Featured Good News Video

Helping military families reconnect

Operation Purple is helping American combat veterans re-connect with their families and with nature in one of this country's most beautiful places. NBC's Lee Cowan reports.

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Madagascar's safe haven

Ben Wedeman finds resilient residents determined to carve out safe havens in the sprawling city.

Building better futures

When it comes to building Madagascar's education system, sometimes the best solution is brick by brick.

Oyster workers lost jobs, but not hope

More than 40 workers were laid off when the Ameripure Oyster Co. had to shut down operations because of the BP Gulf oil spill, but the company's former employees were equally stunned by the generosity shown to them by complete strangers--including many Nightly News viewers. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.

11-year-old feeding needy people

Katie Stagliano, age 11, manages multiple gardens that supply food to local soup kitchens.

CNN Hero: Kathryn Hall-Trujillo

Kathryn Hall-Trujillo started "Birthing Project USA" to help African-Americans have healthy babies.

Bionic hand gives young man new grip on life

Michael Waldron, 18, was born with a congenital malformation that robbed him of four fingers on his right hand. But, thanks to a great advance in the field of prosthetics, he has received a new hand. NBC’s chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman has his story.

11-year-old inspired to end bullying

A student taunted and teased at school decides to start an anti-bullying campaign. Prime News reports.

A movie theatre survives, and Main Street thrives

In many small North Dakota communities, volunteers have rallied around their local movie theaters to keep them open. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

‘Superhero’ Postal Worker Saves Lives

Keith McVey's friends joke the humble mailman should wear a cape. During more than two decades of delivering mail in northeast Ohio, he has helped save the lives of three people.

Saving pets that the oil spill left behind

People around the country have opened their homes to the unexpected victims of the oil spill: pets who have been turned in by reluctant owners who can no longer afford to take care of them. NBC's Michele Kosinski reports.

Camp helps military kids cope

Operation Purple helps kids deal when their parents are deployed. CNN's Jason Carroll reports.

100-Year-Old Baby Doc

Augusta, Ga. resident Dr. Walter Watson is the oldest practicing physician in the country, and he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Steve Hartman continues the series, "Assignment America."

FilmAid Projects Hope in Haiti

FilmAid provides the children of Haiti what many doctors can not bring earthquake survivors, a moment to forget about the pain and suffering the last six months has brought. Dr. Jon Lapook reports.

Making free hay more than mere horseplay

A Colorado woman helps those who've been hit hard by the economy by making sure their horses stay well-fed. NBC's Kristen Welker reports.

CNN Hero: Deborah Hoffman

Since 2008, Deborah Hoffman's nonprofit group has relocated more than 180 stray dogs in Houston, Texas.

CNN Heroes: Narayanan Krishnan

Narayanan Krishnan brings hot meals and dignity to India's homeless and destitute, 365 days a year.

Fathers rebuild their lives

A non-profit group called "Fathers Now" helps men turn their lives around. CNN's Deborah Feyerick reports.

Filtering Haiti's water

A filter helps clean dirty water and makes it ready for drinking in Haiti. CNN's Jarrod Holbrook reports.

Crash Test Dummies take place in Smithsonian history

Taking stock of the life-saving contributions made by Vince and Larry, the Crash Test Dummies who became famous for their funny, and effective, seatbelt PSAs. NBC's Tom Costello reports.

Haitian boy fills an empty nest

An older couple is raising a Haitian boy whose life was uprooted by the quake. CNN's Sarah Hoye checks in on the family.

Chef cooks up a fresh idea for food stamps

Cooking with fresh, locally grown produce is usually associated with expensive restaurants and suburban kitchens, but award-winning chef Michel Nischan is spreading the movement to inner city neighborhoods. NBC's John Yang reports.

Hope for Haitian girls' soccer team

An American soccer player helped bring the Haitian girls' team to the U.S. CNN's Patrick Snell reports.

Father-son 'Team Hoyt' runs with heart

Working as a team, one family inspires others struggling with disability to find joy in the long run. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.

Community finds ways to shed pounds

An Alabama community 'takes steps' to shed pounds and be more sustainable. CNN's Martin Savidge reports.

Making transportation eco-friendly

CNN's Brian Byrnes reports on one architect's groundbreaking ideas in urban planning.

One small act can make a difference

The documentary "A Small Act" examines how a monthly $15 donation led a young boy from Kenya to Harvard Law.

Deaf-blind actors succeed on stage

The world's first professional deaf-blind theater company brings its tour to London. CNN's Sasha Herriman reports.

Prosthetic leg brings dancer hope

NBC’s chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman profiles a professional dancer whose dreams were cut short when she lost her leg in the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. But with a new prosthesis, amputee Fabienne Jean now dances with optimism.

6-year-old holds carnival for a cause

A carnival in a Colorado town was put together by a 6-year-old boy, and he did for a person close to his heart -- his teacher. KUSA’s Eric Kahnert has the story.

Iron Kids: Young Triathletes

Jeff Glor reports on the country's newest and most inspiring endurance athletes -- kids who are training for triathlons.

Lee’s ‘Mockingbird’ still resonates at 50

It’s a work of fiction that reflects the simmering reality of the era in which it was written, but as NBC’s Lester Holt reports, 50 years after its publishing, "To Kill a Mockingbird" remains an American classic.

Turtle inadvertently films trip, helps solve mystery

Paul Schultz was on the job in Key West as a Coast Guard investigator looking for tar balls when a tantalizing mystery washed ashore. NBC’s Chris Jansing shares the modern-day message in a bottle.

Donate your gear

CNN profiles a 'team effort' by an Atlanta women's pro soccer team to help schools in Niger.

Literacy in Developing World

CBS News' Seth Doane reports from New Delhi, India, one of the many sites where a non-profit organization known as 'Room to Read' has set out to build children's libraries in impoverished nations.

Blue Angels raise spirits of Gulf tourists

With the Gulf tourism industry taking a devastating hit due to the oil spill crisis, crowds turned out in droves to see the pride of Pensacola perform in an annual tradition. NBC's Ron Mott reports.

'Angels' fight cancer with cars, planes

Kathy Broussard's program gives free flights and rides to critically ill patients.

Casting fears aside, autistic kids catch a wave

Working with kids who have trouble expressing themselves under everyday circumstances, surfers share with them the special joy of riding a wave. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

Wal-Mart greeter a Facebook sensation

A 77-year-old Wal-Mart greeter is just as popular online as he is in the offline community, as KOMU reports.

Far from celebrity headlines, 'Miss Rona' finds new calling

Back in the spotlight at the age of 73, Rona Barrett has launched a different kind of one-woman show with her foundation helps seniors who can't pay for care. NBC's Janet Shamlian reports.

Prehistoric fossils in couple's backyard

A Tennessee couple received quite a shock when they tried to install a new swimming pool in their backyard.

Meet online’s ‘Original Grandparents’

NBC’s Lee Cowan visits Barbara and Harry Cooper, a couple in their 90s who have taken the Internet by storm by sharing their secrets on love and life on the-OGs.com, their website.

Palestinian women racedrivers

CNN's Paula Hancocks reports on two Palestinian women who have a love for racing in sports cars.

Easing Alzheimer's with art

Volunteers in Atlanta help Alzheimer's patients create original works of art.

New images of the universe

The Planck telescope gives a new view of the universe.

Deaf Immigrant Finds American Dream

Jose Gutierrez dreamed of a better life in the U.S. and at just 15, crossed the border without his parents. A journey made more difficult considering he's deaf. Seth Doane reports.

The Rise of Makerbots

Having a computer on your desk once seemed like science fiction, but now they're just about everywhere. Could the ability to CREATE anything, with a machine smaller than a television, be far away? John Bentley has the story.

Small town becomes technologically advanced

Entrepreneur Ward Shepherd brings free Wi-Fi to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. It's a technological step forward for the majority of residents that were unable afford wireless internet. NBC's Roger O’Neill reports.

The Faces of War

Seth Doane has the story of one man's commitment to honor veterans with brush strokes and oil paint.

The First Preacher

With the political rhetoric on Capitol Hill boiling there is one voice that tries to calm the waters. As John Dickerson reports, Barry Black's prayers on the Senate floor help relieve partisan bickering.

After a lifetime of struggles, young woman soars

Karina Melendez has survived more in her 17 years than most people will ever face in a lifetime. Now, as NBC’s Tom Llamas reports, her hard work and resilient spirit is paying off.

Bob Dole's rehab inspires soldiers

Wounded soldiers have befriended WWII vet Bob Dole who is recuperating from surgery at Walter Reed Hospital, CNN's Ed Henry reports.

Honoring Fallen Vets

Each night during the warm summer months in N.J., 89-year-old Cape May resident Marvin Hume honors fallen veterans with a special ceremony. Jim Axelrod shows us Marvin's "American Spirit."

Charity outfits S. African kids, fuels Cup dreams

John Pearlman knows what it’s like to be a boy in love with soccer. Now, his organization, Dreamfields, is giving thousands a chance to dream bigger. NBC’s Ian Williams reports.

Zac Brown Band impacts U.S. troops

The Zac Brown Band is helping to boost the spirits of U.S. troops overseas with a letter writing campaign.

Tiger cub, puppy become BFFs

Animal experts at a Washington zoo brought in Sage, a Pyrenees puppy, to be a playmate for Amura, a tiger cub. TODAYshow.com's Dara Brown reports.

California's green schools

One of the largest school districts in California is going green, with solar panels and harvesting gardens.

Teens and shovels rebuild Detroit

Despite her own struggles, one teen steps up to revitalize Detroit. CNN's Jason Carroll reports.

Chicago kids learn a new drill

For 30 years, The South Shore Drill Team has been providing a refuge for Chicago kids who are looking for safe place to fit in. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

Microfinancing small businesses

CNN's Emily Chang reports on a microfinance firm that helps Chinese farmers start small businesses.

Sporties for shorties teeball

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at a program that teaches toddlers some important life lessons while running the bases.

Chicago school's success story

CNN's Kiran Chetry speaks to the founder of Chicago's Urban Prep, where the first class of seniors is all college-bound.

Soldier Receives Medals 66 Years Late

88-year-old veteran Bob Bearden was finally honored for his part in D-Day.

Beach Wedding Dream Undeterred

A Texas couple with dreams of a beach wedding worried about the impending oil slick, but decided to stick with their plans. Steve Hartman has tonight's "Assignment America."

Dancing for Eight Decades

Freddie Franklin began his dancing career in 1931, and this week he's performing in "Swan Lake" for the American Ballet Theatre. Michelle Miller reports from New York.

89-year-old mayor's success story

Hazel McCallion never campaigns, yet she's been mayor of Canada's sixth largest city for more than 30 years.

Public Pianos Bring Strangers a Little Closer

Putting pianos in busy public spaces has surprising results.

CNN Hero: Fred Scarf

Fred Scarf's foundation organizes a free prom every year for teens living with life-threatening illnesses.

Hospital designed with a green blueprint

CNN's Randi Kaye reports on how Chicago's Rush Hospital is rethinking healthcare the green way.

Medical Breakthrough: Restoring Sight to the Blind

Stem cells from one's own eye can bring new sight to those blinded by burns.

