This article in today's Chicago Tribune vividly depicts how more and more people across the country are seeing beyond their own need to help others. It has been inspiring to see this occurring right here in the Twin Cities, but it's good to know that Salvation Army facilities throughout the nation are providing a way for people in the midst of their own distress to help others. But enough from me, I'll just let you read it for yourself:

Laid-off Elgin man 'knows how it is'; He jumps in to help despite his own woes; Fernando Leyva

By Phyllis Benson
27 February 2009
Chicago Tribune

Who: Despite a diagnosis of cancer and losing his job and home, Fernando Leyva of Elgin couldn't sit around feeling sorry for himself. He found an outlet to help others at the Salvation Army.

What he does: Leyva is an all-around volunteer, said Maj. Ken Nicolai of the Salvation Army.

"He's such a kind-hearted person," Nicolai said. "He knows how it is. I think that's what drives him. He has an intuitive ability to say, 'Let me help you; it's not as bad as it seems.' "

A daily fixture at the Salvation Army, Leyva helps people understand the steps they need to get assistance and often takes it upon himself to go with a client to help make a payment at a currency exchange or retrieve a repossessed car.

He also helps sort and distribute food to the growing numbers looking for assistance, and he created an informational flier in Spanish for clients.

"He did it of his own initiative. It makes it easier for them and might prevent them from waiting for an hour for something that could be handled very simply," Nicolai said.

What he did: Leyva, the father of two young sons, lost his job as a mortgage broker when the housing market collapsed.

Why he does it: "We know what it's like to have a very comfortable life," Leyva said.

His wife, Cecilia, now gets up at 4 a.m. every day to stand in line with hundreds of others at temporary agencies looking for day labor work.

Seeing people coming to the Salvation Army for assistance from the window of his rented home spurred him to action. Despite his setbacks, Leyva realizes he could have it worse.

"There's all this need, I don't mind," he said.