“Happiness comes from serving others.” –Orrin Woodward
Whether famous or average, old or young, affluent or poor; at some point in the journey of this thing we call life, it’s hard not to recognize that the most satisfying part of our existence is when we are helping other people. Unfortunately, our society has conditioned us to accept that we are just “too busy” and “too broke” to add value to anyone else’s life; and therefore, the opportunities that present themselves every day are looked over and passed by.
At Life Leadership, we believe that every individual can make a big dent in the world–as they know it–by simply developing new habits in their life. And what better way to develop new habits than by making a game out of it?! 🙂 Recently, as you can read in our previous blog post, Life Leadership CEO Chris Brady and COO Rob Hallstrand started a trend without even trying to. This “magnet-bombing” uproar has inspired Life Leadership Members all over the world to plug in to the new Life on Life Initiative, and make a conscious effort to serve the people in their local communities–while paying it forward and involving friends, family and other LIFEmates.
“Like Orrin just told me, ‘If you want to have an impact on the community, you have to have an impact on the community!’…Well here’s a start–I just got back from a pregnancy crisis counseling center. There’s a big need there. I was at Mary’s Shelter for unwed mothers, and they need drivers, money, and educational materials. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with Treasure Coast Children’s services–an adoption and child welfare facility–and they will definitely have a big wish list. The needs are many, and we have the resources. We just need to get out of our comfort zones and go ask how we can help in our community…People are begging for the material that we produce. Education is the key to ending these struggles, and they all understand that…The centers want to integrate the corporate training for the staff, as well as the mental fitness challenge and the financial fitness program for those that they help…Orrin put it best when he noted, ‘We are impressive individuals; but when we volunteer in groups, the laws of attraction draw people to the aura that we create.’ Life on Life is our call to action!” -Bill Howard (Life Leadership Member)
While a good portion of our Life Leadership members might already have lots of ideas on how to respond when someone magnet-bombs their car; we are sure that there are also many that could use some help figuring out where to start. For this reason, we’ve asked people from all walks of life to give us some ideas that we could share. The deluge of answers that we received from such a small group of people is evidence of the fact that there is so much that we can do to reach out and support those in need. The great part about an “idea buffet” is that you get to pick-and-choose from the activities that fit you and your family the best. Since this list is far from comprehensive, we welcome any additional thoughts with open arms!
The Life on Life Initiative Idea Buffet:
- Visit a nursing home and spend time with the residents – read, sing, play music, play games, talk, etc.
- Clean up litter/trash in a run-down neighborhood, at a park or at a schoolyard.
- Pay for a veteran’s/soldier’s meal.
- Volunteer at the local humane society.
- Offer to cut someone’s grass, weed whack, and/or help with their landscaping.
- Buy someone’s lunch or coffee.
- Take someone grocery shopping and pay for their items.
- Volunteer for a local Habitat for Humanity project.
- Visit some elderly folks in the community – take them dinner, play games with them, talk, etc.
- Carry groceries to someone’s car for them.
- Find an orphanage from somewhere around the world that you can partner with.
- Donate time to help at the local Miracle League with special needs children.
- Pay for the car behind you in the fast-food drive-thru.
- Offer free childcare for a night to a single mom/a couple in need.
- Donate food to a food pantry and/or clothing to a homeless shelter.
- Volunteer as “extra hands” in a childcare facility.
- Take a meal to a family in need.
- Donate toys to a homeless shelter for the children.
- Help an elderly person with their grocery shopping.
- Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen.
- Donate a pillow, a blanket and a coat to someone who is homeless.
- Get involved financially with missionaries and their ongoing projects around the world.
- Give blood at a local hospital or blood-bank.
- Fill up someone’s car with gas.
- Donate to a local woman’s pregnancy center and/or ask if you can help mentor some of the women.
- Go to a local restaurant or store and hold the door open with eye contact/a smile as people enter.
- Volunteer at a special needs event.
- Buy a meal for a homeless person.
