CNN aired a special tribute called ?Hero of the Year?, where they featured ordinary people, telling their stories of selfless acts of kindness, courage and perseverance.

Providing medical services for impoverished children, rescuing... read more here

The book is called "Spirit of Service" its a great read for anyone who loves to give back.  It's broken down into short daily readings that give several ways that you can get involved in service to others, from serving the person sitting next to you to your community as a whole; from national service to actions that impact the world.

This was the inspiration for me, and a few of my photog friends, to get involved with a group called Help-Portrait, where we take pictures at no charge for one day.  We provided a few hair and make up artists, and some special outfits, and took our studio to the streets.

It was was greatest feeling in the world to see the faces of the people when they got their pictures.  I knew we truly made a difference that day.