‘Lifelines Of Hope' On The CW Showcases Selfless Acts Of Heroism

Forbes

01-05-2025

"Lifelines of Hope," a one-hour special on The CW, offers a potpourri of life saving moments that ... More elicit involvement from ordinary individuals, often risking their own lives, to save others
Ordinary people with extraordinary courage. Celebrities who use their influence to make a positive difference. Unity in the face of adversity. A community spirit at a time of considerable challenges. And a foundation, The Marine Toys for Tots, which provides year-round leadership, funding, and emotional support to economically disadvantaged children.
In the content arena of today where sensationalism in storytelling is the norm, tonight's one-hour special Lifelines of Hope on The CW, airing at 9 p.m. ET, is an immediate reminder of the value of true heroism. In the category of non-scripted reality, it is a rare example of an entry with an uplifting theme.
Hosted by Dean Cain, Laura McKenzie, Elizabeth Stanton, and Montel Williams, Lifelines of Hope offers a potpourri of life saving moments that elicit involvement from ordinary individuals, often risking their own lives to save others. And it features a roster of personalities, including Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Billy Crystal, John Stamos and Sean Penn, who use their influence for the good of the community.
From a food delivery driver rescuing four children from a burning house to a man jumping off a bridge to save a drowning infant to the first responders battling the Eaton and Palisades fires this past January in Los Angeles, Lifelines of Hope from Associated Television International (Masters of Illusion, The Hollywood Christmas Parade), a production company dedicated to uplifting programming and topical storytelling, highlights the unity in activities that benefit the community.
From January 7 to 31, 2025, a series of 14 destructive wildfires affected the Los Angeles ... More metropolitan area and San Diego County.
'These are particularly challenging times; fires, hurricanes, violence, and so many tumultuous issues impacting our world. So, through Lifelines of Hope, we want to remind the audience of the value and the importance of these acts of kindness and heroism,' said Laura McKenzie, who also executive produced the special. 'We want to stress how many people there are, from everyday individuals to noted personalities, who are willing to simply step in.'
'When you help somebody else, something positive is going to come back to you,' believes Montel Williams, who for 17 years was a direct connection to the general public through his eponymous syndicated daytime talk show. 'We showcase these compassionate stories in Lifelines of Hope as a testimonial to the value and the importance of this community spirit.'
Other situations featured on Lifelines of Hope include a neighbor who fearlessly steps in to protect a six-year-old from a wild dog; Monaco's Prince Albert II as he devotes himself to defending the planet's oceans; the devastation from of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread catastrophic damage and numerous fatalities across the Southeastern United States last September; and Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis in an appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon during the California Wildfires.
'Do anything you can: anything in your community to help people. Give blood, donate, whatever you can do…animal shelters,' said Curtis.
Hurricane Helene was a devastating tropical cyclone that caused widespread catastrophic damage and ... More numerous fatalities across the Southeastern United States in late September 2024.
'Sometimes challenges bring out the best in people. Even today, and maybe at this very moment, somebody is going way outside their comfort zone,' noted actor Dean Cain, who addressed the personal struggle his parents faced after losing their family home in the California fires. 'These are the heroes who became the lifelines of hope.'
Dean Cain and Laura McKenzie host The CW special "LIfelines of Hope" alongside Montel Williams and ... More Elizabeth Stanton.
The Marine Toys for Tots
For The Marine Toys for Tots, Lifelines of Hope offers an opportunity to highlight its charitable initiative following its participation in the annual Associated Television International-produced The Hollywood Christmas Parade. Last fall, the foundation, which brings children a moment of hope amid uncertainty, was honored at The 27th Annual Family Film and TV Awards for its commitment to supporting families and children in need across the country year-round.
'In 2024, we reached a record 13 million less fortunate children in the United States. And the majority of what we do is now through civilian volunteers,' said General James B. Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 'We could not reach this goal without volunteers and the generosity of people dropping a toy or book into a collection box or opening up their wallet to make a monetary donation to us.'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on January 24, (L-R) Major General Len Anderson IV, ... More Dean Cain, Elizabeth Stanton, Laura McKenzie, Montel Williams, and Lieutenant General James B. Laster pose for a portrait during the 26th Annual Family Film And TV Awards in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor Family Film and TV Awards)
Founded in 1947, the initial mission of the Marine Toys for Tots program was to collect new unwrapped toys, books, games and other items and distribute them to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. Rated as one of the top charities in the nation with a program support ratio of 98 to 2 (which measures how efficiently a nonprofit is using its resources to achieve its goals), the Virginia-based foundation now operates year-round.
'Unfortunately, there are just too many negative things in the media these days and on television in general. But I do believe that Americans, overall, are good people and are inherently willing to lend a hand and stand up to any challenge,' noted General Laster. 'And telling these stories in a special like Lifelines of Hope only accentuates our mission.'
'America has been a country of heroes since its very beginning,' said Dean Cain. 'And there is no shortage of individuals that stand up and make a positive difference.'
While presented as a one-hour special, Lifelines of Hope would be a welcome addition for The CW (or any outlet – broadcast or streaming) as a regularly scheduled weekly television series. From the origins of broadcasting to modern days, the backbone of original content accentuates kindness, empathy, and teamwork. And, for an advertiser, there is no value greater than a positive option like Lifelines of Hope that emphasizes just that. It's a win-win for everyone.
'We had to turn people away this past year because we had so many volunteers,' noted General Laster from Marine Toys for Tots. 'This is a testimonial to the endless people ready and willing to contribute to the community. There is no better feeling than helping others.'
Marine Toys for Tots collects and distributes toys, games, and books to children in need for the ... More holidays as well as other year-round initiatives.