We Americans have certainly experienced our share of trauma in this new millennium. From the terrorist attacks in 2001, to the tsunami in December of 2004 and then the hurricanes in 2005, we have been besieged by images of human suffering and the devastation of entire communities.

While some of us have had a personal connection to these events, we all have been impacted by what we have seen and heard. Even though these disasters have occurred miles from where we are today, 24-hour media attention brought these tragedies into our homes and hearts.

It was difficult not to feel compelled to do something. When the call for cash donations went up to aid South Asia, Macomb County departments quickly put together a campaign to "Band Together."

With one "special casual day," Macomb County's 2,500 employees contributed more than $14,000. Combined with gifts from county vendors, the Macomb Together campaign helped to send more than $19,000 in assistance.

With a model of success in place - when the call for relief was sounded in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Macomb Together was once again called into action. This time, the entire county was encouraged to get involved. Businesses held fundraisers. School children collected pennies, even the U.S. Postal Service agreed to forward all mail addressed to "Macomb Together" to the collection sites.

As a result, more that $250,000 was sent to provide relief where it was needed most. Today, Macomb Together is working to collect funds to provide shelter and services for the homeless. Obviously, the continuation of this particular program has huge potential to continue to make a difference.

For more information, click Macomb Together