Org. gives dignity to less fortunate

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's tough finding work out there these days, but it helps to put a positive face on things.

"All our Christmas dreams are coming true, this year," said Tina Nola, who received a Help-Portrait.

It was priceless and free and it was their first family portrait ever.

>>>Watch as George shows how local photographers turn the less fortunate into royalty

Nola said, "I feel great, I feel wonderful. There's a lot going on in our family, but today's really helped out, and this has really helped out being here today."

Mattie Moore, who also received a Help-Portrait, said, "Feel good. Seems like I should be walking down Hollywood Boulevard!"

Mattie Moore got a makeover, and her first portrait in 25 years.

"First time I ever wear makeup, and I'm 50, first time. I just wear lipstick, I don't wear makeup. Makes me feel special," said Moore.

Local coordinator Jenna Cowart explained, "I think everybody deserves something like this."

Jenna Cowart's brother-in-law, professional photographer Jeremy Cowart, thought of this idea last summer, to help the less fortunate get a free makeover and professional portrait. This week it's happening in 35 cities around the world.

What brought this together was the work of four volunteer photographers, six people working on makeup, and a photo processing center that donated the prints.

Petty Office Lakicia Hughes of the U.S. Navy said, "Ad it's so good because like I don't have a car, you know, I don't have much money."

Petty Officer Lakicia Hughes is about to be deployed with the U.S. Navy in three weeks, probably to Afghanistan.

"It's nice to be pampered. I know I'm not gonna get this special treatment where I'm going, so I really appreciate it," said Hughes.

The Help-Portrait movement was only available today in Buffalo.

The pictures will be ready on January 13th, but the photographers will make sure Lakicia gets hers before she's deployed to Afghanistan.

For more information about the movement, visit this website.