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

Melissa Draper
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    125. Serving Foster Children: How 'Comfort Cases' is Bringing Dignity and Hope to Youth in Foster Care (with Founder Rob Scheer)

    Send us Fan Mail There are nearly 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, and every day, hundreds more enter foster care through circumstances beyond their control. Many arrive at a new home carrying all of their belongings in a trash bag. In this inspiring episode of the Do Something More Podcast, I sit down with Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, to hear his powerful story of growing up in foster care and how his own childhood experiences led him to create a nonprofit that is restoring dignity and hope to children in foster care. Comfort Cases provides backpacks filled with essential items—including new pajamas, toiletries, books, blankets, and comfort items—so that no child has to carry their belongings in a trash bag again. Since its founding, the organization has delivered hundreds of thousands of Comfort Cases to children across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. Rob shares:  His personal journey through foster care  The heartbreaking reality many foster children face  How Comfort Cases is changing lives through simple acts of compassion  Practical ways anyone can support children in foster care—even if becoming a foster parent isn't the right fit  Why your time, talents, and story can make a lasting difference Whether you've been wondering how to help foster children, support foster families, volunteer in your community, or simply want to learn more about foster care, this episode will leave you inspired with meaningful and practical ways to make a difference. Links mentioned in the episode: Comfort Cases Website Comfort Cases Instagram Comfort Cases Facebook Fostering Change Podcast  Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    30 min

  2. May 6

    124. You Are Enough: A Reminder to Stop Comparing & Find Joy in Serving In the Way That is Uniquely Yours to Give

    Send us Fan Mail One of the things I’ve learned from this podcast…Is how easy it is to feel like you’re not doing enough. When you hear about incredible nonprofits and people changing the world, comparison can creep in fast. But here’s the truth I keep coming back to: None of us can do everything. But all of us can do something. And that “something” is going to look different for each of us. This episode is a reminder to stop comparing, trust who you are, and act on the good you feel inspired to do. Because the world doesn’t need you to be someone else—it needs you to be you. Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    13 min

  3. Apr 29

    123. Helping Those Who Need It Most: How 'Love Justice International' is Working to Stop Human Trafficking Before It Starts (with Founder and CEO John Molineux)

    Send us Fan Mail The nonprofit featured in this episode is working to stop human trafficking before it starts. Love Justice International is on the front lines of preventing trafficking around the world, using strategic interventions to identify and intercept potential victims before they are exploited. To date, their work has helped protect over 100,000 individuals, supported more than 2,000 arrests, and operates with an average prevention cost of just $112 per intercept. In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with John Molineux, founder and CEO of Love Justice International. He shares how the organization began, the innovative methods they use to combat trafficking, and the real-life impact of their prevention work. This episode will expand your understanding of human trafficking, highlight one of the most urgent global injustices of our time, and offer meaningful insight into why this is a crucial cause to support. Links mentioned in episode: Love Justice International Website Love Justice International Instagram Love Justice International Facebook Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    31 min

  4. 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

  5. Apr 8

    121. When Catastrophe Strikes: Ideas For How You Can Help After a Natural Disaster

    Send us Fan Mail This episode originally aired in October 2024 and is especially relevant as communities respond to recent natural disasters. When disasters strike, many of us want to help—but knowing how to help effectively can make all the difference. In this episode, I share practical and meaningful ways to support disaster relief efforts, from donating and volunteering to finding trusted organizations that are making a real impact on the ground. One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of offering help in a coordinated and thoughtful way. By working through reputable nonprofits and disaster relief organizations, your time, money, and efforts can go further and truly meet the needs of those affected. If you’re looking for ways to give back after a natural disaster like hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding…this episode will help you take action with confidence and purpose. Every act of service—no matter how small—can help families and communities begin to rebuild and heal. Links mentioned in the episode: Website for National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster List of Current Members of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Donate Blood through American Red Cross Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram  Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    16 min

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Mar 18

    118. Supporting Foster Families: How Care Communities Are Making a Difference (with Utah Foster Care Director of Community Volunteers, Tami Carson)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Do Something More, I sit down with Tami Carson from Utah Foster Care to talk about the vital role foster families play in supporting vulnerable children in our communities. Tami shares insights into the challenges and rewards of foster care, as well as the growing need for more support. We also explore Utah Foster Care’s Care Communities program—a powerful initiative where groups of 8–10 adults come together to support a foster family through practical service, emotional encouragement, and consistent care. This episode highlights how anyone can make a meaningful difference, even if they don’t feel called to become a foster parent. If you’ve ever wondered how to serve children and families in need in a tangible, impactful way, this conversation will inspire you with ideas on how you can get involved. Links mentioned in the episode: Utah Foster Care Communities Website Utah Foster Care Instagram Utah Foster Care Facebook Follow the podcast on social media: Do Something More Instagram Do Something More Facebook Do Something More YouTube

    35 min
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5
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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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