There is no other area in the country that needs our industry's help like the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It's literally devastated.

We want to bring it back so that the people can enjoy what the Mississippi Gulf Coast used to give people in the past. And we know it's gonna take a long time for it to come back, but it takes one step at a time and we're trying to give them one of their first steps.

Each of these participants in the Tourism - Caring for America project has experienced firsthand the devastation that photographs and feature stories cannot possibly communicate. For the volunteers, the blisters, sun burns and bug bites will heal within a week, but we'll cherish forever the opportunity to contribute and all the memories and friendships created.