Nation’s oldest school sets ‘green’ example

NBC’s Peter Alexander visits the Boston Latin School, where students are executing an ambitious plan to transform their school into an environmentally conscious building.

Son of 'Last Lecturer' Takes on Father's Fight

Randy Pausch's 8-year-old son campaigns against pancreatic cancer.

Skateboard Twins, YouTube Stars

In Calif., 12-year-old twin skateboarders have mastered some difficult skateboard tricks and quickly became YouTube sensations. As John Blackstone reports, all their hard work is paying off.

Public pianos strike chord in NY

The summer solstice came alive with the sound of music on Monday as New Yorkers tried out their ivory-tickling skills in a city-wide public music project. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.

New Invention Helps Girl's Leg Grow

Bone cancer for kids normally means many surgeries; Morgan Larue only needed one

Keeping Key West an Island Paradise

Now that the ongoing oil spill is threatening the Fla. coast, 4-thousand Key West residents volunteered to help if and when the oil reaches. Steve Hartman reports on tonight's "Assignment America."

'Lemon aid' for the Gulf

An 8-year-old talks about how he is raising money to help oil-soaked wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico.

11 years later, lost wedding ring found

A Massachusetts fire chief who lost his wedding ring fighting a fire at a home 11 years ago receives a welcome surprise. WHDH's Matt Lorch reports.

Charter School Defies Odds

At a time when so much of our education system is failing, Katie Couric visits a Washington, D.C. high school where children are graduating in extraordinary numbers and defying some pretty tough odds.

Soccer ball turns into lamp

CNN's Ali Velshi talks to three Harvard students about Soccket, their super soccer ball invention.

For impaired player, grass is still greener on golf course

Derek Gemmet, the first golfer with cerebral palsy to become a PGA professional caddie, has now started the Mobility Impaired Golf Association (http://www.migolf.org/) to show others what the love of a game can do. NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.

Goalie Tim Howard no stranger to taking shots

Having overcome Tourette’s syndrome, U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard is used to changing people's minds, and now the New Jersey native is a major force in recasting the reputation of American soccer abroad. NBC's Ian Williams reports.

Hero helping more than 2,000 children

Ponheary Ly helps provide school uniforms, supplies and other services to more than 2,000 Cambodian children.

Kids turning neighborhood around

A group of motivated kids are taking things into their own hands and turning their neighborhood around. WSB reports.

Autistic Student's Inspirational Graduation Speech

Autistic salutatorian Eric Duquette gave a memorable speech to his classmates.

Racing toward a dream

As a single mother with two kids, Amy Palmiero-Winters has overcome incredible challenges to continue as a competitive ultra-marathon runner, but now she has become the first runner with a prosthetic leg to be named to the U.S. Track and Field team. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.

Billionaires Giving it Away

The two richest men in America, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates have issued a challenge to fellow billionaires, to give away at least half of their money to charity. Jim Axelrod has the story.

New Orleans' field of dreams

A young teacher is raising big bucks to build a high school football field in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.

The Kidney Swap

28 strangers coming to the aid of one another.

Bringing the World Cup to Haiti

Martin Fletcher reports on the work of FilmAid International to help bring a little happiness to Haitians who are still struggling to cope in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Tony Danza goes back to school

The actor, best known for his roles on classic TV shows like "Taxi" and "Who’s the Boss?", has spent the last year teaching 10th -grade English to inner-city kids in Philadelphia for a new reality TV show. NBC’s Jamie Gangel reports.

Changing lives one bicycle at a time

At a community bike shop in Virginia, kids are discovering life lessons that begin with how to change a flat tire.

Kevin Costner Cleans Up the Gulf

BP purchases 32 of the actor's innovative oil cleaning devices.

11-Year-Old Draws for Gulf Relief

So many people across the U.S. want to help with the oil spill, especially an 11-year-old girl who used her talent of drawing to help with Gulf relief. Steve Hartman has tonight's "Assignment America."

Ensuring a future for children of fallen soldiers

Peter Trovato, founder of the Massachusetts Soldiers' Legacy Fund, has made it his mission to help cover the cost of college for every child of every Massachusetts servicemember killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Recession-Hit Mom Finds Laughter

An aspiring stand-up comedian has struggled to find work, but she and a dozen of other dreamers hope to be discovered at an open mic night. Bill Whitaker has this woman's story.

Getting the inside track to make a difference

NBC’s Tom Brokaw takes a look at the White House Fellows, a prestigious program designed to give people a new appreciation of the challenges and possibilities of public life.

Gail Johnson Honors Adopted Son Nkosi

Nkosi's Haven, a shelter for mothers with AIDS, has blossomed into a village.

SpongeBob Savior

A boy saves his friend using a technique he learned watching SpongeBob SquarePants.

Singer Jewel helps people live healthier

Singer Jewel helps provide clean drinking water around the world.

School Helps Kids With Cancer Focus on Play

The Zuch family founded the school after their daughter recovered from leukemia.

World Cup helps South African kids

As CNN's Zain Verjee reports, one woman is using the World Cup to help kids reach their goals.

Frugal Millionaire Leaves Fortune to Home Town

Few knew Verna Oller was a savvy investor or what she did with her $4.5 million.

Show me the honey

City backyards break out in hives as urban beekeepers create a neighborhood buzz. Karin Caifa reports.

John Tesh: 'Serve as quickly as you can'

Grammy-winning musician John Tesh speaks with CNN's Tony Harris on his 'Adopt a Fisherman' program.

Paralyzed drummer is back with style

Jason Gerling uses a mouthpiece while playing the bass drum. CNN All Platform Journalist Chris Welch reports.

The Power of Rugby

Rugby is a rough game, but can sometimes teach life lessons. As Jeff Glor reports, competing in this sport isn't a problem for some young men and women with no shortage of heart.

Drew Brees vows to help oil spill victims

Saints quarterback Drew Brees tells CNN's John King that he is committed to help those affected by the oil spill.

Summer Camp for Dogs

As summer approaches, it's that time of the year for summer camp, not only for kids, but for dogs too. In tonight's "Assignment America", Steve Hartman shows us a dog-gone good time.

Musician's Second Chance

After years of putting her dreams on hold, a middle-aged singer is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Russ Mitchell has Sharon Jones' story.

Unemployed man spreads cash and hope

A Washington man's campaign of compassion is inspiring others. WJLA reports.

Saved by dogs, trained to help others

Jennifer Arnold's organization changes lives by providing service dogs for free. She says her life has been changed too.

Dad's baseball gadget inspired by son

A logger inspired by his 10-year-old son gets bright idea for a baseball invention. CNN's Tony Harris reports.

Support Our Seniors

A visit to one New York neighborhood where CNN Hero Irene Zola matches volunteers to senior citizens who need help.

War-Zone Golf: New Past-Time?

An investment banker's idea to send donated golf balls overseas became a hit for troops at an Army base. As Michelle Miller reports, golf has become a new past-time in this war zone.

Orphaned son finds mom 60 years later

A son finds his mom more than 60 years after being left in an orphanage. WVIT's Lisa Carberg has the story.

Teen's Double Transplant Success

A 16-year-old girl diagnosed with an immune deficiency disease had two transplants from the same donor, a novel idea from her medical team. As Byron Pitts tells us, her life is full of new beginnings.

Texas brothers make history in Arlington

Two men from Texas became the first pair of brothers to join the elite group of soldiers standing guard in Arlington National Cemetery. NBC's Lester Holt reports.

Fallen soldier's request lives on

Her son was killed in Iraq before she could send the pillows he asked for. Now his final request has helped thousands.

New Yorkers embrace Fleet Week

As more than 4,000 U.S. military service members pour into New York City over the holiday weekend, civilians go out of their way to express their gratitude to men and women in uniform. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Heeding the cry for help in Cajun country

In the five weeks since the Gulf oil spill began, volunteers have been pouring into the region, working to help in any way they can. NBC's Ron Mott reports.

Tween CEO Driven to Success

A 6th grader is president and CEO of her very own company, Amiya's Mobile Dance Academy. As Russ Mitchell tells us, this middle school businesswoman has tapped into something special.

Rare snow leopard saved with abundant help

Cloe, a 13-year-old snow leopard, had developed a kidney infection and had large kidney stones. But traditional surgery was out of the question, reports MyFoxTampaBay, thanks to the sheer size of the stones. What's a snow leopard to do? Turn to high tech shock-wave treatment, it turns out.

CNN Heroes update: Roy Foster

The organization headed by 2009 CNN Hero Roy Foster has expanded to help female veterans and families.

Bike ride connects people to their food

CNN's Chris Hrubesh goes along on a 100 mile bike ride that connects people to local farmers who produce organic food.

95-year-old receives high school diploma

A 95-year-old Alabama woman earns a high school diploma. WAFF's Jeanie Powell reports.

Congolese rockers striking a chord

Neil Curry brings us the Congolese paraplegic rockers of the band Staff Benda Bilili.

The SEED School

There's a unique school that's giving kids from an inner-city neighborhood that only graduates 33 percent of its high school students a shot at college they never had before. Byron Pitts reports on the SEED school, the first urban, public boarding school.

Volunteer 'army' aids Nashville flood victims

Thousands of volunteers have been working in Nashville since floods devastated downtown. But as Ron Mott reports, residents are facing a long recovery.

FBI: Violent Crimes Declining

A new report from the FBI indicates that the incidence of violent crimes in the U.S. has fallen sharply for a third straight year in a row. Bob Orr reports on the reasons behind this decline.

Flood victims say 'thank you' to heroes

Weeks after a flood in Franklin, Tennessee, a group of unlikely heroes reunited with people they rescued. WKRN reports.

Couple finds baby to adopt via Facebook

CNN's T.J. Holmes meets a couple who used Facebook to help them make a family.

Sending girls to school in Pakistan

Students at a New Jersey high school gave a large donation to a mission dedicated to sending girls to school in Pakistan.

Beckham to the front

Britain's soccer star David Beckham visits troops in Afghanistan. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

Artificial Heart Breakthrough

Dr. Jennifer Ashton reports artificial heart recipient Charles Okeke has re-gained his freedom by carrying around a remarkable new device.

Funny man Will Farrell serious about fighting cancer

Will Farrell's support for a fraternity brother's Cancer for College has helped raise funds for scholarships for dozens of cancer survivors. NBC's Lee Cowan reports.

CNN Hero: Gary Oppenheimer

Gary Oppenheimer connects American gardeners who have extra produce to local food pantries in need.

Usher gives youth a 'New Look'

R&B star Usher puts his money where his mouth is by sponsoring young people's business proposals and providing them with the skills they need to succeed. NBC's Luke Russert reports.

Navajo farm finds formula for success

A Navajo farm finds a way to create jobs and economic stability for an entire community. CNN's Tom Foreman reports.

Ben Affleck urges hope for Eastern Congo

Ben Affleck, who recently started the Eastern Congo Initiative to support public policy projects in the region, talks about what moved him to take up what many have dismissed as a lost cause. NBC's Ann Curry reports.

Haiti finds hope in clothes

Months after the earthquake, Haiti's textile industry becomes a new economic hope. CNN's Rafael Romo reports.

