, he cleans weapons, and lends his engineering skills to many projects at the Station. During one Coast Guard weapons training session, he notifies that the target disintegrated and sank when hit with an M-60 machine gun. He used his engineering skills to develop an unsinkable target that has been submitted for adoption nationally.

In a recent issue of Navigator, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary magazine, Bill explained why he goes to the station and why he makes a point of going to promotions and ceremonies. "When I'm in my uniform, standing at attention, I feel so proud. In my senior years, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is giving direction and purpose to my life in addition to tremendous satisfaction."

An interesting bit of history is that this World War II Army veteran is a former electrical engineer who worked on the Apollo Lunar Module. It's also rumored around the station that he knows Colonel Harland Sanders' secret herbs and spices recipe.

I hope that Bill's story is considered for a future "Making a Difference" segment.

Thanks and I look forward to your reply.

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Lynn U. Berman, Stamford, CT. — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:20:37 GMT

Hi Brian,
With the unemployment rate over 9 percent, it's amazing that a company would hire people with developmental disabilities. What's more incredible is that the company - Levy Restaurants - is the official caterer to the US Open tennis championship. In just a few weeks, more than 50 individuals with disabilities from YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities employment training programs will be showcasing their abilities at the Grand Slam event, maintaining the high-traffic food village. It's nice to see a company that views hiring people with disabilities as a sound business decision, rather than an act of charity

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Janice Buck, Washington, DC — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:37:37 GMT

An employee recently initiated a bike-sharing program at the Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters building in DC. He donated his own brand new bicycle and sent an email to encourage coworkers to use the bike for short trips around town. This "program" is not DOT sponsored - just a guy letting others use his bike in hopes of promoting good health and conservation. I think it's a great story to highlight an individual who's helping make life a little better. The full text of the email is included in an August 11th article at http://greatergreaterwashington.org.

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Douglas Yeich Millersville, PA — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:10:06 GMT

I suggest doing a piece on Remote Area Medical or RAM who provide free MEDICAL, VISION, and DENTAL care for uninsured, underinsured, unemployed, under-employed persons. They were founded to do serve the developing world but now find themselves doing 60% of their work in the US. Hundreds to thousands of Americans are volunteering their time and medical skills to help who are suffering. They should all be applauded as the best among us.
RAM is in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA this week:
AUGUST 11 - AUGUST 18, 2009
at THE FORUM in INGLEWOOD
3900 W Manchester Blvd
beginning at 5:30AM daily
http://www.ramusa.org/index.html

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Amanda Watts, Mayfield, KY. — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:58:59 GMT

Inspiring story of a baby girl born with a giant omphalocele and other complications. Now 10 wks old and still in the NICU. Family and friends are supporting her parents by forming "Team Riley" and sending daily funny pictures, gifts, prayers, messages. Website created, t-shirts and bracelets made, etc. Riley is touching many hearts and changing lives.Prayer,faith,hope,love works! Much more to come!

Tell us your good news

Andrea Ross, Lima, OH — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:39:20 GMT

Flora DeVoe, my grandmother, has spent most of her life giving time, money and support to friends, family and strangers alike. There are too many stories of random acts of kindness to list here. After the passing of my grandfather several years ago, she became involved in the Haiti humanitarian and medical mission at our church (Shawnee United Methodist Church) and raised thousands of dollars to help build three houses there, then traveled with the mission group to help build them! That trip was her first out of the country.

She has since been back twice to help provide support in this very poor region. In part to honor her 75th birthday (which happens on race day), Shawnee United Methodist Church will be hosting the Hands for Haiti Half-Marathon & 5K Road Race on Sept. 19, 2009. All proceeds from this family event-- the first half-marathon within 60 miles of our town of Lima, OH-- will go directly to our Haiti mission. We're also pleased to report it is bringing a family-centric, healthy Saturday morning alternative to our area.

We would love to see all of you out there to run, walk or even just cheer on the participants for this event. And while you're there, tell my grandma Happy Birthday!

Tell us your good news

April Wilson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:19:02 GMT

I would like to commend Buildasign as they are giving away 20,000 jumbo cards, and vinyl welcoming home signs for returning troops. We ordered one for our Son upon his returning from Iraq, and it was gorgeous! This has to be costing this wonderful company a lot of money to donate all this to the troops and their families. I think they deserve all the thanks and recognition they can get. Their website for the free banners and cards is: http://www.buildasign.com/Troops?