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

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 us 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 us 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

112. ‘Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra’ and The Story Behind Handel’s Messiah and Performing It for the Community to Benefit Charity (with Manager and President Connie Manwaring)

Send us a textIn this inspiring Christmas episode I sit down with Connie Manwaring, Manager and President of the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra, to explore the remarkable story behind Handel’s Messiah and the powerful tradition of using music to bless and uplift others.Connie shares the fascinating charitable history of Handel’s Messiah — including how its very first performances were created as benefit concerts that raised funds for the poor, freed debtors from prison, and supported vulnerable children. She also opens up about her own journey from growing up in East Germany to studying music around the world, serving as a missionary, and ultimately founding a nonprofit choir dedicated to continuing Handel’s legacy of compassion.In this episode, you’ll learn:🎵 The incredible backstory of Handel’s Messiah and why it remains one of the most beloved and meaningful works of all time 🎄 How the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra uses its annual Messiah performances to support rotating charities, from refugee organizations to children in need ❤️ The healing, unifying power of choral music — and why singing together builds community, empathy, and spiritual strength 🙌 Why attending a Messiah performance (or even just hearing the Hallelujah Chorus!) can become a meaningful Christmas tradition for your familyWhether you’re passionate about service, fascinated by the history of sacred music, or simply looking for ways to bring more kindness and purpose into your holiday season, this conversation will fill you with gratitude, joy, and Christmas spirit.✨ Listen now and discover how music, charity, and community can help us all “do something more” this holiday season.Links mentioned in the podcast:Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra WebsiteNebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra InstagramNebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra FacebookFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube

111. ‘Lifting Hands International’ and Providing Humanitarian Aid to Refugees at Home and Abroad (with Founder and CEO Hayley Smith)

Send us a textIn this powerful episode I sit down with Hayley Smith, founder and CEO of Lifting Hands International, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meaningful, needs-based aid to refugees around the world.Hayley shares the eye-opening story of how a two-week volunteer trip to Greece opened her eyes to the realities of the global refugee crisis and inspired her to begin an organization that now supports displaced families in multiple countries. From chaotic camps in Greece to community-centered livestock programs in Jordan, Hayley takes us inside the world of humanitarian work, refugee support, and what it truly means to offer help in ways that actually matter.Listeners will learn: ✨ Why listening is the foundation of effective service and humanitarian aid ✨ How Lifting Hands International provides aid refugees actually ask for—including goats, hygiene kits, community support, and local resources ✨ Simple ways anyone can help—from volunteering locally to becoming a small monthly donor ✨ What most people misunderstand about nonprofit work, refugee needs, and humanitarian responseThis conversation is both educational and deeply inspiring, offering real-world insight into how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference—right where they are.If you’re passionate about service, volunteering, nonprofits, refugee aid, or finding meaningful ways to give back, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Links mentioned in the episode:Lifting Hands International WebsiteLifting Hands International InstagramLifting Hands International FacebookLifting Hands International in The Giving MachinesFollow the podcast on social media:Do Something More InstagramDo Something More FacebookDo Something More YouTube