Eva Longoria brings star power to special needs

"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria Parker reaches out to special needs kids through her charity "Eva's Heroes." NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports.

Sally Field helps women leaders find voices

The actress discusses her efforts with the organization Vital Voices, which seeks to empower women leaders in emerging democracies. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

An education in fun for Afghan children

Afghan children from poor families learn performance and circus skills at a school in Kabul that aims to put laughter, learning, safety and creativity back into their lives. NBC's Tom Aspell reports.

Struggling Family Gets a Big Hand

Steve Hartman brings us back to a family who was in financial trouble due to the tough economy. Now things have improved for Stefan and his family, thanks in large part to CBS News viewers.

Woman stands by pledge, sends students to college

Oral Lee Brown has opened her heart – and her checkbook – to make sure some deserving, but underprivileged children realize their dreams of going to college. NBC’s Lester Holt reports.

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel's Musical Mission

Now that he is the musical director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel wants to transplant in the U.S. the Venezuelan child orchestra system that changed his life. Bob Simon reports.

Fans marvel at ‘unique’ view of 3-year-old artist

With sparkly shoes, an early bedtime and her first big show, Ruby Ellenby is offering collectors a fresh look at the world, through the eyes of a child. NBC’s Mara Schiavocampo reports.

98-year-old earns master's

Kansas senior prepares to walk across the stage to get her diploma. KSNW's Kera Mashek reports.

84-year-old enrolls as college freshman

An 84-year-old WWII Veteran and Purple Heart recipient enrolls in college. CNN's Fredricka Whitfield has the story.

An act of service, born of routine

At 87 years old, Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson hasn't let age slow him down. Every Monday for the past 18 years, the war hero helps to feed the needy. NBC's Christina Brown reports.

Tuskegee Airmen Take Flight

The Tuskegee Airmen are an all black corps of fighter pilots who fought their way past segregation to build their reputation as heroes. Now they're helping aspiring young pilots fulfill their dreams. Richard Schlesinger reports.

WWII veterans fly for free

Honor Flight flies WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington at no charge. A CNN crew went along on a recent trip.

Wounded vets heal through Warrior Games

At one of the country's premier sports training centers, dozens of wounded veterans battle each another--and prove something to themselves in the process. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Couple ditch jobs to deliver cupcakes

CNN photojournalist David Ruff introduces us to a couple whose cupcake business is booming.

An 'A' in any language

CNN's Soledad O'Brien reports on a school that welcomes kids from over 40 countries.

Building acceptance through a 'Circle of Friends'

It's not always easy to fit in at school, but for students with disabilities, it can one of the hardest challenges they face. Thanks to a social skills program on many high school and college campuses, students are now experiencing friendships they didn't think were possible. NBC's Mara Schiavocampo reports.

Skydiving Hero Saves Woman

A Texas woman was plummeting to the ground when her parachute failed to deploy, but was saved by a courageous stranger. Steve Hartman has tonight's "Assignment America."

Arab-American takes country music act to the Middle East

Kareem Salama's latest concert tour has taken him a long way from home. The 32-year-old singer-songwriter has packed up his country-western act for a stint in the Middle East this month as he serves as an ambassador of sorts: an ambassador of Americana, thanks to a U.S. State Department-sponsored tour aimed at raising cultural awareness in the region.

Couple Adopt Deaf Dog, Teach Him Sign Language

An Atlantic City, N.J. couple are sharing their knowledge of gesture communication to a young pup who cannot hear the world around him.

81-year-old great-granny wows ‘Talent’ judges

It’s been nearly a year since Susan Boyle introduced herself – and her voice – to the world on "Britain’s Got Talent." As NBC’s Jim Maceda reports, the show is returning with another hidden gem.

Hair-Brained Idea for Gulf

Human hair is being collected so that it can be used to soak up the oil from the Gulf spill. John Blackstone reports.

Hearts, homes opened to 50-plus foster kids

Several families in Riverside County, Calif., have made it their mission to help foster kids find their "forever families." They speak with TODAY’s Matt Lauer.

Photos offer new perspectives on disability

After deciding to turn her cameras over to people with disabilities, a former fashion photographer gains an entirely new perspective. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Senior Dancers Bring it on

The Sun City Poms, a group of 55 plus-aged dancers based in Ariz., have inspired and impressed their young counterparts at pep rallies. Barry Petersen reports from Sun City.

Coconut oil, algae as airplane biofuels

CNN's Ayesha Durgahee reports on ways some airlines are reducing their carbon emissions.

Eyesight for Sore Eyes

A non-profit organization called "Vision Spring" is helping communities around the world with eye-care where seeing an eye doctor simply may not be an option. Seth Doane reports on their "American Spirit."

"The 99" -- Muslim Superheroes

Superheroes inspired by Islam are fighting evil and taking on the world in comic books and a new animated series.

Recyclers rewarded with perks

Thanks to a company called RecycleBank, doing the right thing now comes with rewards. CNN's John Zarrella reports.

Dying Wish: I want to be a superhero

The Make a Wish Foundation fulfills a boy's dream of becoming a superhero. KOMO's Theron Zahn reports.

Tree frogs make a comeback

The croaking of the Pacific tree frog resounds in San Francisco once again. KTVU reports.

Inmates help save deputy's life

Two jail inmates who gave first aid to a stricken Oregon sheriff's deputy are being credited with help saving his life. KGW'S Anne Yeager reports.

Giggling guru laughs way to healthy life

CNN's Becky Anderson interviews the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs on the health benefits of laughing.

12-year-old's invention draws attention

A grade school kid's energy invention for cars catches the eyes of scientists. WCAU's Doug Shimell reports.

One man's unique gift to Haiti

Helping his homeland, a man offers the gift of gab, in Creole. CNN's Chris Welch reports.

LOL: World Laughter Day

Nations around the world celebrate World Laughter Day, May 2, 2010.

The Driverless Car

CBS News correspondent John Blackstone took a test drive in one of Stanford University's latest projects: Shelly, the car that drives itself.

A race to save women’s lives

Horses and Hope, a program by Kentucky’s first lady Jane Beshear, is making a difference by offering breast cancer awareness and screening to women who are part of the state’s horseracing industry. NBC’s Roger O’Neil reports.

Pioneering robotic heart surgery a success

A British man has become the first in the world to have a life saving heart operation - performed by a robot. ITN's Medical Correspondent Sue Saville reports.

Stray cat adopts bobcat kittens

Three stray bobcat kittens are being nursed by a stray domestic cat. Affiliate WFTS reports.

Robot musician improvises, jams with humans

(Valerie Streit, CNN) The ad might read, "Percussionist wanted, preferably marimba player, for jazz-influenced band. Must be able to improvise, bob head and wear metal." And the perfect candidate? It may be Shimon, a marimba-playing robot that, despite having four arms, is remarkably human.

‘Beaster’ bunny is world’s biggest at 50 pounds

Meet Darius, the Guinness Record-holder as the world’s largest rabbit. Owner Annette Edwards shows off the Giant Continental, which measures more than 48 inches from nose to feet and is insured for $1.5 million.

Rescuing girls from sex slavery

Anuradha Koirala's has helped rescue and rehabilitate 12,000 girls and women

Fun fitness for kids

In Chicago, scores of energized six-year-olds give new meaning to the phrase 'controlled chaos.' NBC's Patrice Fletcher explains.

Texas town opens doors to Haiti’s soccer team

How do you help an entire nation keep its spirits up after a calamity like the earthquake that devastated Haiti? One Texas town saw a way to make a difference, by essentially adopting a symbol of pride and unity: the nation's soccer team. NBC’s Janet Shamlian reports.

Dominoes raise cash for Haiti

Students stack dominoes to help raise money for Haiti. KENS reports.

School bus driver creates library on wheels

Meet the bus driver who's Making a Difference by getting everybody on board with reading. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

Ducklings rescued from drain

Seven little ducklings appeared to be doomed until a good Samaritan came to their rescue. KHOU reports.

Pint-sized pony poised for big title

Guinness World Records may name Einstein the world's smallest horse. TODAYshow.com's Dara Brown reports.

Arab reality show with a heart

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on an Egyptian-based reality show where performing good deeds are expected.

The Gift of Mobility

On the latest "Assignment America," Steve Hartman shows us a man who has dedicated his life to restoring the precious gift of mobility to disabled people.

Learning and earning by doing

At Ariel Academy in Chicago, kids get to invest in their future at a young age, literally. CNN's Christine Romans reports.

Hubble Images, 20 Years Later

Twenty years ago a shuttle carrying NASA's Hubble telescope was launched into space. As Jeff Glor reports, NASA is sharing thousands of new incredible images from outer space.

Opera gives voice to autism sufferer

Music has helped countless autistic children, but Stephanie Diaz’s mother believes there's a higher power at work with her daughter's ability to sing opera in four languages. NBC's Chris Jansing reports.

Haiti: The Long Road Back

More than 50 hospitals and health centers were destroyed in the earthquake but now a world-class facility has risen from the wreckage. Katie Couric reports from Haiti.

Not Your Mother's Meditation

Dharma Punx in New York City mixes the tradition of Buddhism with the ideology of punk rock. Dr. Jon LaPook talks with teacher Josh Korda about how the seemingly different connect with the help of meditation.

Doctor's love, money help families of 'miracle babies'

Dr. Sean Daneshmand started Miracle Babies to support families with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Homeless teen has new hope

CNN's Thelma Gutierrez reports on a homeless teen a year after his meeting with an NFL player.

Man sheds 365 pounds through yoga

A Detroit man credits yoga and a proper diet with helping him lose 365 pounds. WXYZ reports.

'Aquaponics' in the inner city

Photojournalist Chris Davis take us to a place in Chicago where at-risk youths get a lesson in sustainable agriculture.

Google goes green—with goats

Bringing a herd of 200 grass-eating goats onto company grounds, Google stays on the cutting edge by keeping their lawn, and their lifestyle, green. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.

Mayo Clinic doctor to assist puppy surgery

A French bulldog puppy suffering from seizures is getting some special help from the Mayo Clnic. KARE reports.

D.C. kids learn how to power lunch

A different kind of lunch hour in Washington, D.C. brings together the powerful with the impressionable as both learn to love reading together. NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports.

2-year-old girl is geography whiz

A 2-year-old girl from Buffalo, N.Y., knows all of the states — as well as all of the countries of the world, their capitals and their flags. WGRZ-TV's Kevin O'Neill reports.

Cordette's rescue mission

Meet Cordette Grantling, a Detroit woman who is making a difference, by rescuing and raising children abandoned by their parents. NBC's Chris Hansen reports.

The Tool Man

CBS News' Steve Hartman reports for "Assignment America," as he visits Kramer's Hardware in Brooklyn, N.Y. where a mentally-disabled man named George stands out as a top employee.

Can't fly home, so she marched in Paris

A woman couldn't get to the MS March in New York, so she organized her own in Paris. CNN's Rosemary Church reports.

Heart of Mercy

Sister Rosemary Connelly has inspired many with her Misericordia, or "heart of mercy," a home for adults and children with disabilities. Katie Couric reports on Sister Connelly's "American Spirit."

