DOLLY PARTON, MACGYVER, AND MAKE-A-WISH

What do Dolly Parton and MacGyver have in common? In the late 1980s, both were wishes of a terminally ill boy who dreamed of meeting them. Well that, and to visit Disney World of course. Richard welcomed the boy onto MacGyver set and gave him his personal pocketknife. Although Dolly couldn’t meet him in person due to scheduling restraints, sometime later a parcel arrived to the little boy from Dolly herself…

According to Krista Ball, who shared this touching thread about her neighbors in the 1980s, Dolly Parton and MacGyver, aka Richard Dean Anderson, helps to light up this little boy’s life.

“This was the late 80s. My neighbour’s young nephew was dying and had three wishes: 1. Meet Dolly Parton 2. Meet Macgyver (aka Richard Dean Anderson) 3. Go to Disney World”

“They could arrange 2 and 3, but not Dolly. She was on tour or on set (I can’t remember which now), but the travel distance + schedule was not possible to coordinate with a dying child’s medical needs.”

“So Richard Dean Anderson had the kid on set, gave him his knife (family lore is the little boy was buried with it). He was strong enough to also go to Disneyworld. Some time later, a parcel arrives…”

“Dolly Parton’s team put together whatever they could find on short notice as a “memorabilia” box, and she personalized every single piece for him. She wrote him a letter to say how sorry she was they couldn’t meet. Hoped the box of goodies was a nice surprise.”

“No one was ever allowed to say a bad word about Dolly Parton or Richard Dean Anderson around my mother, who said those ‘rich celebrities didn’t have to do that for people like us, you know? They didn’t have to.’ But Dolly and Richard did.”

Here’s to stars who use their influence to make a difference, and to the late Dolly Parton, whose legacy of generosity lives on through programs like her Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free high-quality age-appropriate books to children up to age five. It operates globally with a mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and ensure every child has access to books, regardless of family income.

 

Article Source: https://bsky.app/profile/kristadb1.bsky.social/post/3mtwiusuook26

SUMMER SURVIVAL MACGYVERISMS

Each summer we share summer macgyverisms for the hottest months of the year. This time we’ve added to our ongoing list and included your old favorites. Whether you’re stuck on a desert island, the unknown tundra, or your great aunt’s vacation cabin, here is a list of macgyverims that will help you survive the heat and various elements this Summer of 2026.

• Water Jug Camping Lantern

No lamp? No problem. Attach a headlamp to a jug of water to make a DIY lantern. The water will diffuse the beam, creating a soft glow to illuminate your campsite, tent, or picnic table.

• Onion Grill Cleaner

Rub half an onion across grill grates using a long utensil. It’ll pick up all the gunk without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

• Tarp, Rope, and Duct-Tape Sun Shelter

Create a makeshift shelter to escape the sun during outdoor adventures using tarps, duct tape, and rope. Find a shaded area or find sturdy poles (or trees) to support your tarp. Stretch the tarp overhead, securing the corners with the rope. Reinforce the tarp’s edges with duct tape to secure. Perfect setup perfect for camping trips, beach days, or just lounging in your backyard. It’ll protect you from harsh UV rays and keep you cool.

• DIY Flip-Flop Repair

A broken flip-flop doesn’t have to leave you hobbling –  If the toe post pulls through the sole, push it back through the hole and slide a plastic bread clip underneath it. Alternative: Use a paperclip in a pinch.

• Solar Oven Made From Cardboard Box + Foil

Harness the power of the sun and cook meals without power, using a homemade solar oven. Find a cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, black construction paper (optional), and a cooking tray or pan. Line the inside of the box with foil to reflect sunlight. Place black paper if you have it at the bottom to absorb heat. Put the tray inside, cover the box with plastic wrap or the food with a glass bowl to trap heat, and angle it toward the sun. Leave it for a few hours, and you’ll have solar-cooked food!

• Paperclip Zipper Lock

Loop a paperclip through zippers to keep your luggage from bursting open in cargo. While it won’t keep persistent thieves out, it will definitely slow down anyone trying to access your luggage. Also great for purses or backpacks.

