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

Melissa Draper

Do Something More is a service-oriented podcast dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of people and organizations who are making a difference. Each week, host Melissa Draper highlights the helpers—volunteers, nonprofits, community leaders, and everyday individuals—who have found meaningful ways to give back and uplift their communities. Through heartfelt interviews and practical solo episodes, this podcast explores real stories of service, acts of kindness, humanitarian work, and grassroots impact. Listeners will discover simple, actionable ways to serve, volunteer, give back, and create positive change in their own communities. Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved, searching for volunteer ideas for your family, wanting to support charities you believe in, or simply needing uplifting stories about people doing good, this podcast will motivate you to help, lift, inspire and make a difference. New episodes every week featuring interviews, nonprofit spotlights, and service-focused conversations. 📩 Contact: dosomethingmore.podcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @dosomethingmore.podcast

  1. APR 15

    122. Food Pantry Innovation: Building Community & Dignity at Benny’s Bodega (with Co-Founder and President Ben Davey)

    Send us Fan Mail Benny’s Bodega is a nonprofit in New Jersey that is reimagining what a food pantry can be. More than just a place to receive groceries and essential items, it’s a welcoming space designed to foster dignity, connection, and a true sense of community. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Davey, co-founder of Benny’s Bodega, to talk about the heart behind their mission and how they are transforming the traditional food pantry model. Ben shares how creating a respectful, community-centered environment can make a lasting impact on the people they serve. Ben also shares some great stories of all he went through to start his nonprofit and the positive impact it has on their volunteers, their clients, and their community as a whole. We also dive into what it really means to serve others with empathy, intention, and compassion—and how small shifts in approach can completely change the experience for those in need. Whether you volunteer, run a nonprofit, work in food insecurity programs, or are simply looking for meaningful ways to give back, this conversation offers powerful insights and inspiration. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for building community, restoring dignity, and making a difference through service. Links mentioned in the episode: Benny's Bodega Website Benny's Bodega Instagram Benny's Bodega Facebook Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    39 min
  2. APR 1

    120. Creating a World Where Periods Are Never A Problem: How 'Days for Girls' is Changing Lives Worldwide Through Menstrual Health Education (with CEO Tiffany Larson)

    Send us Fan Mail This episode originally aired in January 2024 and features an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls International—a global nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through menstrual health education and sustainable resources. Days for Girls International works around the world to break the stigma surrounding menstruation by providing reusable period kits and vital health education. In this episode, Tiffany shares the powerful origin story of the organization, how their patented kits are changing lives, and the lasting impact of combining education with access to essential resources. You’ll also hear meaningful, real-life stories that illustrate how Days for Girls is helping women and girls stay in school, gain confidence, and overcome cultural barriers related to menstruation. I was first introduced to Days for Girls years ago while volunteering to help assemble their kits, and it was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of global needs. This conversation is both educational and uplifting—and a reminder of how the good work nonprofits do can truly create lasting change. Links mentioned in the episode: Days for Girls Website Days for Girls Instagram Days for Girls Facebook 'The Power of Days' book by Celeste Mergens Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    39 min
  3. MAR 25

    119. Do Something More Podcast Turns 3! Service, Kindness & Giving Back Tips

    Send us Fan Mail Celebrate a special milestone with the Do Something More Podcast! 🎉 This week marks three incredible years of inspiring stories, meaningful service, and everyday people doing good in their communities. In this anniversary episode, I’m highlighting some of the most powerful advice shared by past guests. As my listeners might know, at the end of each episode, I usually ask my guests for general advice and encouragement for how people can serve, volunteer, and give back—and today, I’ve gathered six of those impactful insights into one uplifting and practical conversation. Whether you’re looking for simple ways to serve, how to get involved with meaningful volunteer opportunities, or motivation for how YOU can make a difference, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to take action. It’s also a heartfelt reminder of the amazing guests who have been part of this journey—regular people who are truly making a difference in big and small ways. Thank you for being part of the Do Something More Podcast community! I’m so grateful you’re here and hope these episodes continue to bring encouragement, purpose, and inspiration to your life. Links mentioned in the epsidode: Ashlee Taylor with ‘The Refuge Utah’ and Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Mckell Draper and Being a Service Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Holly Christensen with 'The Magic Yarn Project' and Making Fun Character Wigs for Children Experiencing Hair Loss from Cancer Treatments ‘Turtle Shelter Project’ and Bringing Warmth and Hope to Homeless Individuals with Handmade and High Tech Vests (with Founder and Executive Director, Jen Spencer) Spreading Encouragement and Inspiration Through Motivational Running (with @runnerguywithasign Ben Lyne) ‘Thanksgiving Heroes’ and Bringing Thanksgiving Dinner to Families Facing Food Insecurity (with Founder, Rob Adams) Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    13 min
  4. FEB 26

    117. Scholarships for Single Mothers: How the Live Your Dream Foundation Is Empowering Women Through Education (with Co-Founder and President, Katie Bunnell)

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of the Do Something More Podcast originally aired in December 2023. On it I’m joined by Katie Bunnell, co-founder and President of the Live Your Dream Foundation, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering single mothers through education. The Live Your Dream Foundation awards scholarships to single mothers across Utah, helping them complete college, university, or technical school programs so they can build stable careers and better provide for their families. But their support goes beyond financial assistance — they have created a strong, uplifting community that offers encouragement, connection, and enrichment for single mothers and their children. In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey of becoming a single mother and the perseverance it took to finish her own college degree. She also shares how with the support of family members and a desire to give back, she founded Live Your Dream to help other single moms overcome financial and emotional barriers to higher education. She also highlights some of the ways her nonprofit has had to pivot to raise money and make the most of every donation they receive. If you’re passionate about nonprofit work, supporting single mothers, education scholarships, community service, or helping families break cycles of hardship, this inspiring conversation will show how one woman’s experience turned into a mission that is changing lives throughout Utah. Listen now to learn how education, community support, and volunteer-driven nonprofit leadership are helping single mothers live their dreams. Links mentioned in the episode: Live Your Dream Website Live Your Dream Instagram Live Your Dream Facebook Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    30 min
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Do Something More is a service-oriented podcast dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of people and organizations who are making a difference. Each week, host Melissa Draper highlights the helpers—volunteers, nonprofits, community leaders, and everyday individuals—who have found meaningful ways to give back and uplift their communities. Through heartfelt interviews and practical solo episodes, this podcast explores real stories of service, acts of kindness, humanitarian work, and grassroots impact. Listeners will discover simple, actionable ways to serve, volunteer, give back, and create positive change in their own communities. Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved, searching for volunteer ideas for your family, wanting to support charities you believe in, or simply needing uplifting stories about people doing good, this podcast will motivate you to help, lift, inspire and make a difference. New episodes every week featuring interviews, nonprofit spotlights, and service-focused conversations. 📩 Contact: dosomethingmore.podcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @dosomethingmore.podcast

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