Blind students face off in fencing matches

At a Boston school for the blind, one dedicated fencing teacher is teaching improved movement skills by adding the thrill of competition. NBC's Mike Taibbi reports.

Soccer helps homeless reach goals

CNN's Fredricka Whitfield looks at Street Soccer USA, a program that helps homeless people turn their lives around

Doctor works to save Haitian hospital

Buoyed by the belief that tending to the suffering will heal the nation’s wounds, Dr. Julie Manly is raising money to keep Sacre Coeur Hospital’s doors open. NBC’s Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

Going for goals

How one school in Ghana is encouraging aspiring footballers to think big both on and off the field.

Dancer Starts Kids on the Right Foot

A dancer who spent his career at center stage is now devoted to helping children start life on the right foot. Manuel Gallegus reports on Jacques d'Amboise's "American Spirit."

New lightbulb lasts 17 years

CNN's Ali Velshi interviews General Electric's Jim Reginelli about a new "smart" LED light bulb.

Bon Jovi helps the homeless

Jon Bon Jovi sheds the spotlight on those in need as he goes on a tour of a Dallas homeless shelter.

Dalmatian still barking at 17

An Ohio dog owner says her pizza-loving Dalmatian is still full of life. WEWS reports.

Found girl's father: 'We are so blessed'

Family members and rescue workers expressed enormous relief Tuesday after 11-year-old Nadia Bloom was found alive in Central Florida after disappearing last Friday. NBC's Mark Potter reports.

Foster Families for War Vets

On this week's "Assignment America," Steve Hartman shows us a new Veteran Affairs program that pairs vets who would otherwise be in a nursing home with civilians who are willing to take them into their homes instead.

Making music at age six

Gavin George is a musical prodigy at age 6 and reads at a sixth grade level. WBNS reports.

A free lunch, made with love

For more than 40 years, Marcia Merrick has served lunch to Kansas City's homeless, who call her "The Mother of the Streets." NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

'Tulip Man' brings joy to neighborhood

The "Tulip Man" takes CNN photojournalist John Torigoe on a walk through his garden of 3,000 tulips.

Violin Prodigy Plays for Haiti

Eight-year-old violinist Brianna Kahane has used her "American Spirit" and her noteworthy musical skills to raise funds for a destroyed arts school in Haiti. Kelly Cobiella reports.

Teen turns escape from pain into charity

(CNN) A disease that Mackenzie Bearup compares to a bomb going off in her knee prompted the 16-year-old to seek escape in the comfort of reading. Now she's helping thousands of troubled children soothe their own pain -- within the pages of donated books.

Vertical gardens bring green to cities

CNN's Jim Bittermann talks to a French botanist who's given some buildings a "green" look.

Dean Kamen showcases prosthetic Luke Arm on Colbert

On Monday night's Colbert Report, Segway inventor Dean Kamen showcased the latest version of the prosthetic Luke Arm, currently under development at his DEKA Labs. The goal of this sophisticated prosthetic limb, named after Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker, is to help amputees regain the function they had before losing a limb.

Tot trapped inside submerged car survives

Two-year-old Troy Adams spent 15 minutes underwater, trapped inside his family’s car. Laura Adams, Troy’s mother, recalls the ordeal.

Bringing toys, and smiles, to a sick child

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation distributes donated new toys to 37 children’s hospitals nationwide so children undergoing cancer treatment have something to look forward to. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

Hockey Game Postponed 21 Years

A high school hockey championship game in 1989, which was postponed and never rescheduled was labeled "the greatest game never played." Steve Hartman tells us about this epic game, 21 years later.

Mystery man helps pluck tot from NYC river

A splash and a scream was all it took to send Dave Anderson and an unidentified Frenchman into Manhattan’s East River after 2-year-old Bridgett had fallen in. NBC’s Mike Taibbi reports.

America's Gift

Bob Simon reports on an American program that provides affordable anti-retroviral medicines to fight HIV and AIDS to Ugandans.

Whale boosts paddleboarder’s charity ride

Jodie Nelson’s nearly 40-mile ride from California’s Catalina Island to the mainland featured a graceful partner, who without a word, spoke to the hearts of those he’ll never meet. NBC’s Lee Cowan reports.

Training Unwanted Dogs

Denver's Freedom Service Dogs is one of the few places in the nation that rescues unwanted dogs by training them to help humans. Barry Petersen reports.

First-generation college freshmen make the grade

At University of Cincinnati, 45 percent of incoming freshman are the first in their families to attend college. Thanks to the school's Gen-1 program, those most at risk of dropping out can find extra support.

Woman captures hope among sick children

CNN's Fredricka Whitfield has the story of how one woman is bringing hope to childrens' hospitals.

Once a rising star, chef now feeds hungry

Naryanan Krishnan brings hot meals and dignity to India's homeless and destitute -- 365 days per year -- through his nonprofit Akshaya Trust. Since 2002, he has served more than 1.2 million meals.

Homeless to Harvard

As a young rebellious teen, Lalita Booth was homeless and addicted to drugs. But, as Michelle Miller reports, Booth used her "American Spirit" to reform and eventually attended Harvard.

Puppy watches after kids with autism

A family finds comfort and security with service dog that keeps boys from running away and is there for them during emotional breakdowns.

Shalom in Rwanda

CBS News' Dave Price reports from Rwanda, where a Jewish New Yorker shows her "American Spirit" by creating an orphanage to help young victims of a holocaust in this African country.

Soul food farms

CNN's Dan Simon has the story of a couple whose organic farm was saved by its customers after being destroyed by fire.

Remembering the legacy of Jaime Escalante

Jaime Escalante, an immigrant from Bolivia, took Latino students from a low-income, gang-infested area of East Los Angeles and turned them into math whizzes. He gained national attention after a testing company accused them of cheating. NBC's George Lewis reports.

Soldier works magic on battlefield

National Guardsman William "Scott" Anderson saved lives almost daily during tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. What he didn't expect was that the magic tricks he had up his sleeve would prove popular among soldiers and local villagers alike. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.

Big bang machine sets record

Scientists make two proton beams collide at high energy in what's being called a "breakthrough."

The Smallest Town in the U.S.

For "Assignment America," Steve Hartman visits Elgin Park, a collection of 1950s-era miniature cars and stores designed by popular photographer Michael Paul Smith.

Wisconsin town rallies to help family in need

The entire town of Grafton, Wisconsin came to the rescue when a single mom and her triplets found themselves faced with serious health issues. NBC’s Ann Curry reports.

Providing family for 80-plus foster kids

With more than half a million kids in foster care in the U.S., there's a severe need for foster parents, but over the decades one Georgia couple has been opening their home to dozens of kids without families of their own. NBC's Thanh Truong reports.

Vets saddle up to tame runaway fears

Georgia’s Fort Benning is where raw recruits learn to fight, but it’s the farmland beyond the post where Army veterans learn how to survive the depths of PTSD. NBC’s Jim Miklaszewski reports.

Hobbyist ‘stunned’ by his Earth photos

TODAY’s Lester Holt speaks with Robert Harrison, who for less than you'd expect, wowed NASA with pictures of Earth that he took with a camera purchased on eBay, a GPS tracking device, a weather balloon, and some duct tape.

MVP - WWE Wrestler's Tough Love Message

WWE's "MVP" reaches out to troubled teens - hoping they will learn from his past mistakes. Michelle Miller reports.

Bank offers entire building for small biz

Amid an economic recovery struggling to take root, one Midwest bank wants to lend a small business an entire building. NBC's John Yang reports.

One filter, one life

In this One Simple Thing report, CNN's Anderson Cooper describes how clay filtration pots are bringing clean water to people in Haiti.

Trash to treasure

CNN's Casey Wian reports on L.A. SHARES, a program that helps school kids get much-needed supplies.

California pushes 'green' tech

CNN's Casey Wian reports on how some California businesses hope going "green" will put them in the black.

Kids cut the rug through Revolucion Latina

Kids learn how to dance from a pro who never forgot where he came from. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.

Hero Central: Learning to Walk Again

Alicia Thiel's life forever changed after a fall down the stairs of her Shelby, NY home two years ago.

Making smiles possible

A group helps children and adults in Bangladesh with cleft palates to be able to smile again.

Providing puppy love for the troops

The Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pets program provides foster care for the pets of deployed service members, ensuring that the pets are reunited with their owners upon their return. NBC's John Yang reports.

Knitters Gone Wild

A band of mystery knitters have been tagging a New Jersey town with their colorful yarn to give the ho-hum hobby a shot of adrenaline. Steve Hartman has this week's 'Assignment America'.

Solar power: Teach it, live it

A look at how a school in Connecticut is not only teaching about solar power, but living it by reducing energy.

Healing Harlem

How a 12 year old in Harlem is paying homage to her African heritage.

Helping sick kids' parents

CNN'S Fredricka Whitfield reports on a foundation that helps single parents with critically ill children.

Extinct Butterfly Returns?

A type of California butterfly was deemed to be extinct, but step-by-step they're coming back from the brink. As Ben Tracy reports, scientists are letting nature take its course.

Keeping family rituals while at war

A program makes it possible for American military members deployed overseas to continue reading bedtime stories to their kids. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Role model school in Detroit

A Detroit school serves as a role model for a failing school district, reports CNN's Allan Chernoff.

Meet NCAA’s one-armed freshman

Kevin Laue, a basketball player at Manhattan College, is the first Division I athlete to play with only one arm. NBC’s David Shuster reports.

Nun helps college hoops stars soar

As academic adviser to Xavier University’s varsity athletes, Sister Rose Ann Fleming has successfully guided every men’s basketball player to his degree. NBC’s Mike Taibbi reports.

She's 'Indiana Jones, Mother Teresa, Susan Sarandon' to Peru's poor

Since 1993, former tour guide Patty Webster has brought medical relief to some of Peru's poorest areas.

‘Candy man’ gives sweet solution to ex-workers

Bob Dotson revisits Bud Kolbrener, who came out of retirement and started a new candy company just to provide work for ex-employees who had lost their jobs — and reveals the surprising outcome of Kolbrener’s offer to let them run the company.

Unlikely Irish dancers

An unlikely "Irish" dance group dances their way to the White House. CNN's Mary Snow has their story

Fighting Back after Tragedy

A Missouri man whose daughter was brutally raped and murdered set aside his tragedy and organized self-defense classes to help women fight back. Cynthia Bowers shows us this man's 'American Spirit'.

Carrying soldiers to their final resting place

Lorraine Melgosa, a plain-spoken farmer from Colorado, has traveled thousands of miles in the past five years, taking fallen warriors’ caskets by horse and carriage to their resting places. NBC’s Roger O’Neill reports.

Goodwill employees tie knot in store

A West Virginia gets married at the place where they met. WSAZ's Hanna Francis reports.

The Power of Pigeons

A former LA gang member found a new start when he decided to help kids by using pigeons. Steve Hartman has this week's "Assignment America."

Green House Effect

The growing popularity of environmentally-friendly homes that save money has many homeowners jumping on the "green" bandwagon. Ben Tracy reports.

Re-Cycling Hope

Two young Americans are helping others all over the world by giving bikes away to the less fortunate. As Jeff Glor reports, 88Bikes is spreading smiles, two wheels at a time.

Transplant Patient Beats the Odds

Man promised five years of life after a kidney transplant lives 40.

Cancer-surviving teen inspires classmates

After fighting and beating cancer, a Texas high school senior is inspiring her classmates to give back. KXAS reporter Lindsay Wilcox has the story.

A Haiti adoption with a happy ending

A young Haitian boy adjusts to a new life and a new family in the U.S. NBC's Mark Potter reports.

Tulips in an Unusual Place

In Southern California, the flora and the fauna have to be able to resist the heat. But, as John Blackstone reports, a trick on nature has allowed tulips to pop up in an unusual place.

At LA high school, good grades require good deeds

For years, a high school in downtown Los Angeles has made doing good deeds a part of the school's curriculum. Now, social service agencies are now counting on the students' help. NBC's Lee Cowan reports.

Farm teaches horses to paint

A crafty trainer turns a horse farm into an art studio. Bay News 9's Ferdinand Zogbaum reports.

Operation Finally Home

Meet the young Iraq veteran and his family who inspired CNN Hero Dan Wallrath to build homes for wounded veterans.

The Original Fly Girls

The first women to fly military aircraft are known as WASPs, an acronym for Women's Air Force Service Pilots. David Martin reports that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Vets discover healing power of hockey

Through the USA Warriors Program, American vets wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan take to the ice to forget about their injuries for a few hours and remember their potential for teamwork. NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports.

Gaming to save the world

A new online game aims to solve real world problems. CNN's John Roberts and Kiran Chetry chat with the game's developer.

Spreading Joy to Special Kids

A Texas man creates the first large theme park for people with special needs.

Making music, with a mission

Twenty teachers in four cities are among the first class of fellows in MusicianCorps, a new program providing regular paychecks for music teachers and a hands-on music program to cash-strapped public schools. NBC's John Yang reports.

Little Brother...Big Soldier

In a very personal "Assignment America," CBS News' Steve Hartman shares his personal bond with Lance Corporal Heinrich Soltow, a once-troubled youth who found a new life in the Marines.

Investing in Harlem

CNN's Anderson Cooper visits a Harlem restaurant that has created job opportunities for a neighborhood that needs them.

Actress revels in life’s ‘Precious’ moments

Her character may dream of being loved, but for Oscar-nominated Gabourey Sidibe, that kind of acceptance is now part of the her new reality. NBC’s Mara Schiavocampo reports.

Surgery on Sunday

Dr. Andy Moore started Surgery on Sunday to provide outpatient surgical care to Kentucky's uninsured -- for free. Since 2005, he and his team of volunteers have treated more than 3,100 patients.

Maternity ward nurse makes every delivery special

For the last 21 years, Conetta Stephens has bundled every baby born at Chicago's Mount Sinai Hospital into brand-new outfits. Now, the hospital is funding her efforts. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

Art helps children heal

One devastated university in Haiti is helping children through art. CNN's David McKenzie reports.

Harlem School Aces Education

Harlem Village Academies, a charter school, was found in 2003 and has had amazing success rates in one of New York's toughest neighborhoods. Michelle Miller reports.

Being married to the Army a battle all its own

Due to her husband's multiple lengthy deployments, one Army wife decided to share the good, the bad and the ugly with other military wives in her increasingly popular blog, "Operation Marriage." NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.

Doc Treats First, Charges Later

A Chicago doctor has a policy: treat first, charge later. Doing as many as 800 surgeries per year, half of his patients are uninsured. Cynthia Bowers reports on this special dose of the American Spirit.

Stand and Deliver Fights Cancer

The devotion and determination of L.A. teacher Jaime Escalante were celebrated in the film "Stand and Deliver." His former students and famous friends are now trying to stand and deliver for him. John Blackstone reports.

Blind gamer beats Zelda

The online community helps a blind gamer defeat "The Legend of Zelda." WIS reports.

Making a Difference 101

NBC Nightly News regularly celebrates the contributions people make to help those in need in their communities, and now it's become a textbook of sorts for a Michigan middle school class on giving back. NBC's John Yang reports.

Temple Grandin: Why autism is a gift

(CNN) Temple Grandin sees her autism as a gift, not a disability. The professor at Colorado State University, who has become a prominent animal rights activist, spoke at the recent TED Conference in California about how people's brains work in different ways -- and how that's something that should be appreciated, not stigmatized.

Roger Ebert's Second Act

America's most famous film critic, Roger Ebert's voice was familiar to many until cancer took it away. As Dean Reynolds reports, Ebert has it back through the miracle of technology.

New Chance for Troubled Vets

Soldiers often face substance abuse or crime-related issues when returning from the frontlines. As David Martin reports, one judge wants to help distressed war heroes find a second chance back home.

The Return of J-Mac

Four years ago, Steve Hartman profiled teenager Jason McElwain, an unlikely basketball star. Now, Hartman follows up with the now-21-year-old McElwain for this installment of "Assignment America."

3-year-old snowboarder dreams of fame

Despite still struggling with the letter s, Wesley Muresan is easily the most popular boarder on Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, Iowa. TODAY’s Jenna Wolfe reports.

Tough wheelchairs needed in Haiti

Spencer Michels reports on efforts in San Francisco to design and build heavy-duty, low-cost wheelchairs for use in the rough terrain of Haiti and around the Third World.

India embraces solar solutions

Solar lights rewrite thousands of life stories in India. CNN's Mallika Kapur reports.

Books and burros

To the unaccustomed eye, a man toting 120 books while riding a stubborn donkey would seem nothing short of a circus spectacle. But for hundreds of children in the rural villages of Colombia, Luis Soriano is far from a clown. He is a man with a mission to save rural children from illiteracy.

Sightless sled dog dashes on

NBC Sports’ Mary Carillo tells the touching story of a mushing husky who lost her sight, but not her passion to pull a sled.

Training the unemployable

CNN's Tom Foreman profiles a Texas organization that trains the unemployable for construction work.

100-year-old doctor

Dr. W.G. Watson is 100 years old, making him the oldest known practicing physician in the U.S.

Orphan artwork

A former pro football player and his wife fund orphanages by selling children's artwork.

Handbags Help Feed Hungry

Two women, who met while working with the United Nations, turned stylish handbags into a necessity in the struggle to feed the world's hungry children. Michelle Miller has the story.

Bloom Box Unveiled

In California, one energy company said they have the answer to America's power problems with the bloom box. As John Blackstone reports, this idea is backed by some serious celeb-power.

Math Wiz Adds Web Tools to Take Education to New Limits

From a bedroom in the San Francisco Bay area, Salman Khan is using the Web to teach math and science to millions. Spencer Michels reports on how the non-profit Kahn Academy is providing educational materials through its free YouTube video library.

Old Man and a Tree

A 101-year-old man, Frank Knight, is about to lose one of his closest friends: a tree named Herbie. With Frank's help, the tree has lived to the ripe age of 240 years old. Steve Hartman reports.

The Bloom Box

Large corporations have been testing a new device that can generate power on the spot, without being connected to the electric grid. Will we have one in every home someday? Lesley Stahl reports.

'Embrace Life' goes viral

A PSA about seatbelts turns into a worldwide phenomenon. CNN's Josh Levs reports.

Hannah Teter, sweet on snowboards and syrup

With her maple syrup-supported charity "Hannah's Gold," the snowboarding champ shows what itmeans to be truly "world class." NBC's Chris Jansing reports.

'Magic happened' after she gave ex-cons a chance at new lives

Susan Burton is an ex-convict who now helps other women ex-cons get back on track.

Modern day Robin Hood

CNN's Leone Lakhani follows a charity who takes household junk from the rich and donates to the poor.

Same Cafe, Different Rules

One Denver couple had a different idea in mind when they opened up their restaurant. As Barry Petersen tells us, this restaurant has different rules leaned towards helping those in need.

Avatars tour King Tut's tomb

CNN's Errol Barnett looks at new technology allowing people to create avatars and explore ancient Egypt.

Doctor of Yo-Yos

A doctor of dermatology is recognized by the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having the most yo-yos in the world. As Richard Schlesinger reports, his house is a yo-yo museum.

Space man's great journey

The commander of the International Space Station, and Steve Hartman's travel guide for 'Everyone in the World Has a Story', reveals how he and his wife maintain a long-distance relationship.

Injury, adversity don't stop snowboarder

Kevin Pearce, a 22-year-old American, was a favorite to make the Olympic snowboarding team before an accident left him with severe brain trauma. But thanks to his family and his spirit, Pearce's will is stronger than ever. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

911 dispatcher helps save son's life

When six-month-old Jacob Scott was found unconscious and not breathing, his mother dialed 911, only for her husband, an emergency dispatcher, to answer the call. KING's Drew Mikkelsen reports.

Haitians' New Beginnings

Young survivors of the Haitian earthquake have started new lives in Florida schools. As Kelly Cobiella reports, many of these children now feel safe, secure and loved.

Saving Students with The American Spirit

An alternative all-boys high school on Cleveland's hard luck Eastside is being turned around by a former security guard. In the three years since it opened, not one kid has flunked out. Jim Axelrod reports.

Pizza prodigy tosses pies

9-year-old Johnny Di Palma has been making pizza since the age of four.

NBA star's hero is mom

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat says his mother is his hero. She overcame addiction to become a minster in Chicago.

Obesity in America: One Community Fights Back

An elementary school's nutrition program is working to change the way kids eat.

Sean Penn helping Haitians

CNN's Anderson Cooper interviews Sean Penn, who has been in Haiti for almost three weeks doing what he can to help.

Making a difference at age 14

A charity founded by an American teen helps educate Rwandan girls. CNN's Alina Cho reports.

After 27 days, man pulled from rubble

Doctors in Haiti say that a quake survivor was pulled from the rubble of a building after 27 days. NBC's Miguel Almaguer reports.

Rebuilding Haiti, one person at a time

At a pediatric hospital in Haiti, a North Carolina doctor decided to make a difference despite the overwhelming "cauldron of chaos." NBC's Ann Curry reports.

From Mud Hut to Mansion

In the Mideast country of Oman, one poor man became rich from organizing a labor strike at an oil company. Now a father of 10, he tells Steve Hartman his incredible story.

$100,000 and one wish

British chef Jamie Oliver is the 2010 TED Prize winner. What will his wish be?

Artist, activist, mentor: The many faces of Will.i.am

Inspiring a generation with a rhythm all its own, the Black Eyed Peas frontman is making a name for himself without forgetting where he came from. CNBC’s John Harwood reports.

Selling Your Home for Charity

They say that "charity begins at home," but in one family's case, charity began with their home, after selling their house and downgrading to give the profits to charity. Mark Strassman looks at the spirit of giving.

New Vision for New Orleans

In the hometown of the Super Bowl Saints, there is a new vision for New Orleans. New eye-catching designs backed by Brad Pitt are replacing homes wrecked by Katrina. Jeff Glor reports.

Spirit Trickey

In her role as a Little Rock park ranger, Spirit Trickey, the daughter of one of the Little Rock Nine, teaches a personal, pivotal chapter in American history. NBC's Mara Schiavocampo reports.

