I think I speak for everyone when I write there isn’t a day that goes by, where I’m reading the morning paper and I hear a heartbreaking story. For most (hand raised) we sip our coffee and just shake our head that a newlywed was mowed down during her honeymoon or the elderly are easy prey for robbers. We whisper, “what has the world come too” and go about our day.

Rapper Nas did more than that when he heard Stanley Young, single father of eight kids living in D.C., became homeless after his house was burned down. Motivated by Young’s tragic tale Nas launched an online campaign to raise money for the family that is currently living in a hotel. Pleading with the public to lend a hand to help out.

I am also a single father, and we don’t get enough credit in this country. I’m committed to helping Stanley and his eight (yes 8!) kids. Moreover, I believe and hope that we should all, as a community, come together to help our fellow American men and women when they need us in desperate situations like this. See if you can’t find a few dollars to help the Youngs get back on their feet with me. We need to raise enough to extend their stay, and maybe even afford a down payment on a new house or something.

So far,  $51,837.76 has been donated on fundraising site CrowdTilt. Check the video below of Stanley Young’s story. Beware video may cause uncontrollable weeping, have a Kleenex handy.

Don’tcha just love these Cinderella stories? Nas makes one helluva a fairy godfather and he is in good company. I remember Tyler Perry shared his inspiring story of giving to his Facebook fans six years ago.

Don’t put away your wallets just yet. Nas tweeted he wants The Help Stanley Young campaign flowing.

We’ll keep the campaign open till 8/18, every cent & dollar counts! Thank U! http://t.co/LEvspZu9M0 #HelpStanleyYoung #NeverStopNeverSettle

— Nasir Jones (@Nas) August 9, 2013