• Homemade Sunscreen

A natural sun block made will keep your skin moisturized and safe from harmful UV rays without toxic additives. For this one, use 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup Shea butter, 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder, 10-15 drops of essential oils (like lavender or peppermint). Melt the coconut oil and Shea butter together. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide powder and essential oils. Let cool, then apply generously before heading outside. 

• DIY Phone Speaker

No speaker? No problem. Use a cardboard tube and plastic cups to amplify a phone’s sound. In a pinch, you can even place your phone or tablet into a cup or bowl.

• Bug Repellent from Pantry Staples

Create a natural bug repellent with stuff you may already have. Find apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or water, a few drops of essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint work best), and a spray bottle. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and witch hazel in a spray bottle. Add 10–15 drops of essential oils. Shake and spray directly on skin or clothes to ward off pests. Bonus: Smells better than commercial sprays.

• Slow-Drip Plastic Bottle Plant Waterer

Poke a few small holes in the cap of a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and replace the cap. Turn the bottle upside down and bury the neck a few inches into the soil. Water will slowly drip into the ground, helping keep your plant hydrated while you’re away.

• Cardboard Foil Car Sunshade

Create your own DIY car sunshade using cardboard, Aluminum foil, and duct tape. Place the cardboard over the car windows to block out direct sunlight. Wrap aluminum foil around the cardboard to reflect the sun’s rays. Secure it with duct tape.

Tip: Connect multiple sections with tape or carefully slice halfway into cardboard to create an accordion style shade as pictured. Just remember to tape while it’s already folded!

• Covert Beach Container

Reduce the chances of things getting stolen at the beach by making a covert container. Hide valuables inside an empty toiletry bottle. Clean it out, and cut a hole in the top just big enough to stash your beach valuables. Snap the top back on, and your items are concealed.

• Fruit-Fly Trap

MacGyver a non-toxic fly trap: Place fruit in a plastic-wrapped container with a small entry hole just bigger than the fly. In a bit, the flies will be checking things out. In a couple days they’ll be having a rockin’ fruit party. Next, simply press on the container lid, sealing them inside.

• Sponge Ice Packs

If your cooler isn’t keeping things cold long enough, use this frozen sponge ice pack trick. You’ll need kitchen sponges, zip-top bags, and freezer access. Soak the sponges in water and seal them in zip-top bags. Freeze overnight and toss them into your cooler. When they melt, they won’t leak everywhere, and you can refreeze them easily!

• Instant Icy Drink

Freeze a bottle one-quarter full on its side. This way when laying sideways to freeze, the water settles below the neck, making an ice block on the side of the bottle that won’t block the opening. Fill with water or your favorite beverage and you’re ready to go.

• Homemade Electrolyte Beverage

Stay hydrated in the heat with this DIY electrolyte drink. What you’ll need: 1 quart water, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup lemon juice or lime, and 2 tbsp honey or sugar. Mix everything together and chill. Sip throughout the day to replace lost fluids and minerals. It’s natural, inexpensive, and just as effective as store-bought drinks.

(Fresh lemon / lime juice contains several electrolytes essential for proper hydration, electrolyte balance, and overall health; Raw honey also has a high electrolyte content, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant benefits, and adds sweetness; Sea salt helps regulate fluid balance and prevent cramping.)

• Popcorn Ant Deterrent

If you find yourself feeling like you’re in ‘Trumbo’s World’ with hordes of destructive ants, reach for some popcorn kernels. Grind kernels into cornmeal and place near ant trails to help rid of ants. Make a few piles around the trails. Most ants are attracted to cornmeal, but their bodies are unable to digest it. This makes it a highly-effective pesticide that’s safe for household use.

• DIY Fire Starter

Need a cheap, quick, and easy way to start a campfire? Use dryer lint and a paper towel or toilet paper roll. Just stuff dryer lint inside an empty cardboard paper roll. It catches quickly and you’ll have a blazing fire in no time.

