Shanelle Kaul hosts The Uplift, bringing heartwarming stories from around the country.
A volunteer who sleeps on the job
At Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, Wisconsin, 81‑year‑old Terry Lauerman has become an unlikely fundraiser. The retired teacher volunteers by sitting among the cats and — famously — falling asleep. Photos of his naps went viral, helping the sanctuary raise nearly $100,000, expand its space and add a full‑time vet. Terry’s sleepy visits draw donors and attention, showing small acts can have big impact.
Eagles Jackie and Shadow
In Big Bear, California, nest cameras have followed bald eagles Jackie and Shadow through a dramatic season. After losing a clutch to ravens and suffering the recent death of a local eagle activist, the pair gave viewers hope when Jackie was seen with a new egg. Friends of Big Bear Valley monitor the nest; Jackie and Shadow have raised eaglets before, and volunteers say they may lay more eggs this season, possibly using delayed incubation so multiple chicks hatch close together.
A swim team swims for their custodian
In Richardson, Texas, J.J. Pearce High School’s swim team held a swim‑a‑thon to help their custodian, Van Le, who had been hospitalized and facing mounting medical bills. Swimmers, coaches and the school community raised about $17,000, negotiated with the hospital to cover charges, and surprised Mr. Le with gifts including a bike and, in a generous moment, an offered car. Though Mr. Le speaks little English, the outpouring of support left him deeply grateful — and the school proud.
Girls hockey grows and inspires
Across Northern Virginia and nationwide, girls are lacing up skates in growing numbers. Youth programs report surges in participation — one local team has seen a 50% increase; USA Hockey says girls’ participation is up 65% over 15 seasons. Coaches and parents praise hockey for building toughness, teamwork and confidence. Young players practice skills from skating to puck control with hopes of one day competing at elite levels, inspired by Team USA and the example of women’s hockey stars.
Pim Neil: a record‑setting Girl Scout
Six‑year‑old Pim Neil of Pittsburgh overcame multiple disabilities and early rejections to sell 100,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in one season. Her campaign gained momentum after viral TikTok videos helped spread the word. In recognition, her city named February 20 “Pim Neil Day,” honoring her determination and the outpouring of community support that helped achieve a national record.
Honoring the Rosies
On the SS Red Oak Victory in Richmond, California, a crew of women welders and restorers channel the legacy of Rosie the Riveter by restoring a World War II cargo ship built with wartime labor. Volunteers and surviving “Rosies” who once worked in male‑dominated trades gather to repair and maintain the vessel, passing skills and pride between generations and spotlighting women’s contributions to the wartime effort and to preserving history.
The town of friendly people: St. George, S.C.
When a rare winter storm hit St. George, South Carolina, many residents stayed home — but an unhoused man named Chris and his dog Mowgli were stranded in the cold. Carlos Canales noticed them and gave Chris money and food, then posted on Facebook seeking help. The response was immediate: neighbors tracked them down, raised enough money for a motel stay, lent warm clothes and gas, and organized meals and medical help. A retired judge’s assistant, a council member, EMTs, a hairstylist and a retired vet tech all pitched in. The motel manager extended free nights, and more than 70 acts of generosity followed. Council member Ruthie Tripp and others called the effort “proof” of the town’s nickname — “the town of friendly people.” Community leaders stressed that diversity made the effort stronger and that kindness prevailed without judgment.
A show that uplifts
The Uplift spotlights simple, human stories — volunteers, youth teams, record‑setting kids, heritage preservation and communities that come together. From Jackie and Shadow’s nest in California to the goodwill in St. George, these moments remind viewers that compassion and community make a difference.