Spring '12 Food Blitz was a Success!

On April 22nd, our volunteers (mostly youth) set out on a mission to educate our community about hunger and fill the shelves of two local food banks.

In just 8 hours, they collected:

$7854.74 in cash and gift cards 

4,786 pounds of food

All of the food will go to the El Dorado County Food Bank or Twin Lakes Food Bank (based on which county the food was collected in) and cash and gift cards will be divided between the food banks, Hands4Hope, and other Hands4Hope partner agencies.  

Wow!  We are so impressed.  Thank you to our volunteers & community members who helped support their cause.

We're making a difference.

Volunteer Spotlight: Inga

Even though Hands4Hope is a youth volunteer organization, we rely heavily on the support of our adult volunteers. Inga Buckendorf has had a tremendous role in helping lead several of Hands4Hope’s monthly outreach events, as well as helping guide and advise youth members in the Oak Ridge Hands4Hope Club. 

Inga started helping out with Hands4Hope after her two daughters, Kirsti & Lena, got involved. “Their desire to impact peoples’ happiness and welfare inspired me,” she said. Since getting started, Inga has found herself volunteering along side her daughters at the GVCC Kid’s Café, the Haunted House, Homeless Outreaches in Placerville and Sacramento, the Food Blitz and many more of our events. “Each event brings with it a unique experience and memory,” she said. “Those that have had the biggest impact on me come in the form of unexpected realizations. For example, offering bananas to homeless people over other fruits because of dental issues and people choosing not to eat because the public restrooms are locked due to a holiday.” 

Inga has donated hundreds of hours to help with Hands4Hope projects. She has been known to do the shopping for Homeless Outreach, blanket making, or other projects when we find ourselves in a pinch. She also steps up often if we find ourselves needing an extra hand. 

“I have always been proud of H4H and the role I play in the organization, but what’s far more inspirational are the youth volunteers,” she said. “They make a conscious decision to make a difference and many times put that ahead of sleep, Facebook, and hanging with friends.” 

Inga said H4H has been a great outlet for her family to spend time together. “Volunteering provides us with meaningful life experiences which not only help improve the lives of others but transform ours along the way. The benefits are truly immeasurable.”

Thank you Inga for all of your hard work and dedication to Hands4Hope!  We are so appreciative for all you do!

{Helping out at the Spring '12 Food Blitz}

{Making sandwiches with youth for the April Sacramento Homeless Outreach}

{Dancing the night away at the Haunted House Premiere Dinner & Costume Ball}