- Help an elderly person fill their prescriptions and then organize them.
- Wash someone’s car.
- Clean graffiti off of the walls in a public area.
- Volunteer as a “hugger” at a local hospital, in the labor and delivery area, for babies that are in need due to the drug addiction of their parents in prison.
- Clean someone’s house.
- Lead a Bible study at a nursing home.
- Host a comedy night for the caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.
- Bring donuts/bagels for breakfast for all of the staff members at a non-profit organization.
- Read to or play games with the children in a foster care facility.
- Invite people to come together to create cards, notes, pictures and care packages for soldiers and/or the families of incarcerated persons.
“I plan on volunteering my time using my reptiles for an educational presentation at a local theme park. The park is designed for children with disabilities. One of my dreams is to run a reptile zoo for underprivileged kids. I never before thought about doing what I can right now, instead of just waiting for the grand dream. I think we can all use our gifts and passions where we are as we go through life–being careful not to be so future-minded that we are not striving to be good in the present.” -Adrian De Leon (Life Leadership Member)
- Conduct a pet food drive for the pet lovers out there.
- Serve food at a local rescue mission.
- Put together backpacks with supplies for a child in need.
- Mow an elderly neighbor’s yard.
- Share leadership- and life-oriented books with the teachers that are training up the next generation.
- Sign up to be a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
- Create “blessing bags” for the homeless (toiletries, snacks, socks).
- Do a spa night for a single hard-working mom.
- Donate uniforms and/or supplies to a local school in need.
- Go through your closet and donate old clothes to a local Goodwill Store.
- Help an unemployed friend with their resumé and teach them how to conduct an interview.
- Make it your goal to say a simple encouraging word to as many people as you can in one day.
- Stop in at the Fire department and see what kind of programs you can get involved with. (Checking in on the elderly and/or children after they come home from school)
- Help with repairs at an elderly friend’s home.
- Donate to an anti-sex trafficking organization.
- Find some people at your church that need help on some home-construction projects and volunteer.
- Provide labor for a local food kitchen.
- Ask any teacher friends if they need help setting up their classroom.
- Volunteer as a tutor to teach people to read at a local literacy counsel.
- Pick up a bunch of homeless people in a van and take them all out to eat. Give them the chance to befriend each other.
- Set up a blood drive and encourage all of your friends/family to give blood.
- Give money and time to help accomplish the projects that your church needs to finish.
- Put together a fundraiser for a particular need and involve the people who will receive the help so they can also participate, learn and grow.
- Go to a local hospital cafeteria, find someone who’s been there all day, pray with them and buy their meal.
- Smile and say hello to 10 complete strangers (especially to those who are frowning).
- Help stock a local food pantry.
- Coordinate a class where young and old alike can learn self-defense tactics and techniques.
- Walk an elderly neighbor’s dog for them or with them.
- Pay for the person behind you at the toll booth.
- Gather an outreach team and develop some projects to help those in the community.
- Join with a local church that houses the homeless for a week. Donate snacks and take the time to be a positive influence in their lives.
- Visit a friend in prison and brighten their day.
- Volunteer to read at the library to a group of kids, to the blind and/or to the illiterate.
- Recall the summer camp you used to go to as a kid, and donate to help them create an even better program for the next generation.
- Find programs that help you volunteer your time to underprivileged and/or abandoned children.
- Coordinate with some local hairdressers to put on a mobile salon to help the homeless women and women staying in shelters feel better about themselves.
“People love being around those who serve them.” –Orrin Woodward
- Visit and volunteer however is needed at a VA Hospital.
- Take your pets to a retirement home to play with the older folks.
- Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a single dad and his family.
- Hold free workshops to teach life skills.
- Search out a children’s home, get to know some of the kids, and visit often to spend time with them.
- Reach out to pregnant youth in your area and offer to mentor them and teach them parenting skills.
- Volunteer and/or donate to a nearby animal shelter (food, towels, etc.)
- Pay the electric bill for someone in need on a hot summer month or on a freezing winter month.