• Summer Phone Protection

Protect your phone from water, sunscreen, and other summer hazards by keeping a small ziplock bag with you. Whenever you find yourself in an environment that’s not great for phones, you’ll have something to keep it safe. Plus, you can still use the touchscreen when it’s in the bag!

• In-Flight Phone Holder

Secure a phone to a closed tray table using an air-sickness bag and phone case. Fold the sick bag in half, place it behind your phone, and put the case over your phone. Fold the top of the bag over your tray table and collapse the tray table. Voila! Instantly MacGyvered in-flight entertainment!

• Emergency Water Filter

MacGyver a water filter with this hack. What you’ll need: A plastic bottle with the bottom cut off, gravel, sand, campfire charcoal, a coffee filter or clean cloth. Take the plastic bottle and place a coffee filter at the neck (top of bottle). Layer the bottom with a bit of gravel for larger debris. Add a layer of sand to further filter particles. Follow with charcoal to purify the water and remove odors and toxins. Pour water through and voilà! Cleaner water for drinking!

Tip: If you have a large soda bottle, cut it in half and put filtration items in the top section as pictured for better results. While this hack won’t make the water 100% pure, it will make it safer to drink.

•  Replacement Stone Anchor for Torn Tarp
  

When a tarp’s corner or grommet tears, place a smooth stone beneath an undamaged section near the edge. Gather the tarp around the stone, then tightly loop and knot a rope beneath it. The wrapped stone creates a sturdy new anchor point without requiring another hole in the tarp.

These MacGyverisms are meant for emergencies or a little resourceful summer fun; not as substitutes for proper equipment, proven safety measures, or good judgment.

Bookmark this page to keep these Summer MacGyverisms close at hand. Here’s to a summer full of sunshine and resourcefulness!

Sources:

https://macgyver.com/10-summer-macgyverisms-you-need-to-know/

https://macgyver.com/summer-survival-macgyver-style/

https://macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com/how-to/10-life-hacks-you-need-know-for-better-summer-0148044/

https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/20-brilliant-summertime-hacks

https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2017/05/02/10-tech-travel-hacks

https://peoplesblog.co.in/articles/amplify-a-smartphone-science-experiment-for-kids.html

https://liveandletsfly.com/air-sickness-bag-phone-mount/

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fire-Starters-with-Paper-Rolls-and-Dryer-Lint

https://almostpractical.com/paperclips/

The MacGyver Community Is Thriving Online

There’s never been a better time to join the growing world of MacGyver. Every day, fans from around the globe are sharing memories, testing classic MacGyver-inspired ideas, celebrating favorite episodes, and proving that resourcefulness never goes out of style. Across platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok the MacGyver community continues to grow through creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving.

Whether you’ve been watching since 1985 or just discovered the series for the first time, our social media pages have become a place where generations of MacGyver fans can connect.

Follow Our Official MacGyver Pages:

Instagram: instagram.com/macgyverglobal
X/Twitter: x.com/macgyver
TikTok: tiktok.com/@officialmacgyver
YouTube: youtube.com/@macgyverglobal

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Fan-Favorite Features

#MacGyverTrivia

One of our most popular recurring tags, #MacGyverTrivia dives into behind-the-scenes facts, episode details, hidden references, and other trivia from both the original and reboot series. We breakdown gadgets, improvised solutions, and various episode lore. Fans can be found in the comments showing off their knowledge and discovering new facts about MacGyver.

#MacGyverOfTheDay

The MacGyver mindset exists everywhere. Our social media #MacGyverOfTheDay series highlights real people using creativity and quick thinking to solve problems in everyday life. From clever repairs and emergency fixes to resourceful inventions and acts of ingenuity, these stories celebrate the idea that there’s a MacGyver in everyone.

Some MacGyver Of The Day’s include a hiker who improvised a leash from a tripod clip to rescue a lost dog in the Oregon woods, and a real estate agent who macgyvered back together a vandalized sign.

The Latest Viral Posts

On TikTok you can watch MacGyver as he escapes a freezer with a genius approach. Or, learn if you can actually fix an engine with an egg, as seen in MacGyver Season 2 Episode 19 of the original series, where Mac patches up his car radiator with egg whites while broken down on a rescue mission in Central America.

A video of MacGyver creator Lee David Zlotoff speaking at Limitless Live convention has reached tens of thousands – as he dives into an amazing story about the creation of MacGyver and what it’s really about. Zlotoff recently created a new Instagram account to stay connected with fans, and share other things he’s working on.

Lastly, with over 5 million views we shared a video of a MacGyver fan testing out a DIY Camera-blocking sunglasses hack on Instagram, as seen in the latest MacGyver series using infrared LED lights.

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More Than A TV Show

MacGyver has always been about more than gadgets. At its core, MacGyver represents resourcefulness, creativity under pressure, compassion, and the belief that intelligence can solve problems better than violence. That spirit continues every day through the fan community online. Thank you to everyone who comments, shares memories, submits stories, participates in discussions, and helps keep the MacGyver mindset alive.

As always: There’s a MacGyver in everyone (and anyone can be MacGyver).

Solving Global Problems With Simple Ideas

If you’ve ever reached for a paperclip, duct tape, or a Swiss Army knife in a pinch, you may have heard someone say, “That’s so MacGyver.” But what actually makes someone a real-life MacGyver?

On TV, MacGyver (played by Richard Dean Anderson, and more recently Lucas Till) faces off against villains determined to cause chaos, such as Murdoc, who often goes to extreme lengths to outsmart him. In the real world, the “enemy” often looks different.

We rarely have a single adversary, many times it’s a constraint. Limited resources. Environmental challenges. Social and economic barriers. Real-life MacGyvers don’t have the luxury of perfect conditions. Instead, they work with what’s available by improvising, adapting, and solving problems in ways that are often simple, but deeply effective.

From a woman who designed a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag for the homeless, to a teen who powered his family’s village with a homemade wind turbine made from salvaged materials, here are a few innovators who set the bar high as real-life MacGyvers from around the world.

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Boyan Slat

First on our list is Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor, entrepreneur and founder of The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit dedicated to removing plastic from oceans and rivers.

Slat’s approach is simple: instead of chasing plastic through the water, his systems work with natural ocean currents to passively collect it. It’s a classic MacGyver move of using the environment to your advantage rather than fight against it.

His mission began while scuba diving in Greece, where he noticed something alarming: more plastic bags than fish. After presenting his concept at a TEDx conference in 2012 (a video of the talk went viral) Slat made the bold decision to leave his aerospace engineering studies and fully commit to the idea.

Today, his systems are deployed around the world, proving that sometimes the most effective solutions aren’t the most complex… they’re the ones that rethink the problem. Learn more about Slat and The Ocean Cleanup at theoceancleanup.com/boyan-slat.

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Arunachalam Muruganantham

Despite growing up in poverty and leaving school at just 14, Arunachalam Muruganantham went on to transform access to women’s health products across India.

Known as the “Padman,” Muruganantham is a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, who invented a low-cost machine for producing sanitary pads. What began as a personal mission to help his wife evolved into a nationwide movement to make menstrual products more accessible in rural communities.
His compact machines allow local production of sanitary pads at a fraction of the normal cost, and they’ve now been installed across most states in India. He created something that empowers women with health resources as well as economic opportunity.

Muruganantham’s impact in solving a massive public health issue has earned global recognition, including being named on Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people and receiving the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Learn more about Muruganatham and see what he is up to.

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Veronika Scott

Veronika Scott is an American social entrepreneur and founder / CEO of The Empowerment Plan, a Detroit-based organization focused on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Scott designed a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag—an elegant but practical solution to a real and immediate need. What began as a college project quickly grew into something much larger: a mission-driven organization that not only provides warmth, but also creates jobs for people transitioning out of homelessness. It’s a powerful example of MacGyver-style thinking: a simple idea to make a meaningful difference.

According to a post on her Instagram “Yesterday, we reached a milestone 13 years in the making: the 100,000th EMPWR Coat was created. We are incredibly proud of our team—past and present—whose dedication, care, and belief in this mission made this moment possible… What began as a college project has grown into an organization that has touched more than 100,000 lives across the country and around the world. We’re deeply grateful for how far we’ve come, and mindful that the work continues.” Follow Veronika Scott and her EMPWR project on Instagram for updates.

