Original Air Date:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Everyday Heroes:
Oprah and People Magazine teamed together to share stories of everyday heroes doing their part to help others during this time of economic struggle in America. To get the word out and encourage viewers to give to these organizations, Oprah welcomed 10 people via Skype and to the show to tell how they are making a difference.
Dr. Dan and Suzie Bell - Echo Clinic, Eureka Springs, AR:
Dr. Oz traveled to Eureka Springs, AR to report the story of Dr. Dan and Suzie Bell who are providing free health care in their town at the Echo Clinic. Twice a month in their church gym, the couple and 250 local volunteers provide medical care for those who are uninsured for 3 hours. Along with treatment, those who come are also served dinner and are also provided with counseling if needed.
The couple appeared via Skype with 15 volunteers and shared that in a town of only 2,000 residents, they are providing a service that is very much needed in the community.
Hal Colston - Good News Garage:
Explaining that many people are just 1 car repair away from disaster, Hal Colston is doing his part to help those in need of dependable transportation with the Good News Garage. Repairing donated cars and selling them to those in need for 1/2 of the value or what they can afford to pay, Hal has helped more than 3,500 people get into cars they can trust. With 80% of the vehicles going to single mothers, Hal saw a need and responded with a great idea to help.
Dealership owner, Rick Hendrick, wanted to contribute to the cause, and donated 10 2008 Impalas and gas for the year for each car.
Soup Lady & Oil Tanks:
Dale Dunning from Delaware is known as the soup lady for providing 900 quarts a week to those who are hungry and in need. Over the last 11 years, Dale estimates that she has given out 65,000 bowls of soup/
Dallas from Washington found a way to turn his business of removing old oil tanks from homes into a way to help others. Taking the leftover oil in the old tanks and giving it to families without heat, Dallas has been able to keep 200 homes warm.
Marilyn Mock - Foreclosure Angel:
Devastated at a home foreclosure auction, Tracy was stunned when a stranger recognized her desire to save her house and bid $30,000 to buy it; turning around and giving it back to her. Marilyn Mock saw what it meant to Tracy to keep her home for her daughter and chose to act first and figure out how she would do it later. Via Skype, the women shared that they have since become friends and how Marilyn has started Foreclosure Angels to help others save their homes.
Tim and Nancy Nicolai - Arena Motel, SD:
In SD, Tim and Nancy Nicolai at the 26 room Arena Motel have done their part to help those who are without a home and in need. Allowing some guests to stay for free or pay what they can, Tim and Nancy balance helping others and keeping their business running. A few longer-term residents cook and clean for the motel in exchange for their stays. In addition to a temporary place to live, Tim and Nancy also provide meals for their tenants.
Via Skype, the couple explained how they began by helping a mother who needed help. The local supermarket in SD donated $12,000 in gift cards to help Tim and Nancy continue giving.
Sheets, Toys, Socks & Pet Food:
Mary Marzano found a way to reuse gently-used sheets from hotels that would otherwise be thrown away by donating them to homeless shelters. Since she began, Mary has provided bedding for 8000 beds. Audience members and staff each contributed a new sheets to Mary's organization for a total of 340 sets.
10 year-old Ashlee Smith saw a need to help children who have lost everything due to fire. With the help of her firefighter father, Ashlee has given out 50,000 toys in the last 2 years.
Hannah Turner first gave her pink socks to a homeless man at the age of 3 and decided with her mother to donate 100 additional pairs to a shelter. Since then, Hannah's Socks has given 100,000 pairs of socks to those in need.
12 year-old Mimi Ausland started freekibble.com to donate dry pet food to animal shelters in need. Since starting the site, the organization has helped to feed 1 million homeless animals.
People Magazine:
Oprah welcomed the managing editor of People Magazine to the show where he explained that he had the idea to share the stories of everyday people doing overwhelming things to do their part helping others.