- Coordinate with some local mechanics/handymen to hold a “free repair day” at a local church for the less fortunate to get their cars fixed.
- Sponsor and be a pen-pal with a child through Compassion International.
- Donate leadership- and life-oriented books, CD’s and packs to the library at a local prison.
- Check out JustServe.org to find more serving opportunities in your local area!
Jennifer Radtke says
We already do so many of those things without already being magnet bombed. I love some of the new inspiration listed there. Can’t wait to hear all the amazing stories that come out of the new LIFE on Life.
Lynn Burns says
Fantastic ideas!! This is a great list and will generate more and more ideas along the way! Thank you Life Leadership for inspiring me to get out there and help! I don’t feel as overwhelmed or helpless now – I have an avenue to share and help and grow!! 🙂
Prospery Raymond says
It is a great blog. It is giving us some brilliant idea how to support others here in Haiti.
In my group, we are doing three things already and we hope to continue to do so in the next 12 months:
– give blood to the Red Cross. There are always shortage of blood at the hospital; last month, 5 associates have their blood for wounded people and we will continue to do so this month.
– spending time praying with sick people at hospital. We will continue to carry on with this and we saw how important it is in our life but also in the suffering people life as well.
– jogging/ walking together on weekly basis. It is a way to encourage people to walk a bit and improve their fitness. The aim is to be prepared for a long two days walk along the mountains in Haiti helping the youth the beauty of this lovely country and bring joy and happiness to the youth from the communities we will cross during our journey.
I’m sure other great ideas will pop up and achieve. I’m so excited to give back and feel blessed.
Prospery
Ken Hendon says
On our many trips to Haiti we have fallen in love with the beauty of the country and the beauty of the people. Prospery, you and your team are helping to keep Haitians focused on these beauties. We in America and in Haiti need to keep moving the focus away from our selves toward developing the inner beauty of others. Blessings on your efforts.
Ken and Joan
Alberto says
Well said Prospery, and we are willing to contribute to the realisation of these activities to put smile over faces to our communities. In the Convention last week end, Marie Maude and Thierry Laplanche reminded us the work we’re doing in Haiti is to change this country by inspiring one Haitian by one. My Mentor Prospery understands the impact of these initiatives in our community, imagine yerterday a friend of mine and LifeMates was at the hospital to give some bloods, this is an excellent point for us.
One Haitian by one to change this beautiful country we have.
Prospery Raymond says
Awesome Alberto: fired up!!!
Elaine Mallios says
Helping others is truly a gift for yourself. It always makes me happy. We have to get into the bombing thing – that is hysterical! For now, we will be having our PBO party for July and collecting needed items for the homeless shelter in Carlisle to donate. Its a start anyway. Great ideas! thank you!
Mario Flores says
Great blog!
Reminds me of the great commission. We all have been created to serve.
– Just yesterday in our staff meeting @ Chick-fil-A Gateway at Sanatoga we were jotting ideas on how to help Lower Pottsgrove High School Marching band raise funds to go to their first college football bowl, the Chick-fil-A Bowl in December. Many of the ideas were service projects that were listed here along with many more ideas that you and others listed. Thanks for serving me!
Ken Hendon says
Zach, This is a wonderful blog! Keep up the good work, Ken
David & Cathi Thomas says
Fantastic blog post! Our family has created many memories from serving others in our local community and this post has inspired us to truly prioritize helping others. We can and will do more! #lovelifeleadership 😉
James Pollock says
The Fun Club just got ‘funner’ with LIFE on Life 🙂
Mike Strickler says
The posts are great thoughts & ideas, keep them coming. I know for me personally once or twice a month I pick up the tab for the car behind me @ Dunkin Donuts The small gesture fills 2 Love tanks @ once. Gotta love it. Mike
Dean says
Lots of great ideas! The irony is the greatest blessing will be for those who do the serving! We are truly blessed as we bless others. Great article Zach!
Keeyan says
Great way to rebuild any country! One act of random kindness at a time.
Mary Knopp says
Amazing opportunities await! Zach and Flora, the life that you lead and the people you touch through all aspects of LIFE is inspiring! There are so many people who are hurting and struggling to find their purpose. This list is just a beginning! Thank you for your inspiration and leadership! Just one thought to add, take the opportunity to spend some time with the children of a home schooling mother that you know so that she could have some time to herself. Even if it is for only a litte while. Magnet bombing, bombs away!
Wade Hamblin says
I LOVE this initiative!! Thank you to Life on LIFE!
Chad Palmer says
Zach, thanks for such inspired writing, after 9/11 and hurricane Katrina it was amazing to see so many different churches send their member’s who were following the example of Jesus Christ. I know Life on Life will better coordinate all of the service projects and volunteers who are called to serve. Our teams are using JustServe.org with awesome results. Godspeed
Ryan Ray says
WOW!!! So many opportunities to serve others in our communities!! #noexcuses I’m inspired! #lovelifeleadership
Chris Miller says
I love the list of ideas keep them coming!!!! We could also offer free financial classes and teach from our awesome financial fitness Pack at our local church or community.
Anthony Nieto says
Amazing list you put together from our ideas. It was way longer than i expected. This tells me we can think bigger with more of our heads that come together. Great job Zach!
Jacqueline Richard says
Thank You Life Leadership for giving us the tools with an impressive list of ideas to help us go out there and be a positive impact in our communities!!
Amy Myers says
Can we add ideas here? I’d like to raise money to purchase motorized wheelchairs/scooters and wheelchair equipment (including vans) for those who are disabled. We could also do a work day to repair or install handicap accessories for those who need them (ie, handrails, wheelchair ramps, pull bars etc…). Lots of handyman jobs like even paint a room or do some deep cleaning. It’s so hard for those who are disabled to get more done in a day than the basics of caring for themselves. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to be able to take some of the load off them in a simple way?? Just some random thoughts that a zillion others could spin off on.
Kristen Seidl says
I love these ideas Amy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Heidi says
I know this suggestion is monetary, but it is definitely an awareness issue as well. I believe the mission of the Parental Rights Foundation fits well with Life Leadership. http://www.parentalrightsfoundation.org/ The PRF is a non-partisan 5013C organization that is using constitutional and legal means to pass a Parental Rights Amendment. They are educating policy makers and the public on these issues as well. There are many stories of children being placed in the hands of the state when there is no need for it, separating them from their parents. The PRF also donates legal help to such people. The PRF definitely believes in the importance of the family as the core of our society.
Kristen Seidl says
Thank you for sharing Heidi! This may be a great LIFE on Life team charity event–going and spending time with the children and finding out what other needs they may have.
Venkat Varada says
Frist of all big thank you to Zach and Kristen for work you are doing with this blog. As thei blog grows, the knowledge, connectivity, sharing of ideas, image in the world all are shared and enhanced. To everyone we are all blessed by you! God bless you and keep you. Hebrews 12:1,2.
–thank you
–venkat
Sharon Hoffman says
I second that Venkat! They are so amazing work! Such talent and gifts!
Terri says
While Mom was in the Colorado hospital after her stroke, my daughter Christine (age 11) and I took her napping as opportunity to sing to other patients in the same corridor. Though the songs were a blessing, it really just seemed that the other patients- like any of us- enjoyed being listened to. They told incredibly interesting stories having nothing to do with illness or song, just a part of themselves. At the end we prayed, and I wondered what pain was being released, as each “amen” brought with it a flood of tears from the patient. God has blessed Christine with a gift of living outside herself- and so will Life on Life!
Kristen Seidl says
Wow! Awesome Terri. Constantly leading by example; you and Christine are amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Ginette Genest says
Bravo for Life on LIfe! So proud to be part of an organization that truly walks the talk when it comes to doing what they say they will do. Servant Leadership at it’s best. Thanks to all the LIFE founders and members who are changing themselves first and then will change the world! God Bless.
Vernon Zimmerman says
I love the “pay it forward” ideas! It is great to be part of a community that is focused on doing good and helping others.
Cody Kratzer says
What an incredible list of ideas and its only the tip of the ice berg! This post is a great resource for anyone who is stuck trying to think of a way to help out the community! Thank you LIFE on Life Inititative and Zach Frey for writing the article!
Tracey says
Amazing ideas…Can’t wait to hear about all of the lives changed!! LIFE just keeps getting better and better! #LoveLifeLeadership!!!
Brad Heathman says
I deliver Meals On Wheels. We are always looking for drivers and runners. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes each day. You can volunteer as a substitute or for as many days a week or month you can do. I also serve on the Board of our senior center. The senior center needs donations to improve the facilities where meals are served and games are played. I play games with seniors at the senior center.
Robert Quance says
I service computers on a charity basis, only charging what people feel it is worth unless parts are needed.
John foley says
Great stuff! Life leadership came to me at a time my mother passed from breast cancer Feb 7th 2015. This has helped us mentally tanks to leaders and team. Gilda’s club for cancer is my local qc Gilda’s club I am donating to. We all can handle a couple great deeds expecting nothing in return while creating ripple affect on people in need! This is the real deal!
Wendy & Paul Crockett says
Since becoming LIFE members even before LIFE came about, we learned so much to help save our own marriage by reading Personality Plus, The 5 Love Languages and Love & Respect that we just knew we had to find a way to help others in our Colorado church. We created an 8 week “Marriage Tune-up” class based on the first two books mentioned, assigning 4 specific vehicles (that had meaning to Paul and I) to represent the 4 personality types. We then added a 21-point “vehicle inspection list” to make sure the spouse’s fuel/love tank is always closer to full than empty.
We’ve been facilitating this class for four years now and have had the immense pleasure of serving more than 30 couples and counting. The rewards of serving others FAR outweigh the “work” put into it.
Thanks to LIFE Leadership for helping Paul & I find a common purpose we can do together without expecting anything in return! Now there are 4 couples on the newly-formed Marriage Ministry Outreach Team facilitating 4 different classes throughout the year to keep couples fed on a continual basis.
http://www.marriageministryoutreach.com
Michael Leahy says
In our community there are several ways we can serve, the ones we have chosen so far are are “The Special Olympics ” As well as the “Western Farm-workers:Association”
The Special Olympics allows us to provide some needed focus and attention on people who truly appreciate the efforts.
With the Western Farm-workers we get to interact with the labor camps and do hands on educating with the Literacy project.
Every community has needs it’s up to us as Life members to find the ones we can make a difference with.
We truly know not the ripple-effect a small bit of kindness can have in a person’s life. Not only will it speak in volume as to WHOM we are it will speak Loudly about WHO we as a Group can be.
When we touch one life it matters to that person. – It is not how great we are it is how great of an Impact we leave.
Kris Shier says
I LOVE this blog and LIFE Leadership!! Such a blessing to be part of something so amazing! I was fortunate to grow up learning and doing volunteer work,giving back,holding doors,allowing people into traffic, paying someone a compliment,etc. I was so geeked when Life on Life was released and look forward to doing more and more to serve and help others!
Jeff wolf says
I live in a town where they pay their city council members with free water and sewer so I have organized a committee to repainting old abandon buildings got a organization called the Sierra project that is groups of young church members that go around the country doing volunteer work and they are now painting one of the buildings this week and another building is being painted by volunteers of the community this weekend as to have them understand the beauty of teamwork and community service . It’s awasome to see the results !!!
Louis Vega says
My son and I went for a walk today and we stopped, smiled and waved to every passing car. It was enjoyable.
SAMUEL LARRY says
PEOPLE HELPING , BROTHERHOOD ON THE GO.
James says
The LIFE on LIFE initiative further solidifies what LIFE Leadership stands for. It excites me the intentional direction we are going as a community!