“Don’t wait for other people to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly…lead the way.” – Steve Maraboli
Recently, a Life on Life Initiative year in review article was published on this blog. If you missed it, you can check it out HERE! Life Leadership continues to lead the way in making a difference for society. Last year, a group of rascals all over southeast Wisconsin put together several fall and winter events to help support people who are in need. Check it out!
Karmenta Center Nursing Home
On Sunday, November 8th, 2015, Life Leadership Members spent part of the afternoon with the residents at Karmenta Center in Madison, WI cheering on the Green Bay Packers, serving food and drinks and offering love and care for those who call Karmenta their home.
Bingo at Shorehaven
One Saturday afternoon, another group of volunteers hosted a bingo game at Shorehaven Nursing Home in Oconomowoc, WI. Several Life Leadership Members prearranged prizes for the bingo winners – things like paper cups with cocoa mix and marshmallows, little bags of chocolates, electric votive candle holders filled with candy canes, word puzzle books, and more.
The volunteers went to each room and invited the residents to join and wheeled some of them down to the activity room. Some of the participants sat among the residents if they needed help, including the kids. One was the caller, others were running trays of prizes to the winners. They played several rounds and afterwards shared a variety of desserts with the residents and chatted with them before returning them to their rooms.
“It was a great experience to be a cheerful, smiling face to them. Our kids really loved chatting with the elderly people and helping out with cleaning everything up at the end of our time. We’re looking forward to future opportunities to serve at Shorehaven in other various ways.” – Heather Woods (Life Leadership Member)
Operation Christmas Child
Another group of Life Leadership Members gave of their time to volunteer for Operation Christmas child in southeast Wisconsin:
“It was such a blessing to see a community of people come together and serve so selflessly.” – Kathy Wood (Life Leadership Member)
Street Life Ministries
Life Leadership volunteers gave five hours of their time to serve at Street Life Ministries, a 501(c)3 food pantry in Milwaukee, Wi. This organization helps feed over 500 people every Saturday morning, rain or shine.
“Our group had an amazing time talking to strangers and serving God’s children. God was truly present among us and where else would one want to be than serving our Lord while helping others? We also learned that Life on Life goes both ways, for every life we helped, they helped us. They helped us show young impressionable kids how to give more than they receive, and they helped us spread smiles across sad faces and most importantly reminded us how blessed we are.” – Mike Jakubowski (Life Leadership Member)
Bonnie’s Blankets for Froedert Hospital
Another Life Leadership group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin gathered for a blanket-making party to make fleece blankets for the Froedert Hospital BMT (bone marrow transplant) unit. Nearly 15 blankets were made in support of a program called Bonnie’s blankets – in order to carry on the legacy of Bonnie’s dream of making blankets to give to patients during their stay at the hospital.
“The day before Thanksgiving my children and I were able to meet up with Jess (Bonnie’s daughter) to deliver all of the blankets she had made combined with ours. Over 100 blankets have been donated so far since her mom’s death. The nurses were so grateful to receive such a kind donation and could not wait to hand them out. As the hospital grows, the need for personal touch and comforts will expand also. We were excited to share our time and talents.” – Jody Paplham (Life Leadership Member)
“Thank you to everyone who attended and donated fleece. We had food and fun; we had fleece flying and kids running. Most of all, we were able to give back to those who don’t have what we have. We were happy to be a blessing.” – Robin Schilling (Life Leadership Member)
Medical Alert Dog for a Family in Need
Meanwhile, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, another group of Life Leadership members participated in a bratwurst fry/bake sale fundraiser for a medical alert dog for a family who has three daughters that suffer from an extremely rare genetic disorder. The girls have life threatening concerns due to adrenal deficiency – including plummeting blood sugar levels, frequent bladder infections and the list goes on. To help ease their burdens their physician had encouraged them to get a medical alert dog. The results were a HUGE success!
“Despite 20mph wind gusts, overcast skies and a temperamental grill, 96 hamburgers and 76 brats were sold! That day, Stealth Red Eagles raised $2000 for the Westphal family medical alert dog. The group had used social media to advertise and promote the brat fry. Some local businesses saw the postings and agreed to donate the remainder of the necessary $15,000! The Westphals will have their dog trained and ready to work by August 2016! God took the efforts of A FEW and multiplied them beyond everyone’s expectations!!!” – Carol Eldredge (Life Leadership Member)
If you participated in this Life on Life Initiative or were inspired by this story, please be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Life Leadership: Setting People Free
Brandon Perry says
I still love reading these and honored to be part of a company that makes this level of serving the norm. Looking forward to also reading a future post on what was accomplished over the weekend for Project PA. Thank you to all the life leaders who serve in all these initiatives!
Michelle says
Our LIFE Leadership team, Team Stealth Red Eagles, has a mantra ~”First to Serve” ~ and this blog highlights how these teammates truly live this mantra every day! Matt & I are proud to work with people like this who reach beyond their own comfort to care for and serve others. It’s so inspiring to us! I know the “Go Giver” phenomenon was alive and well during all of these activities….the more we served, the more we were blessed in return! Thank you to the LIFE on LIFE Initiative for sparking the creativity and resourcefulness of our team. May these blogs continue to be an inspiration for all of us as we read about fresh ways, big and small, we can fill the needs of our local communities. May God continue to do the increase!
Ron says
Neat to be part of a Team, organization/business that is constantly looking for ways to lift others up and provide them with care and support. #lovelifeleadership
Leah Stadel says
What awesome thoughtfulness and personal reach into the lives of many in so many ways. Praise God!
Robby Palmer says
Love it!!
Teesa Rossman says
WOW! So proud of these guys, these are wonderful stories. I love how God can take what we bring and multiply it in amazing ways!
Cheryl Slavinsky says
This rocks! Very proud to be part of a company that, as someone said, makes this level of service the norm.
Blaine Terrill says
This blog is my favorite news source! Can’t get enough of it! So many worthy causes!
Dave Hall says
Our Red Eagle’s team motto is “1st To Serve!” What a privilege to be part of a servanthood revolution!
Lloyd Weiler says
Fired up!!