For six years, Sunday evenings have been prompting people to shed tears or at least getting their heartstrings tugged at. But don’t feel sorry for them...they are crying for others and usually they are tears of joy and relief. Sunday nights, at 8:00PM EST, people find their way to their television to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC.

Whoever developed the idea for this show has to have a huge heart for this reality show is about giving back in a big way. Maybe it’s the Disney in ABC that inspired the network to include a show so magical in the line-up. Obviously the producers of the show, Endemol USA (who also produce The Amazing Race) deserve huge accolades for giving something so great those so deserving of assistance. Regardless of who made the decision and whatever their reasons, the people behind this show are doing a very, very good deed.

The show just wrapped its sixth season. Since its inception, the team consisting of leader Ty Pennington, Paul DiMileo, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and several other designers, utilizing building crews from all over the country, have designed, built and furnished new homes for dozens of deserving families. The team is given seven days to complete the build from conception to completion. This past season was dedicated to people who are considered heroes within their respective community. Whether they are families who sacrifice to give back to others in need or have sacrificed for a family member with a need (medical conditions, special needs, taking in other family members, etc), the living conditions they deal with are those no one should have to. Several of the families in need were homeless for one reason or another.

The homes built also got greener: every home built during season six encompassed green building elements: The exteriors and interiors were greened by recycling items from the old homes and/or using recycled materials, as well as installing energy efficient insulation, appliances and lighting. Several other big corporations donate items to the families. Ford Motor Co. has consistently given families new vehicles, this year they gave away the Flex and Focus Hybrid’s and even a before market Ford Taurus was unveiled on the show. CVS Pharmacy often covers medical bills or gives medical supplies to those families who need it. Sears donates items to the families and many universities have set up scholarships for the children of these families to ensure that they receive a college education when they may not otherwise be able to afford it.

It’s also not beyond the realm of the producers to include building up an entire community in need from replacing a community center to creating a place for art or learning. In one Kansas town they built a community shelter after the town was nearly demolished by a tornado. The team also incorporates volunteers from within each community to assist them in the huge feat of completing everything in seven days. ABC has created “A Better Community”, which partners with the show to “help viewers make a difference in the lives of families all over the country.” It allows the viewers to also give back to the charities the families are involved with, head up or are assisted by. They also give tips on volunteerism and environmentalism.

As you can see...it takes a village, and then some, to get this show on the road. If you have never watched an episode you can catch back episodes online on ABC's website or catch it in syndication on CMT. If you know a family in need you can nominate them via the ABC website or even give back with the gift of time or donations.