ABC’s Emmy-award winning reality TV show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition announced in August that the show’s October Joplin project would build seven homes in seven days for families who suffered losses in the May 22, 2011 tornado. Thousands of people in the Joplin area and from across the country donated time and materials in the massive effort to help rebuild a part of the devastated community. Numerous volunteers discovered the power of generosity as they participated in this build as well as continued clean-up efforts. Messages were painted on the sides of buildings as a testament to the heartfelt gratitude the residents of Joplin have for the thousands of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for months.
