“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
The Life on Life Initiative has already made quite a difference this year. Since the idea was launched in June of 2015, there have been over 60 recorded events that have taken place. That is quite impressive considering the concept is less than 6 months old! Life Leadership is proud of all of the organizations that have participated in events so far and we know that this is only just a start.
Recently, a large group of Life Leadership Members decided to combine their efforts and participate in three Life on Life events across three states.
Assembling Care Packages for Veterans in Utah
Life Leadership Members put together nearly 40 care packages to Salt Lake Veterans Center in Murray, Utah. The packages were themed in seasonal orange for Thanksgiving, and donated to the vets who were receiving counseling there. The volunteers also shared a meal and donated 20 Life Leadership published books to the veterans.
Giving Back to a Family in Need in South Carolina
There was extensive flooding in Columbia, South Carolina in early October 2015 where many people were forced from their homes during mandatory evacuation, only to find their homes severely or completely damaged upon return. Life Leadership Member, Tiffany Day, heard of a young man (Steven) and his family who had been living in a two-room apartment for weeks due to the flood damage:
“I won’t forget this day. We were able to be the body of Christ reaching our arms out to hug Steven and show him God’s love; healing a need with our hands bringing clothes and items he has been without for over a month. Kevin’s words of prayer spoken over Steven and our group showing the power of God and community, and of course our feet going out to communities across America to touch the lives of those in need. I can’t wait to tell everyone we were such a vessel of love and kindness today; thanks to everyone in Life Leadership, especially the Columbia, SC and Atlanta teams.” – Tiffany Day (Life Leadership Member)
A collection of needed items were taken in both Columbia and Atlanta on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015. Life Leadership Members contributed items that would re-furnish the family’s home, toys for the kids, and a basket of cash and gift cards that the family could use at various stores. On November 7th, the donations were taken to Steven and his family, who were truly overwhelmed by the gesture. After the visit, Steven texted Tiffany saying, “Thank you again so much for everything. I love you so much for everything that you guys did for me and my family.”
“My heart broke today for this family. Before the flood, Steven, his wife and two children went from living in a two-bedroom apartment to a two-room apartment. There was a refrigerator, a couch and one bed in another room. They literally lost everything. He was humbled and appreciative of what we did for them. He had tears running down his face. It was truly a blessing. “ – Ruthie Bell (Life Leadership Member)
Serving at a Veteran’s Day Parade in Wisconsin
28 Life Leadership Members filled a huge need for volunteers at Milwaukee’s 52nd annual Veteran’s Day Parade, held on November 7, 2015.
“The parade has lost funding in years past and is not as well attended as the Christmas parade; when the parade was facing the possibility of being discontinued, several businesses came to the rescue. Veterans didn’t care if the event was poorly attended. They just wanted to be there for each other. Team 180 on behalf of all of Life Leadership wanted the Vets to know that WE STAND WITH AND FOR THEM, TOO!” – Leah Stadel (Life Leadership Member)
Prior to the event, Life Leadership Members attended a training event, more than doubling the number of volunteers that historically turned out. They served side by side with the Milwaukee Hogs, a Harley Motorcycle club. On the day of the parade, volunteers served by helping veterans and veteran organizations get staged for the event. They issued candy bars that contained prizes and coupons, acted as support staff for veteran officials, assisted helping disabled veterans get on and off the bus, and helped serve food/beverages at an appreciation dinner held at the close of the parade and memorial.
“I was honored to be a part of the Milwaukee Veteran’s Day Parade and getting to work side-by-side with some amazing people. My son Kevin and I were able to serve in a capacity where we were face to face with many veteran groups and parade participants. We were able to serve them beverages, which gave us the opportunity to thank so many of them. It was great to be able to serve so many who have served us.” – Jamie Fassbender (Life Leadership Member)
Following the parade, Wisconsin Life Leadership Members met for dinner and a collection of 187 books from the group were taken to the Milwaukee VA hospital and shelters. These Life Leadership Members wanted the Vets who have served to have access to the same life-changing information they as a community have received, as they work to re-build their lives.
“My thoughts on the day: I was happy to help out the organizers. I hope it took some stress off. This was the least flashy, least commercialized, but most meaningful event of its kind.” – Mike Trego (Life Leadership Member)
Check out this highlight video featuring the three Life on Life events:
Lloyd Weiler says
Fired up man!! Servant leadership!!
Pat says
Wonderful for all the people you served. Keep up the great work!
Robby Palmer says
Wow! There was. Lot going on here! I love it! Way to go guys!
Blaine Terrill says
Fired Up for all the servant leaders of Stealth 180! I’ve seen the way Dave & Leah Stadel serve others and I am honored to have witnessed them and Lyndon & Ruthie Bell in action! God bless Stealth and Life Leadership!
Deanna Suggitt says
Love to see all the help, care and love given out to those in need. Truly inspiring!