I have always loved home make-over shows. In college, I was hooked on Trading Spaces. My new favorite show is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Ty Pennington from Trading Spaces hosts this show, where families in need have new homes built. Usually the families are giving back to the community in some way, such as sheltering animals or creating support groups for illnesses. This week's story was truly touching.

I was first introduced to the family on 20/20. Diane Sawyer did a piece
on the children of Camden, NJ. This city has the highest poverty rate
in the country, with high crime and drug use. A single father was
raising his 5 teenage boys in this setting, and started a non-profit in
the meantime. Single Fathers of Camden is a place where fathers can enjoy time with their children in a stress-free environment. Victor Marrero is truly a hero for recognizing the needs of a community.

What really struck me was the conditions Victor's family were living in.
Their rental home has plywood instead of glass panes in the windows.
They sometimes used the gas stove for heat. The refrigerator was practically
empty, aside from some instant mashed potatoes. 5 teenage boys- mostly
eating mashed potatoes. And not one of them had a bed. They all slept
on the floor, not even on a mattress. When asked what their dream room
would be, they said all they wanted was a bed.

It's funny how it takes stories like this to ground you. Victor's eldest son was the
first in the family to graduate high school. He worked in a fast food chain to make $32/day to help buy food and pay bills. I am getting my masters and make $1000/month. But I have a bed. And my fridge is empty because I live alone and live on quesadillas. Not because I can't afford to buy groceries.

So then I realize I want to help. But how much can I do? I already
volunteer and contribute money to organizations I believe in. I am
planning my 10 year reunion with help from a handful of people out of a
class of 350. I don't live near Camden. Will I, or can I, really make a
difference?

How do you give back? Where does your time go?

Giving can be helping a grandparent or neighbor buy groceries or mow their lawn. It can be putting your spare change into a donation jar or tipping 25% to a waitress who is having a bad day. But what do you do? Will you do something?

You don't realize how much you have until it is taken all away or you meet a person who truly has nothing. It's pretty humbling. I have no right to complain. I never went hungry. I never had to sleep on the floor. I graduated from college, and will soon be receiving an advanced degree.

So check out Victor's group. They have a simple wish list if you don't live near by. Or become a mentor in your neighborhood. Or just help someone. It could make a huge difference.