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Mansukhbhai Prajapati

A village potter from Gujarat, India, Mansukhbhai Prajapati spent years working on an idea based on what he already knew: clay. After a catastrophic earthquake devastated his region, he quickly saw a need for better food storage, now that over 1 million structures were destroyed, and over 600,000 people left homeless. He experimented with traditional clay techniques to create the Mitticool, a refrigerator that works without electricity. Designed to cool through evaporation, the system keeps food fresh and water cool using only air and moisture. No power required.

The process wasn’t instant. It took trial and error to get the clay structure, airflow, and water retention just right. The final result is simple, affordable, and built entirely from locally available materials. This makes it accessible to communities where conventional refrigeration isn’t an option.

Prajapati’s work is a perfect example of a real-life MacGyver mindset: not inventing something from scratch, but reimagining what’s already in front of you, and turning it into a solution that meets real-world needs. Visit mitticool.com/mansukhbhai-prajapati to follow Prajapati’s journey.

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William Kamkwamba

As a teenager in rural Malawi, William Kamkwamba faced a problem that couldn’t be ignored: his family’s village had no reliable electricity. 

Working largely from a textbook on basic physics, he spent months studying how wind energy worked, then began experimenting. Using blue gum trees for the frame, bicycle parts for the mechanics, and salvaged materials from a local junkyard, he slowly constructed a functioning wind turbine piece by piece.

When it finally worked, the turbine generated enough power to light his family’s home and charge batteries, which transformed daily life. He later expanded his work, adding turbines and a solar-powered water pump that brought clean drinking water to his community. Just as importantly, he shared what he learned: teaching others how to build and repair similar systems, creating a ripple effect of self-sufficiency.

His story is a great example of using whatever is available, learning as you go, and turning constraints into opportunity. Not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

Kamkwamba is currently working to improve education and support local economies in Malawi through the Moving Windmills Project, which he co-founded. He is also building the Moving Windmills Innovation Center in Kasungu where young people can get guidance and tools to help solve everyday agricultural and energy challenges.

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Aisa Mijeno

While working with off-grid communities in the Philippines, Aisa Mijeno saw a common challenge: families relying on kerosene lamps for light. Kerosene lamps however are both expensive and dangerous. Instead of looking for a high-tech solution, she turned to something more accessible: saltwater.

Co-creating the SALt Lamp (aka Sustainable Alternative Lighting), Mijeno developed a device that generates light using a simple process. By combining saltwater with a specially designed metal electrode, the lamp is able to produce energy without traditional batteries or electricity. The materials are minimal and locally available: salt, water, and replaceable components. This makes it practical for coastal communities where resources are limited but seawater is abundant.

The final design provides hours of light on a single saline solution and reduces dependence on fuel-based lighting. Mijeno’s work is a clear example of a real-life MacGyver: looking at an everyday resource, understanding its hidden potential, and transforming it into a solution. Explore her project on Facebook or at Saltlamp.store.

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The Next Generation

The next generation of real-life MacGyvers is already here, and the mindset is only growing. That’s why in partnership with MAKE Magazine, we launched the MacGyver In A Box Challenge, inviting participants of all ages to solve a real-world problem using limited resources and practical thinking.

The winner, Devanshi Guglani, stood out with a sanitation design that emphasized simplicity, real-world usability, and even incorporated composting. That’s exactly the kind of thinking of a true MacGyver in the making.

Learn more about Devanshi and her winning design.

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Become a Real-Life MacGyver

Being a real-life MacGyver isn’t about having the right tools. It’s about seeing possibilities where others see limits. The people in this story didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They worked with what they had, tested ideas, failed, adjusted, and kept going until something worked. Instead of overcomplicating a problem, they simplified it.

Start with the problem, not the solution. Use what’s available. Stay curious. And don’t underestimate simple ideas. They’re often the best ones.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t need to be MacGyver to think like one.

You just need to start.