The Grio's 100: Newark Mayor Cory Booker

While the 40-year-old mayor of Newark, N.J. is clearly a politician on the rise, what he says he really wants is for Newark to be a great city again. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Bionic Breakthrough: Cutting-Edge Robotic Exoskeleton Allows Wheelchair-Bound to Stand and Walk

ReWalk is a motorized exoskeleton that enables wheelchair users with permanent lower limb disabilities to stand, walk and even climb stairs. The device is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. Good Morning America anchor George Stephanopoulos tried the suit and reports on how it's changing paraplegics' lives.

Islamabad park turned school

Ayoub Khan has run a school for underprivileged children for 25 years out of an Islamabad park. CNN's Reza Sayah visits.

Medical pioneer is 15 years old

A school science project propelled aspiring surgeon Tony Hansberry on to the Grio’s Next 100 list. TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager reports.

Greening the urban jungle

Transforming her South Bronx neighborhood from urban wasteland into an urban oasis, environmental activist Majora Carter has become an unstoppable force in the green movement. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.

Veteran Gives Gift of Sight

A 76-year-old retired optician makes weekly rounds at a veteran's center, repairing eyeglasses for free. As Barry Peterson reports, this Vietnam veteran takes pride in serving his country once again.

Stepping out with Bill T. Jones

The acclaimed dancer and choreographer of the hit Broadway musical "Fela!" has informed audiences on race, politics and sexuality through modern dance for more than thirty years. NBC's Ann Curry reports.

Pakistan's female fighters

The Pakistani Air Force has enrolled the first batch of women to train as fighter pilots. CNN's Reza Sayah reports.

3-year-old gives prosthetic leg to Haiti

A 3-year-old Albuquerque girl donates her prosthetic limb to Haitian relief. KOB's Misa Maruyama reports.

Lifting Weights and Spirits

In the former Soviet State of Latvia, a 50-year-old man has always had aspirations to be a bodybuilder. As Steve Hartman tells us, a debilitating illness made his dream almost unachievable.

Sharing the faith in Haiti

A Haitian couple who lost everything in the earthquake is trying to make a difference in the lives of their fellow sufferers through small touches of comfort and a big dose of faith. NBC's Mike Taibbi reports.

Brazil's enchanted guitars

Children play guitar in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Blind Chef's Magic Touch

One Chicago Chef can cook up a storm, even though she's been blind since birth. As Cynthia Bowers reports, this chef does it all while dazzling the best in the business.

With Obama's help, boy donates to Haiti

President Obama helps an 8-year-old Louisiana boy make donation to Haiti. KTAL's Amber Miller reports.

Healing Haiti's mental wounds

CNN's Ivan Watson reports on a Haitian psychologist who's helping heal orphaned victims of the earthquake.

Nurse, Haitian boy forge bond out of tragedy

ER nurse Gaby McAdoo is returning to the U.S., relishing her unexpected connection with a 5-year-old boy. NBC’s Michelle Kosinski reports.

From Poverty to Grammys

As some musicians prepare for the upcoming Grammy awards, it took one nominated group about 140 years to get there. Randall Pinkston has the story of one college gospel choir's journey to the Grammys.

Haiti Hero: Save and serve

In Haiti's largest slum, Bobby Duval offers young people coaching, tutoring and hope.

Nursing the homeland back to health

Seeing their country of origin in crisis, a group of Haitian-American medical professionals were compelled to return and offer help. NBC's Mara Schiavocampo reports.

Soles for Souls

An Alabama school student has been frantically collecting shoes by the box-load to donate to the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Michelle Miller reports in this installment of "American Spirit."

Pledging to play again

A violinist who survived the Haiti quake gets a surprise from Stevie Wonder.

U.S. adoption turns best friends into sisters

After months of adoption limbo, 5-year-old Tia was brought to the U.S. after the quake. But the cries of her best friend, NyKah, who was left behind, echoed in the hearts of Tia’s new parents. NBC’s Ron Allen reports on a happy ending for two little girls.

Madonna and Malawi

Alina Cho talks to Madonna about her efforts to help orphans in Malawi.

Americans step up to help Haiti

Americans from all walks of life – from celebrities like John Travolta to 9-year-old Connor Howard – have been opening their hearts and pockets for victims of the Haitian quake. NBC’s Mark Potter reports.

Blind Man's Pride

Steve Hartman tells us the story of a 78-year-old blind man who feels his way to work every day, who has accepted his disability and lives comfortably with his 13 family members in India.

Treating Haitian kids’ psychological trauma

Basil Jackson, a 78-year-old psychologist from Milwaukee, put his life on hold to tend to Haiti’s most vulnerable earthquake victims – nursing not just the physical, but also the psychological wounds. NBC’s Mara Schiavocampo reports.

Melody Gardot's Pain & Triumphs

She may have reached topped a key record chart in France and gained fans from around the world, but musician Melody Gardot tells CBS News' Anthony Mason about her chronic pain caused by an accident.

Astronaut's mission for kids

Astronaut Cady Coleman "gives back" by teaching kids, as she trains for her next mission. CNN's John Zarrella reports.

Haitian Hero Pays-it-Foreword

As Haiti attempts to return to normalcy after the earthquake, one family continues to help others after losing 4 family members. As Bill Whitaker reports, Haitians are living off the kindness of angels.

Tweets guide U.S. do-gooder in Haiti

Armed with just a backpack and BlackBerry, Alain Armand has become a lifeline for victims of the earthquake that crumbled the Caribbean capital. NBC’s Michelle Kosinski reports.

Returning to Haiti

Katie Couric reports on the "American Spirit" of 31-year-old Seattle resident David Pierre-Louis, who left the safety and comfort of his home to help friends and family in Haiti.

Parents bond with adopted Haitian kids

Among 81 Haitian orphans starting over in the United States, twins Ethan and Brecken are reveling in their new life with parents Aaron and Tanya Ramsay. NBC’s Mark Potter reports.

Haiti telethon raises over $57 million

A who’s who of entertainment gathered at the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon, whose Web site, according to MTV, will remain online for 90 days. NBC’s Rehema Ellis reports.

A New Life for Haitian Orphans

Dozens of orphans who survived the disaster in Haiti have found new homes and a new chance at life, throughout the United States. Cynthia Bowers reports on this Road to Recovery.

Shelterboxes sent to Haiti

Former CNN Hero Tom Henderson and others send Shelterboxes filled with tools and tents to Haiti.

Outpouring of aid to Haiti unprecedented

Americans have donated $355 million to charitable organizations since the earthquake in Haiti. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Haiti's miraculous rescues continue

A team of New York City police officers and firefighters saved two children who had been buried beneath the rubble of a two-story building in Port-au-Prince. ITN's John Irvine was on the scene as the pair were lifted to safety.

Students feed 50,000 in Haiti

Drake University students prepare 50,000 meals for shipment to Haiti. KCCI's Cynthia Fodor reports.

Couple gives wedding money to Haiti

A Minnesota couple donates portion of their wedding budget to Haiti relief. KARE's Joe Fryer reports.

One man's mission of hope in Haiti

Brad Johnson runs a local charity in Haiti that has a school, an orphanage and a medical clinic. Amid the rubble, he is distributing meals to earthquake survivors. NBC's Michelle Kosinski reports.

An unbelievable journey

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell describes the incredible undertaking to bring dozens of Haitian orphans to the U.S.

Saving the children

CNN's Gary Tuchman tells the heartwarming story of six Haitian orphans who found a new family amidst tragedy.

Smiles and thanks for water

A makeshift camp for earthquake survivors on what was once a city golf course in Port Au Prince, now serves as home for thousands. Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne distribute bottles of water. ITN's John Irvine reports.

Disabled student shines on court

Developmentally disabled high school student David "Chubbs" Stillman on what it was like to hit one at the buzzer.

Haiti mom's miracle

ITN's Geraint Vincent reports on a little girl being reunited with her mom after she's pulled from her school's rubble.

Aid Efforts Bringing in Millions

Rapidly organized efforts to help Haiti have brought in millions of dollars in cash, food, water and medicine. From corporations to celebrities, people giving what they can. Randall Pinkston reports.

Vietnam vet reunited with "dead" friend

Imagine thinking you lost your buddy in a war, only to find out forty years later that he was alive. It's improbable and unusual, but a true story.

Haitians sing, chant, march

Amidst the destruction and devastation, Haitians come together for a peaceful march.

Baby survives under rubble

CNN's Ivan Watson speaks with Robert Penfold of Nine News Australia about a rescue that wasn't supposed to be possible.

Love lands after 'Miracle on Hudson'

Laura Zych and Ben Bostic were strangers on January 15, 2009, when they boarded the fateful flight that would become known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." A year later, they're in love.

Kindness amid disaster

Resiliency and acts of kindness from the Haitian people stand out among the damage and destruction caused by the quake.

Love in the Face of Disaster

An aid worker was trapped in Haiti under the rubble of her building after the devastating earthquake. However, her husband made a frantic dash across Haiti to save her. Michelle Miller has the story.

Couple crusade to help disabled dogs

NBC's Jill Rappaport reports on a couple who have devoted their entire lives to taking care of man's best friend.

Cow manure powers town

A Wisconsin dairy farmer turns cow waste into electricity. WAOW reports.

Iraqi refugee forges path for others

Once a refugee forced to flee her home in Baghdad following her husband's murder, Alaa Naji now helps other new arrivals rebuild successful lives in America as she has done. NBC's Ron Mott reports.

Student finds, gives away money in 'random act of kindness'

(KING 5 News) Laura D'Asaro was geocaching with a friend over the weekend when she found much more than she was bargaining for.

Everyone Has a Story

Steve Hartman will travel the world at random to prove that everyone has a story. Along the journey, he finds that although there are many differences, there are also striking similarities.

Clothing bank 'suits' those in need

A clothing bank in New York allows those who are down on their luck to don much-needed brand new clothes. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.

Restaurant hires retirees

CNN's Pauline Chiou reports on a Hong Kong restaurant that puts seniors to work as waiters -- average age 66.

Everybody Has a Story Flashback: Soul Food

Steve Hartman travels to Camden, South Carolina to get some soul food from Miss Susie Lee.

Hershey School Alumni

Eula Webster and Dale Williams are both teachers at the Milton Hershey school. Dale says he wanted to become a teacher, after learning from his 5th grade teacher, Eula.

During cold, volunteers help homeless

As extreme cold has Atlanta residents seeking warmth inside, volunteers go outside to help the homeless. WXIA’s Bill Liss reports.

Former convict counsels at risk youth

Curtis Lee was a teenager in California in 1988 when his young life got sidetracked by violence. Now out of jail, he's making a comeback by counseling others. NBC's Lee Cowan reports.

A Soldier's Surprise

A soldier back from Afghanistan surprises his daughter at her Florida school. WJXT reports.

Basketball's Next Superstar?

At 6'10" and growing, Bubbles Anderson maybe basketball's next superstar. She's already taller than both Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Jim Axelrod reports that this teen is remarkable in more ways than one.

Hershey Sweetening Lives

Hershey's Chocolate founder Milton Hershey left his fortune to open a school for underprivileged kids. As Randall Pinkston reports, Hershey's gift is making kids' lives much sweeter.

