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

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

Send a textThis 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 WebsiteLive Your Dream InstagramLive Your Dream FacebookFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube

116. Creative Ways to Serve: How 'Gifts No One Asked For' Delivers Encouragement through Inspirational Art (with @gifts_no_one_asked_for Angela Wilson)

Send a textWhat if your creativity could become a simple but powerful act of service?In memory of her mother, Angela Wilson launched the Instagram account Gifts No One Asked For, a heartfelt service project where she creates watercolor postcards and hand-lettered calligraphy art — and gives them away for free. Anyone can request a custom piece to send to a friend, family member, or loved one who could use encouragement, hope, or a reminder that they are not alone.In just over a year, Angela has fulfilled more than 1,000 requests, delivering uplifting artwork to all 50 states and 10 countries. Along the way, she’s received messages letting her know how her small acts of kindness have brought comfort, healing, and joy during difficult seasons.In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, Angela shares how she turned grief into service, how starting before feeling “ready” made all the difference, and why you don’t have to be perfect — or the best — to make a meaningful impact. If you’ve ever had an idea to use your talents, creativity, or passions to give back, this episode will inspire you to start now and grow along the way.Listen to Episode 116 to hear Angela’s inspiring story and discover how you can use your unique gifts to serve, volunteer, and make a difference in your own community.Links mentioned in episode:Gifts No One Asked For InstagramFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube

115. No Kid Sleeps on the Floor: How 'Sleep In Heavenly Peace' Builds Beds for Children in Need (with Founder Luke Mickelson)

Send a textWhen Luke Mickelson discovered that children in his community were sleeping on the floor without beds, he decided to do something about it. Involving youth from his church and his own children, Luke built and delivered beds to kids in need in his own town. What began as a small act of service quickly revealed a much larger problem — and an incredible opportunity to serve in a hands-on, meaningful way.That small effort became 'Sleep in Heavenly Peace', a nonprofit organization now with more than 400 chapters across the United States. Last year alone, they provided approximately 90,000 beds to children who needed a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Through large community ‘Build Day' events, volunteers of all ages can come together to build beds and even join a delivery team to help deliver and install the beds — making a tangible difference in the lives of local families.In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, Luke shares the inspiring story behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, how the nonprofit continues to grow, and practical insights for other nonprofits and community organizations looking to create engaging, impactful volunteer opportunities.If you’re passionate about volunteering, community service, nonprofit leadership, or making a difference for children in need, this episode will inspire you to take action and do something more.Links mentioned in the episode:Sleep in Heavenly Peace WebsiteSleep in Heavenly Peace InstagramSleep in Heavenly Peace FacebookCare PortalFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube

114. Women Helping Women Through Service: How ‘Hot Mess Express’ Brings Hope Through Cleaning and Community (with President and Board Chair Brittinie Tran)

Send a text‘Hot Mess Express’ is exactly as awesome as it sounds! This non-profit has affiliates all over the country dedicated to women helping women, judgment-free. Whether it’s a new college student moving into her dorm, a mom or family navigating a difficult season, or an elderly woman needing the love and support a true community can bring, these volunteers walk into homes and through compassion, cleaning and organization give women in their communities a fresh start. As they beautifully say, it’s ‘not a handout, just a hand.’In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, host Melissa Draper sits down with Brittinie Tran, President and Board Chair of Hot Mess Express, to talk about the heart behind this powerful organization. Brittinie shares inspiring stories from the field and gives the needed reminder that none of us need to feel alone or afraid to ask for help.Links mentioned in the episode:Hot Mess Express WebsiteHot Mess Express TikTokHot Mess Express InstagramHot Mess Express FacebookFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube

113. Small Acts, Lasting Impact: Making (and Keeping) Service-Focused Resolutions

Send a textWhat if your New Year’s resolutions focused less on doing more for yourself and more on doing a little more for others?In this first episode of 2026, I’m sharing why service-focused resolutions matter—and simple, sustainable ways to give back without overwhelm. From slowing down in daily interactions to using your words, time, and talents for good, these small shifts can make a big difference.If you’re looking for meaningful goals, simple ways to serve, or a fresh perspective on giving and receiving, this episode is for you. 🤍Follow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube