http://30daysofgood.com/

Iron Gate

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 11:57:00 -0500

Iron Gate is a soup kitchen and grocery pantry in Tulsa, OK. They serve thousands of meals in addition to providing 105 grocery bags to families three times a week. This is their story.

After donating tons of food and warm clothing to the Iron Gate charity we got to speak with one of their dedicated cooks. This is what she had to say:

Long Live Bagels!

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 12:03:12 -0500

We spent the first day in Tulsa doing a little good. Our team got up early, headed over to Old School Bagel Café and bought breakfast for everyone who came in.

Quincy, co-owner and resident bagel expert, helped us surprise people as they pulled around the drive-through. Funny enough, we met a lot of folks who were on their own mission of good. Every other person seemed to be picking up orders for a charity, their co-workers or a friend.

Tulsa, thanks for the warm welcome.

Goodbye, Knoxville

Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:03:14 -0500

We’re moving on to the next city but we couldn’t leave Knoxville without showing our appreciation.

To everyone who didn’t hear us say thanks at the Stock and Barrel, this podcast is for you.

Not Forgotten

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:02:56 -0500

The Helen Ross McNabb Center provides behavior healthcare to teens, children and their families in East Tennessee. This year, they’re aiming to help 25,000 individuals with holiday gifts and resources.

We purchased what we could off their wish list and arrived early in the morning (to avoid spoiling the surprise). As our team loaded toys into the center’s secret gift closet, we were told that most of the programs they have wouldn’t be in existence without the generosity of the surrounding community.

Still, it’s harder for this center because the children they serve are older. A lot of people bring in gifts, but they’re usually for toddlers. Everyone above the age of ten is forgotten; especially the boys.

We made quick work of the unloading and left just as quietly as we came. However, it would have been nice to stay. If only to see the excitement on the case managers’ faces as they opened the secret gift closet and saw a room full of the all too scarce, age appropriate toys.

Lost And Found

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:03:16 -0500

There’s an undeniable emotional drain on the volunteers who take in lost and surrendered pets at the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

We’re told that the hardest intakes are dogs. After the owner leaves, you can feel the dog’s confusion. They look at the door and then they glance up at you with sad eyes that ask, “When are they coming back?”

It’s hard to keep volunteers, but the ones who stay receive their fair share of happy, reaffirming moments. Not to mention the satisfying relief these volunteers feel when a pet is adopted into a “forever home.” In fact, as our team dropped off pet supplies and donations, one dog walker didn’t even stop to see what all the fuss was about.

Turns out, she’s the stopgap until the shelter finds more volunteers. So it’s not surprising that we found her outside, walking an energetic pit bull in the rain. We gave her some cash. Then we thanked her for stretching her time, money and energy to care for these soon to be found pets.

So Says Knoxville

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:23:00 -0500

“I like helping people out. You can’t live in this world and not help somebody.”
Diamond, facilities worker at World’s Fair Park.

“My goal is to be the most polite motorcyclist there ever was.”
Aaron, bike enthusiast and cashier at Pioneer House.

“It’s called life. You just keep smiling. That’s it. The rest is all ‘gar-bage,’ as they say in the old country.”
Anthony Paul, a friendly patron at the Stock and Barrel.

Knoxville Knitters

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:01:15 -0500

Two years ago, members of the local knitting group, Knoxville Needle Exchange, volunteered their time, money and nimble fingers to the Fantasy of Trees, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital benefit. Their handmade ornaments were auctioned off and the proceeds were then used to buy medical equipment.

This year, they made a bigger tree.

We found them, tucked away in a corner of Knoxville’s convention center putting the finishing touches on their display.

After a little investigation, we discovered that the group has been crafting non-stop since June to get ready for this event. They told us that it’s, “simply an excuse to get together,” but to U.S. Cellular, it’s more than that. Before we left, we thanked them for taking the time to talk to us and most importantly, for taking the time to make all of these beautiful things.

The Football Granny

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:02:00 -0500

“She’s the team spirit.”

How could we not pitch in?

Knoxville Melody

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 12:03:00 -0500

The team met Kaleb at a local music store. He was sitting on a stool, strumming a soft tune. When we asked him if that was his guitar, he laughed and said, “No.”

We wanted to change that. Hopefully, the donation will let Kaleb focus on the music that’s been inspiring his community.

Wesley House

Sat, 29 Nov 2014 12:03:00 -0500

“I’ll be honest. It’s the kids and the seniors that inspire me. What keeps me up at night, of course, is keeping the money coming in to keep this place open. We’re a non- profit. That’s what drives you, is finding a way to make sure that we can provide for these kids and their families.”
- Mr. Tim

Our team dropped off supplies and some much needed funds. Hopefully, he’s up a little less tonight.

Meetings at the Market

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:03:09 -0500

Meetings at the Market

The Love Kitchen

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:03:00 -0500

“I’m five minutes older than she is.”

Twin sisters Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner have been feeding those in need since 1986. But the idea for The Love Kitchen started earlier, during their nursing days at the University of Tennessee Hospital.

As Helen tells it, a lot of the patients weren’t getting the nutrition they needed at home. She decided to do something about it, and a few years later The Love Kitchen opened.

The twins say the program wouldn’t have been possible without the influence of their wonderful parents. They taught them to never take the last piece of bread from the table, in case somebody came by in need of it.

You can see the evidence of their parents’ love everywhere. Not only in the charity’s name, but also in the type of people they attract. Because of their president’s caring attention and the dedication of generous volunteers, their service continues to grow.

This November, The Love Kitchen delivered over 2,930 meals while also serving 416 people. We were happy to hand them a check that will go toward serving many more.

The Race

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:59:00 -0500

“Kids this young can help.”
We couldn’t agree more.

30 Days of Good

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:34:00 -0500

Hey, There...

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 05:42:40 -0500

So glad you found your way here.

Right now we’re out in Knoxville, TN collecting stories, so if you’re reading this, you have the distinction of being one of the first people to experience U.S. Cellular’s 30 Days of Good.

We’re out here because the communities we live in are fueled by acts of good that are often overlooked. Every day, people are making connections, being good neighbors and simply living their lives in a way that brings joy to family, friends and even complete strangers.

They may not expect a reward but we think they deserve one.

This holiday season we’re taking thirty days to celebrate these acts of goodness and people who perform them.