Shiny shoe Samaritan helps senior

A conversation at an airport, sparked by shiny shoes, leads to an extraordinary good deed. WMAQ's Lauren Jiggetts reports.

Amputee pony inspires the disabled

Molly, a pony, lost her leg after a savage dog attack. She was fitted with a prosthesis, and now tours hospitals and schools to teach kids and adults about acceptance and courage. NBC's Wendy Jones reports.

Songs of hope

The African Children's Choir shares the dignity of the African child with the world while providing education.

Rescuing Recession-Hit Animals

Some of the hardest hit victims of the bad economy are abandoned animals whose owners have given them up. Cynthia Bowers shows us one woman has opened her home to over 200 abandoned animals.

Laying a Peaceful Foundation

Women of the U.S. Marines are on a special mission to win over the hearts and minds of Afghan women. As Mandy Clark reports, these links with Afghan women are essential.

Mozart: Healing music?

18th century composer is credited with helping premature babies gain weight in Israel. CNN's Paula Hancocks reports.

In Chicago, staying after school's cool

Chicago's After School Matters program is keeping kids out of trouble by keeping them engaged in learning, long after the school bell rings. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.

Wounded warrior women hit the slopes

A new program in Colorado caters to the unique needs of female service members who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. NBC’s Kerry Sanders reports.

Making gas from garbage

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports from Cairo, Egypt, on one man's struggle to go completely green.

Man walks from NY to New Orleans relying on kindness

(Danielle Thomas, WLOX) One man's journey to find the good in people is almost to a close. Back in late August, Garth Poorman decided to walk from his hometown in upstate New York to New Orleans relying mostly on good hearted strangers to help him out from time to time.

Mom’s support inspires others to give

Brought together by need and the spirit of giving, two families from separate worlds now share a bond that will last a lifetime. NBC’s Amy Robach reports.

The Golden Rule

Maryland farmer John Helmstetter thought his life was ruined after a fire, until he regained the "American Spirit" when his neighbors and local Amish banded together to help. Jim Axelrod reports.

New chapter for gang member turned author

Once a part of the gangs of Los Angeles, Luis Rodriguez is now turning his community around, one child and one bookstore at a time. NBC's Miguel Almaguer has his story in this Making A Difference report.

Reunion promised 20 years ago

A pact was made by 20 third graders and one forward thinking teacher to meet Jan. 1, 2010. KING's Tonya Mosley reports.

Artist brings hope to 2010

Artist Robert Indiana, famous for his LOVE sculpture, hopes to bring more HOPE to 2010. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

The girl's got rhythm

Nikki Yanofsky, a teen singing sensation with an ear for swing, proves she's got both the pipes and the poise to pull off pop-stardom. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Hospital Saves Money and Lives

A Texas hospital is saving money and lives by doing follow-ups for heart patients after being discharged. Don Teague reports on the hospital that cuts costs by caring for patients beyond its doors.

Film Redefines Layoffs

An aspiring filmmaker lost his job as an ad exec and immediately thought, 'when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.' Seth Doane has the story of a man who demonstrates the American Spirit.

Mom's toy story

Denise Garlow is hoping to create a successful toy company with dolls inspired by her daughter. CNN's Tony Harris reports.

Grandma to the troops

A 92-year-old California great-grandma has written more than two thousand letters to troops. CNN's Kara Finnstrom reports.

Once homeless, chef now serves hope

Preparing 400 meals a day at the Salvation Army in Mobile, Ala., Cecil Morris Jr., says cooking isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. NBC’s Peter Alexander reports.

Music in Motion

For many people housebound by illness, the idea of going out to a concert is just a dream, but now some musicians are bringing the music to them, in their own living rooms. John Bentley reports.

Store left unlocked; ‘Christmas spirit’ prevails

Two supermarkets in Roseville, Calif., were left unlocked and nothing was stolen, as shoppers show ‘Christmas spirit.' KCRA’s Kevin Riggs reports.

Dentist helps bald eagle get his beak back

An Anchorage, Alaska, dentist is spreading holiday cheer by performing an unusual operation on an unusual patient. KTUU’s Jackie Bartz reports.

Orchestra keeps kids’ lives in tune

Funded by donations and grants, the American Children’s Orchestras for Peace is designed to help underprivileged children stay out of trouble. NBC’s Mark Potter reports.

Teen brings holiday spirit to homeless vets

Many teenagers’ Christmas lists are chock-full of electronics and video games, but as NBC’s Chris Jansing reports, Jake Shafter of Houston, Texas, has other ideas.

'Santa Claus Special' Train Comes to Appalachia

For 66 years, the Santa Train has been handing out toys to children living in the Appalachia coal fields.

Finding 'love' in a shoebox

An orphan's Christmas box is filled with love and a new life. CNN's David Mattingly finds out how she's now giving back.

Artist to draw everyone in NYC

New York artist Jason Polan is on a mission to draw every person in the city. He's already drawn over 8,000 New Yorkers.

A painting worth 1,000 hearts

A North Carolina artist is using his gift for painting to honor homeless people across the state while raising much needed funds on their behalf. NBC's Ron Mott reports.

H1N1 innoculation for homeless

CNN's John Zarrella reports on what one man in south Florida is doing to reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Mutt travels the world

ITN's David Harrison reports on the whimsical travels of a woman and her dog.

Town funds soldiers’ holiday trips home

When residents realized their family members wouldn’t be receiving a paid trip home with their 10 days off, they stepped in. NBC’s Michelle Kosinski reports.

Ben Stiller helps Haiti

Actor Ben Stiller sits down with CNN's Alina Cho to disucss his foundation, which raises money for schools in Haiti.

Small-Scale Housing Boom

When production slowed down at a Colorado cabinet company, workers started making doll houses for those in need. Barry Peterson has more on this episode of "American Spirit."

'Ruff' times ease, thanks to food bank for pets

With the number of homeless pets nearly doubled compared with last year, one 9-year-old decided to take action — and thanks to his Central Florida Animal Pantry, a lot of four-legged friends are no longer in need. NBC's Maria Menounos reports.

Kindness of American Saint Nick remembered

A small town in Luxembourg once destroyed by fierce fighting remembers one of the bright moments in the dark of Work War II -- a visit from Saint Nick. For Dick Brookins, a U.S. soldier standing in for an absent Saint Nicholas, it was to change his life also and help him find some meaning for the war in Europe.

Every kid needs a teddy bear

Six-year-old Justin Martin is on mission to make sure every kid has a teddy bear. CNN's Jonathan O'Bierne has the story.

Weaving a Better Life

Handcrafted baskets are a modern business, helping African people escape poverty. As Dave Price reports, these baskets on store shelves have an amazing story, beginning in the African nation Rwanda.

Burglarized church hands out gifts to kids

From burglarized to bursting with generosity, it's been a week to remember for members of a Clermont church.

Giving kids the chance to do the same

At the Giving Store in Bunnell, Florida, children get a chance to learn the meaning of the old adage, "It's better to give than to receive." NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.

Ottawa Man Becomes 'Superman' to Save Young Girl's Life

An Ottawa, Kansas, man may not be faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive. But to one little girl, Nick Harris is 'Superman' after he leaped into action with what can only be described as 'superpowers' to save her life after she became trapped under a car.

All I want for Xmas is my dad!

A soldier returns home for his daughter's birthday. WGCL's Renee Starzyk tells how Santa got involved.

Random acts of kindness pop up in Western NY

True signs of the giving spirit of the season

Connecting Lives Worldwide

Dr. Jane Aronson is trying to make foreign adoptions easier for both parents and children. Michelle Miller reports on her "American Spirit."

Holiday tradition honors fallen heroes

At more than 400 cemeteries across the country, Wreaths Across America makes sure fallen military members are remembered at Christmas. NBC’s Roger O'Neil reports.

All Smiles

While running a children's day care service, Ruth Kaiser was inspired by the smiles all around her. As John Blackstone reports, Kaiser has inspired many by pointing out 'smiles' seemingly everywhere.

Lose a pound, donate a pound

The Weight Watchers "Lose for Good" campaign encourages people to donate a pound of food for every pound they lose.

Army of volunteers connect military families

In an effort to bring military families who are far apart during the holidays a little closer, the non-profit "Totally For Troops" provides soldiers with free greeting cards that they can send home. NBC's Miguel Almaguer reports.

Cook saves Christmas

A cook at a diner saves one family's Christmas by digging through the trash. WHDH's Ryan Shulteis reports.

His Random Acts of Kindness Make Season Brighter

(NBC Connecticut) A Naugatuck man's random acts in kindness come in little white envelopes filled with however much he can afford, $5, $10 or $20 bills stuffed inside.

Rudolph the dog leads way to learning

A little dog who didn't seem to have much of a future is helping kids learn a very important lesson about compassion. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

Kathryn's gift of fresh air

Photojournalist Oliver Janney shows us how a 12-year-old girl in Baltimore is clearing the air for healing.

Crazy Horse Monument Rises

A sculpture is being carved out of a mountain in South Dakota to honor the American Indian. As Mark Strassmann reports, they've been carving this sculpture for more than half a century.

A formula for the needy

Photojournalist Tawanda Scott explores the experiences of two women who are giving a personal gift to far away babies.

Family portraits bring smiles to soldiers

A group of imaging professionals have joined forces to photograph military families on the home front and deliver their portraits to deployed soldiers. NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.

British child prodigy compared to Picasso

Seven-year-old Kieron Williamson, a prolific artist whose works have sold for thousands of dollars, talks about what inspires him to paint. NBC's Simon Dedman reports.

A sewing circle to help Santa

The warm-hearted knitters behind Ethel's Mittens make hats and gloves for charities throughout the Midwest. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.

The Harmonica Man

A retired Scottish-born man should have died long ago. But after facing death on more than one occasion, he decided to share his secret to happiness ... music. Steve Hartman reports.

Diners spread goodwill by picking up tabs

A couple start a chain reaction by picking up another table's tab at a Philadelphia diner. WCAU's Dawn Timmeney reports.

Prince of Strides

Jonathon Prince chases a dream to make life better for the less fortunate - one stride at a time. T.J. Holmes reports.

Volunteer Portraits

CNN's Susan Candiotti covers international daylong photo shoot of the disadvantaged by volunteers.

Lion, tiger and bear live together

A lion named Leo, a tiger named Shere Khan and a bear named Baloo all live together in relative peace in the same pen at Noah’s Ark, a Georgia zoo. Director Jama Hegecoth tells TODAY’s Lester Holt how that is possible.

Wave Therapy

Surfers thrive on the rush of flying down walls of water up to five stories high. As John Blackstone reports, one surfer says the key to riding out damaging addictions can be found in the ocean.

Disabled artist uses robot arm to paint

A disabled Montana artist is able to paint his stunning landscapes through the assistance of a custom-designed robotic arm. KULR's Rob Carlmark reports.

Handmade quilts to give thanks

Photojournalist John Bena introduces us to a woman creating handmade gifts for wounded soldiers returning home.

Clean energy from food scraps

See how Californians are turning food scraps into cheap energy.

Foundation makes most of donations

The Robin Hood Foundation helps those in need by protecting donations from families who give what they can. NBC’s Rehema Ellis reports.

