ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airs on Sunday evenings, at 8:00 (7:00 Central), but this week on the special Thursday episode, the team visited Biloxi, Mississippi, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Even now, more than six months later, the nightmare those people are living is still in evidence. The views shown during Monday’s episode were just shocking. Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to describe it.
While I’m sure a lot of work has been done despite appearances, to say that there is much more to be done would be an understatement. Thankfully, Ty Pennington and his team showed up to lend a hand.
They did a great job building a free clinic where many poor families receive their medical care, then went on to construct a beautiful memorial to remember those who perished due to the storm. They also brought smiles to the faces of nearly 30 families who were each given new washers, dryers, and a $500 shopping card from Sears, and it’s not over yet.
There are three more “After the Storm” episodes planned, so check your TV listings. If you have never watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, tune in sometime. It is a powerful experience watching people’s lives change before your eyes.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has always been a great show, filled with creativity, innovation, generosity, and many touching stories, but this episode touched my heart more than usual. Tears of sadness then tears of joy rolled down my face. I was touched not only by the plight of the people, but also by their spirit, and by the great compassion shown by the design team and everyone involved.
Please remember, that the people affected by this disaster still need our help. The storm may be gone, but the devastation is not. Sears and Extreme Makeover are kicking off a special program in April, called “Winds of Change,” which will benefit hurricane survivors.
*For more information on this program, please read the Sears Press Release.