The Ellen Degeneres Show made a powerful return for its third season with a slightly different format. In light of the devastating Hurricane Katrina, Ellen felt it was important to acknowledge those affected by the disaster. As a native of New Orleans, Ellen couldn’t pretend to do a normal show and instead opted to share stories of hope and resilience.

One such story is about Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre, who used the team airplane to deliver generators, food, and water to Nashville and then brought supplies to New Orleans. This act of kindness showed the power of individuals coming together to help those in need.

Another remarkable story came from Mike W. of Palm Springs, who loaded a truck with 12,000 lbs of food and clothes and drove straight to New Orleans to offer support. These acts of compassion truly highlight the human spirit in times of crisis.

In addition to these inspiring actions, people from around the country have been offering their homes, donating money, and volunteering to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Medical technicians, nurses, and countless others have rallied together to provide help and support.

The American Red Cross has been instrumental in the recovery efforts, with over 5,000 volunteers working endlessly to provide shelter, medical attention, meals, and mental health support to those affected. They have launched a fundraising campaign, and Warner Brothers has generously donated $500,000 to support the cause.

During the show, Jeff Gordon made an appearance, celebrating his third Daytona 500 win. Known for his incredible speed on the racetrack, Jeff shared anecdotes about getting pulled over for speeding and his love for the adrenaline rush of driving fast.

Despite the serious tone of the episode, Ellen still managed to infuse humor and laughter into the mix. She showcased some hilarious surprise moments, including visiting Costco and interacting with customers, surprising people in different locations, and even trying her hand at being a backseat driver.

Throughout the show, Ellen emphasized the importance of staying positive and finding ways to help those in need. She encouraged viewers to donate to the American Red Cross and shared that Warner Brothers would match donations up to $500,000.

The episode ended with an interview with NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, who spoke about his early start in racing and the thrill of driving at high speeds. Ellen expressed her admiration for his talent but also questioned whether he ever got anxious when others drove too slowly.

Overall, The Ellen Degeneres Show‘s return for its third season was a powerful and emotional episode. It served as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of kindness and compassion, and the generosity of people coming together in times of need.

Originally aired on September 5, 2005