One-armed scholar athlete

A one-armed basketball player earns a college scholarship. HLN's Rafer Weigel reports.

Little Boy, Big Heart

Boy's toy drive closing in on 1,500 gifts

Pups put students at ease

Students use puppy therapy to help reduce tension over final exams. KCAL's Dave Lopez reports.

Animals with Guardian Angels

Some animal-loving aviators have teamed up to save animals from being euthanized in shelters. Richard Schlesinger reports on this "over ground railroad" for pets.

The oldest volunteer

South Africa's oldest World Cup volunteer applicant says age is on his side, as CNN's Nkepile Mabuse reports.

Gift of Life

For many children waiting for heart transplants, hope rests in an experimental device. Dr. Sanjay Gupta meets a child in desperate need of a heart transplant, and the device that kept her alive.

Getting paid to recycle

CNN's Richard Roth reports on a program that offers financial incentives to households based on how much they recycle.

Troubled teens navigate powerful currents

A program in Washington, D.C., is keeping troubled teenagers afloat by teaching them how to build boats. NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports.

'Secret Santas' Present Hope

Continuing a yearly "Assignment America" tradition, Steve Hartman visits and meets a group of 'Secret Santas' who randomly give to those in need this holiday season.

The Harlem Children's Zone

Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone has helped put historically low-achieving students in New York on academic par with their grammar-school peers. CNN's Anderson Cooper reports.

Unusual homes from recycled material

Meet an artist who builds unusual homes from materials that would otherwise be thrown away.

Step By Step

Gregg Mozgala was born with cerebral palsy, he often wore leg braces until he was 12 but, as Serena Altschul reports, dancing has proved to be a most unlikely medicine for this young man.

Photo-taking orangutan a Web hit

The Internet traffic generated by Nonja’s expressive facial studies and impressionistic action shots triggered a surge of curious visitors to the Vienna Zoo.

Troupe empowers teens on, off stage

Twenty years after its founding, Voices United continues to give teenagers a chance to open up and find support through music. NBC's Mark Potter reports.

Buffett Sister Donates millions

Richard Schlesinger reports on the story of Warren Buffett's 81-year-old sister Doris, who has donated $80 million so far and plans to donate all the money she has left in the time she has left.

Medical surplus saves lives worlds away

Using equipment collected from U.S. hospitals, Project C.U.R.E. is helping doctors to bring routine procedures from America to places like Ethiopia. NBC's Michael Okwu reports.

Leukemia patient meets President Obama

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a dream came true for 6-year-old Jasmina Anema, who made it to the White House this week to meet President Obama. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Lemonade against cancer

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. For one family it isn't just a saying, it's a way to fight cancer.

Cancer patient gets Army wish

An 8-year-old diagnosed with brain tumors is granted a wish to be an Army soldier for a day. WXIA reports.

House calls make a comeback

An old fashioned medical practice could help to cut Medicare costs. NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.

Cancer survivor keeps climbing

Sean Swarner, an improbable cancer survivor, brings a message of hope and commiseration to cancer patients in Jakarta.

95 Keys to the City

Mark Malcoff has collected 95 keys to 95 cities, an honor bestowed upon him for being a regular guy. Steve Hartman reports on how you too can obtain a "key to the city."

Gold coin, worth $1,000, dropped in donation bucket

Officials at the Salvation Army outside Chicago found a solid gold South African Krugerrand in a donation tin.

One man’s trash becomes another’s home

In Huntsville, Texas, Dan Phillips is turning trash into treasure by repurposing waste in an effort to help extend the American dream. NBC’s Anne Thompson reports.

One woman USO

Carolyn Blashek is on a mission to bring smiles to U.S. servicemembers overseas. Fredricka Whitfield has her story.

Finding a Purpose

Power Soccer provides inspiration for those confined to a wheelchair.

Church gives out free money

One local church is giving out free cash to people in the congregation this weekend. But there is a catch. This Sunday many parishioners will be walking out with an envelope in their hands. Their assignment sounds pretty simple. Take the money inside and use it to do good deeds.

Real-Life High School Musical

After several of his students died from gang violence, L.A. drama teacher Jamal Speakes set out to produce a play which would inspire all. Bill Whitaker reports on this teacher's "American Spirit."

A boy and his squirrel

A woman who raises orphan squirrels says one won't leave her son alone. Bay News 9's Josh Rojas reports

Lending Happiness

During this recession, many children are deprived from something as simple as a toy, but now a toy loan program is bringing the spirit of the holidays to kids in need. Bill Whitaker has the story.

NFL star helps homeless teen

Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is helping a homeless teen find a college. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez reports.

School takes care of its own

A Las Vegas elementary school goes the extra mile to help its students. CNN's Dan Simon reports.

Network Farming

CNN's Jason Carroll reports on how a group of farmers created a network to control costs and create more sales.

Moms brigade moves mountains in Appalachia

One mother's efforts to reach out to another has blossomed into a mission that's raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help dozens of impoverished families in Kentucky. NBC's Amy Robach reports.

Christmas Trees for Troops

FedEx and a tree farm team up to spread holiday cheer to troops and their families. WRTV's Julie Pursley reports.

Alicia Keys' AIDS Mission

Grammy winner Alicia Keys helps build clinics and provide medicine for families dealing with AIDS in Africa.

A Human Billboard

A 27-year-old Floridian makes a comfortable living by simply putting on a T-shirt. Jason Sadler gets paid to wear company logos and circulate pictures online. Steve Hartman his story on Assignment America.

'Project Air'

An organization uses yoga to help rape survivors in Rwanda heal and grow stronger.

Soup kitchen chef raises the standard of giving

A skilled chef leaves Napa Valley to train his talents on cooking gourmet meals for the homeless. NBC’s George Lewis reports.

Solutions: Urban Farms

Living in the inner city, fresh vegetables and fruit can be hard to find. But one man is trying to change that.

Struggling species gets helping hand

Naturalist Jeff Corwin documents the efforts of scientists to revive Indonesia’s critically endangered Sumatran orangutan population.

Woman opens up farm

A farm owner in Colorado is sharing her harvest with the community. KMGH reports.

Urban Bee-Keeping

A Washington DC Hotel has become another outpost of 'Urban Bee-Keeping'. As the bee population declines, keeping urban bees is growing worldwide. Wyatt Andrews reports.

American Spirit: Second Chance

High school senior Jesse Ray Bear was one of the teens known as the Jena 6. Bear was charged with attempted murder in a controversial court case. Harold Dow reports on his second chance.

Restaurant is served with dish of generosity

Mystery man helps local eatery avoid foreclosure

Zoo animals comfort sick kids via TV

Using cameras mounted inside cages, Zoo TV harnesses the remarkable power of animals to make sick kids feel better. NBC's Jeff Rossen reports.

Iraq school for the blind

A school for the blind in Iraq gets help from an American school. CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports from Baghdad.

Miracle pup survives 3 months in wilderness

Mindy, a Maltese-poodle mix, survived more than three months in the woods of northwest Massachusetts, which is also home to owls, foxes, coyotes and bears. WKYC-TV's Paul Thomas reports.

Steer thinks he's a dog

It's a classic case of mistaken identity. Not expected to live after he was born, in an effort to save him, Chuck the steer was raised by Labrador retrievers. WXIA-TV's Mark Pickard reports.

Prison-trained puppies help troops

Prisoners are paired with puppies in a ground-breaking program to train service dogs for injured war veterans. Gemma Haines reports.

Boys Town wins on—and off—the field

A lot of hopes and dreams are on the line at the famous Nebraska school for troubled kids known as "Boys Town," but their undefeated football team is proving they've learned the lessons of success. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.

Solar energy for Africa

Inside Africa looks at how a U.S. faith based organization plans to help bring electricity to African homes

A Homemade 747

Most men are known for building things, but one California man has a passion for building a 747 Jet - in his garage. Steve Hartman welcomes you aboard this Assignment America.

Singer’s school fosters kids’ love of arts

He left his heart in San Francisco, but Tony Bennett is making a difference back in his old neighborhood, giving students a chance to embrace their passions at the Frank Sinatra High School for the Arts. NBC’s Lester Holt reports.

Skydiving granny: 95-year-old leaps from plane

A 95-year-old New York women celebrates her birthday with a leap of a lifetime. WNYT's John Craig reports.

Mind Games

The third and final day of the World Memory Championship took place in London. As Elizabeth Palmer reports, this mind competition was something never to forget.

Bike restorers bring joy, inspiration

The unique program isn't simply a product of today's hard times. As NBC's Peter Alexander reports, it was formed many years ago by a man who knows a little something about sacrifice.

Ludacris' Other Side

Hip-hop mogul inspires a generation with philanthropic work through his Ludacris Foundation, which is designed to help youth and families

For patients, art is therapy

A Texas hospital has developed a creative way to help lift patients’ spirits, and unlock their potential. KXAS reporter Lindsay Wilcox has the story.

Waste Not, Want Not

The non-profit organization Forgotten Harvest collects thousands of pounds of perfectly edible food discarded by businesses in order to feed those who face hunger. Seth Doane reports from Detroit.

Tim McGraw turns spotlight on hurricane recovery

The country music megastar talks about the work he and wife Faith Hill are doing to help their home region recover from an epic disaster. NBC's Amy Robach reports.

Rowing Through the Darkness

Blinded after a bizarre occurrence, Aerial Gilbert remained determined to successfully join a rowing club despite her complete vision loss. John Blackstone reports on this rower's "American Spirit."

Halle Berry, helping women turn lives around

Actress Halle Berry draws on her family's painful experience with domestic abuse to help others. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.

Glenn Close: My sister is 'my hero'

The award-winning actress Glenn Close has played dozens of powerful, memorable parts, but off-screen she's taken on a supporting role at a recovery center for people with mental illness. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.

Alicia Keys uses voice for the voiceless

NBC's Lester Holt travels to Durban, South Africa, to meet with some of those who benefit from the charitable efforts of singer Alicia Keys.

The Band From TV

Television actors rock for charity

Jon Bon Jovi: I believe in the power of 'we'

Pop star Jon Bon Jovi emphasizes his conviction in empowering people to work together to alleviate social ills

Flea's Music Conservatory

Red Hot Chili Peppers' Bassist Flea opens a nonprofit music conservatory for kids in Silverlake, Los Angeles.

An Enduring Love

A couple who was separated for 50 years because of someone's lie now has a happy ending. As Steve Hartman reports, this happy couple is ready to start their life together.

Holy Fashion

Rev. Andrew O'Connor, a Parish Priest in NYC, is beginning to make his name in the world of high-end fashion and also do some good at the same time. Bianca Solorzano has the story of this runaway priest.

Vets bond through music

Photojournalist Floyd Yarmuth reports on a program at Walter Reed that uses music to complement rehab.

Unknown vets spared paupers' graves

(CNN) When Vincent Barrett died alone in July at age 72, the coroner's office could not find any next of kin. Similarly, Ronald Axtell was listed as indigent -- no survivors and no funds for a funeral -- when he died at age 69. And yet a small army of men and women gathered to pay their respects to the two men, both Air Force veterans, as they were buried at Bakersfield National Cemetery in September.

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