Do Something More-Nonprofit Spotlights & Ways to Serve Your Community

Send us Fan Mail One of the goals of this podcast is to encourage listeners with ideas on how to make service a regular part of your life...so the topic I'm addressing this week is actually talked about on the podcast all the time! But I wanted to put some of these ideas together in one episode. Give it a listen to hear some simple tips that I hope will inspire you and also remind you that wh...

Send us Fan Mail It started with Stephanie DeCremer's animal-loving daughter finding simple ways to raise money for their local Humane Society, and has now turned into over five years of Stephanie and her children volunteering together there every week. They have done everything from walking dogs and cleaning kennels, to helping with special fundraising events. Listen to the podcast to hear a...

Send us Fan Mail Shauna Brown is the Executive Director of Project Read, a program that helps adults with literacy through one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction. On this episode she shares inspiring stories on how this organization truly is changing lives by helping adults acquire the skills they need in reading, writing, digital literacy, and math. I especially loved this interview beca...

Send us Fan Mail Several years ago I had a neat experience that impacted me and taught me the true power a compliment can have, even with a stranger. Listen to the episode to hear my story (I promise it's pretty cool!) and why I think complimenting others can be a great act of service.

Send us Fan Mail Melissa Christensen is  the mother of three children, two with special needs. She knows what it's like to learn how to advocate for and support a special needs child, all while navigating the medical needs and different unique challenges that come up along the way. She has used that experience and knowledge to assist other families for many years through her work with the Uta...

Send us Fan Mail Cari Bartholomew is passionate about education, advocating for children, and empowering others through information. She has been spending a lot of time this summer at different  camps for children, performing and reenacting the role of Harriet Tubman. I loved not only learning more about Harriet and her story in this interview, but also feeling Cari's passion for storytelling...

Send us Fan Mail After listening to a popular podcast that went live this summer called 'Scamanda', I thought it would be great to share a few tips on how to avoid scams to help anyone that is thinking of donating some money to a worthy cause. Of course, scams are unfortunately always going to exist and there isn't any absolute fail-proof way to always know when you're donating...

Send us Fan Mail Abby Whiting is going to be a senior in high school next year, she's the first teenager I've had on the show! After personal experiences with people she loved and cared about, she had a desire to do something to raise awareness and normalize conversations around mental health. So last spring she decided to organize a run she called 'Physical Health for Mental Health...

Send us Fan Mail Lincoln Bailey was working as an aid at a nursing home when he realized how he could make a difference for the residents who lived there. What started as him doing simple things like taking them to lunch, sitting and talking with them, or even making fun videos has now turned into his non-profit called 'Letters from Lincoln.' Listen to the podcast to hear some of his exp...

Send us Fan Mail I thought this topic was a good one to drop on the 4th of July! In our world today, with social media and the constant news media cycle, badmouthing, criticizing, and demeaning elected officials, or really anyone that doesn't agree with our view point, is what sells. It's what popular and easy for people to do.  Taking the time to thank someone who represents us in any w...

Send us Fan Mail I loved this interview and I know you will too! My well-traveled friend, Sarah Egbert, shares a plethora of ideas anyone can use if you've ever thought about making service part of your travel plans. I think there are some pretty awesome ideas for anyone staying home too. :) Sarah also shares some neat experiences her family has had while traveling and serving abroad. Give it...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is all about the organization, Help Me Grow. They serve families with young children by offering free screenings and connecting parents to the resources they need to help support their children's growth. Listen to the podcast to hear my guest, Jodi West, share some stories about the families they've been able to help. You will also learn about some great and...

Send us Fan Mail Summertime is a great time to help kids learn the benefits of serving those around them or with other organizations in their community.  On this episode I share five of my own ideas anyone can use (and that I've used myself!) to help engage your kids in service.  Give it a listen to hear doable ways any family can try this summer to teach their kids about the benefits of givi...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is an open and tender interview with my sister-in-law, Kelly Richey. She was a caregiver for her in-laws for many years, they have now both since passed away. She shares the honest feelings that come with being a caregiver, as well as some good advice and encouragement for anyone else in that situation. Caregiving is truly a selfless and loving act, but can also bring...

Send us Fan Mail As a lover of theater, I really enjoyed my conversation in this episode with my guest Carrie Alba, about the service she gives through community theater. Carrie has been involved with theater since she was a young girl. She has a bachelor's degree in theater arts and has played a myriad of roles in many shows and also been a director. She currently serves on the board for her...

Send us Fan Mail There are lots of kids and students finishing up the school year, so this episode is dedicated as a 'thank you' to the teachers.  I share an experience I observed several years ago that helped me feel appreciation for all the small, unnoticed things that teachers do. Listen to hear the story and feel free to share it with a teacher you know. Follow the podcast on social...

Send us Fan Mail This episode was so tender and special. I talked with my friend Lori Muir about the foundation her family runs in honor of her son, Quinton. He passed away from cancer in 2017 and it's so inspiring to hear the things his family continues to do to support other families on a similar cancer journey. Give it a listen to learn more about Quinton and all the great things the Ironm...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is an interview with my older brother, Vaughn Kimball. He has experience working with youth in many different capacities, and for this episode he's giving advice on being a volunteer coach for your kid's sports teams. I am thankful for the good people who have coached my own children and I love what Vaughn has to share for anyone giving their time to help ki...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Mother's Day coming up this month in the United States, show host Melissa Draper is sharing some great advice for anyone who wants to do something nice for a mother you know. Give it a listen to also hear the great story behind it! Follow the podcast on social media: Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is extra special...because I interviewed my Mom! I love my Mother and she is where I often go for advice and encouragement, especially with my own mothering journey. She's lived a full life and has been a great example to me of finding ways to serve, advocate, and be an integral part of her community, while also raising a large family. Give this episode a...

Send us Fan Mail Amanda Webb has regularly volunteered at her children's elementary school for several years. She's helped in a myriad of ways including serving as PTA President, to being a Room Mom, to organizing the Book Fair. She has great advice and insights to share on the 'whys' for giving time in the schools as a parent and community member, and also some ideas for how a...

Send us Fan Mail For this week's solo episode, I address the 'elephant in the room' and remind everyone that my end goal for anyone listening to this podcast is to feel uplifted and inspired. I also talk about how utilizing a genuine 'Thank You' can be a great way to stay engaged with service or in your community when you don't have as much time or resources to give....

Send us Fan Mail Ellen-Anita Olson is an avid reader and lover of good books. She has used that passion to serve others for the past 9 years through Little Free Libraries. Hear about her experiences and how she's been able to act on her goal of making books more available to children and families in the communities she serves. Learn more about Little Free Libraries here: Little Free Library F...

Send us Fan Mail Judy Draper has been sewing with the organization 'Quilts for Comfort' for the last 15 years. Hear all about how she's turned her love of sewing into serving the people and organizations in her community. If you've ever wanted to serve through sewing, she has tips for you as well. A great website Judy mentions to find sewing projects and also other opportunitie...

Send us Fan Mail Hear the 'why' behind the Do Something More Podcast and also learn a little bit about the host, Melissa Draper. This podcast is all about service. I want to 'highlight the helpers' and tell the inspiring stories of others who have found unique ways to give back to their communities. I also want to inspire others 'to do something more' with simple idea...