I love watching this show as it provides families with a new home.  Many families have lost a provider or are suffering from a disease or disability and need help with their home.  I seldom cry at movies, but I must say.......each week I look forward to my regular tear-jerker showing one more family a week of happiness!  Extreme Makeover Home Edition is really making a difference in the lives of families across the country.

This time while watching I thought I'd actually make an effort to get other people pumped about what this show is doing.  A member mentioned to find out ways to help in your community to visit http://www.abettercommunity.com/ so I did.  This is ABC's site where they "hope to inspire you and others to make a difference through volunteerism and public service".

They list Ongoing Partner Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ~ Build Decent Housing and Brighter Futures For Hard-Working Families, HomeAid ~ Building Hope for Today's Homeless, 1-800-Volunteer.org ~ engaging more people more effectively in volunteering to help solve serious social problems, Camp Heartland ~ makes a vital, lifelong difference for children impacted by HIV/AIDS, Clearpool ~ provides underprivileged children an escape from inner city New York by helping them discover a whole new world, The AIDS Council ~ to reduce the risk, fear, and incidence of HIV infection, encourage the independence of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and promote understanding of their needs, AND MANY MORE!

Ty Pennington is the Leader of the Design team and "has certainly carved out a niche for himself as the lovable, off-the-wall, hunk-of-a-carpenter and home design guru".  He is enthusiastic about helping families and each week chooses his "secret room" for a family member.  Each member of the design team puts effort into getting to know the family, what they like and hold close to their heart, then create a room perfect for them.

If you know a family that might benefit from an Extreme Makeover - Home Edition, they can apply by printing out an application, taking a video, and sending with photo's and a description of themselves.  It sounds fairly simple to do.  They look for families that are "inspirational and deserving".

I hope you enjoy watching this show as much as I do and find the motivation within yourself to make a difference in your community.

~Melissa Olson