Please Consider Hands4Hope In Your Year-end Giving! Thank you!

Hello Hands4Hope Families, Friends, and Ambassadors!

As 2014 comes to a close, I’m sure you join me in thinking, “where has all the time gone!?” As we each reflect on this year – with our families, at our jobs, and in our communities – I’m proud to share some of the amazing accomplishments the Hands4Hope youth, leadership teams, families, and friends have achieved:

• Partnered with 15 local schools to engage 400 students in service learning projects which included: clothing and toiletries drives, fundraising projects benefiting the needs of local agencies and serving the less fortunate. Hands4Hope Clubs completed 26 projects during the 2013-14 school year, all to improve the lives of others.
• Planned, prepared and served 3,255 meals to homeless on the streets, to senior residents living in low income housing developments, and to mentally challenged women at a local shelter.
• Mentored children bi-weekly at a transition home for recovering moms and their children, where they built positive relationships with the children and served as positive role models demonstrating good and caring behavior.

“Hands4Hope provides an opportunity for youth to see and participate in the needs of others that they may have never seen or may never see and experience. Their efforts have produced many solutions to many of the social ills that plague our society.”   Ron Sachs, Job’s Shelter of the Sierra

To learn more about the many accomplishments of Hands4Hope youth, please watch our most recent video: http://www.hands4hopeyouth.org.

The commitment from our youth and families is the foundation of Hands 4 Hope; none of these results could be achieved without YOU, your imagination, creativity, passion, and support! I am deeply grateful for your many contributions.

Our numerous youth-led programs also depend on resources and funding. As you consider making your final tax-deductible donations for the 2013 year, or perhaps consider donations in a family member’s name as a holiday gift that keeps giving, please put Hands4Hope at the top of your list. Please donate directly through our website today: http://www.hands4hopeyouth.org/donate/. We are happy to supply a Certificate of Donation for those dedications. Checks are also gratefully accepted.

For a little as $20, your donation can fund a blanket, hand-made by our youth, to keep someone warm this winter. A donation of $50 allows our youth to prepare and deliver 25 meals to someone who otherwise would go hungry. A donation of $100 funds a “youth in action,” allowing a youth member to participate in our service learning and outreach programs for one year. And, a generous donation of $400 provides a scholarship allowing a youth member to attend our H4H leadership camp next summer, providing an at-risk youth to experience something that could change their lives forever.

I know this time of year is especially difficult to find the extra money in your household budget to give to local nonprofits, even those you love like Hands4Hope! My only ask is that you make every effort to support our organization by donating today at http://www.hands4hopeyouth.org and in doing so, support the more than 1200 youth involved and the thousands of community members who benefit from our programs.

Thank you for your support and commitment as we continue to develop programs that directly benefit our community, as well as the people we serve. We are making a difference every day, and that is something worth investing in!

Warm wishes for a happy & safe holiday season,

Jennifer Bassett

Jennifer Bassett
Founder/Executive Director
Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference
916.919.5695
www.hands4hopeyouth.org

Empowering youth to make a positive difference in the world around them through Exploration, Action, and Leadership.

Volunteer Spotlight: Riley Peick

Riley is one of our college-aged interns, assisting Hands4Hope this summer.  Riley Peick currently lives in El Dorado Hills for the summer and will be returning to Saint Louis University (St. Louis, Missouri) in the fall to continue his studies in Business.  

Riley moved to California the middle of his sophomore year of high school and attended Sacramento-based Jesuit High School until graduating. Wanting to continue his Jesuit education, Riley decided to attend Saint Louis University. This is where his passion for service really kicked off!  Joining a learning community called Micah, he was able to find a permanent service site and a lot of other fun and rewarding service events, much like Hands4Hope has.

"I got to go on a service learning trip to Honduras in January that was focused on microfinance and poverty alleviation for those living in extreme poverty. Already wanting to become an economics professor one day, this trip added to my desire to learn more about economic development and use my business degree for something beneficial to help the world's 3 billion people who live on less than two dollars a day!" exclaims Riley.

As Riley returned home to El Dorado Hills, he wanted to continue his service work and asked to intern with Hands4Hope for the summer​.  "I chose to volunteer at Hands4Hope because it reminded me a lot of what I had done in college. I love to help plan service experiences and Hands4Hope was a perfect fit for me," says Riley.

Riley ​is in the process of leading Hands4Hope's first School Supply Drive and has done a phenomonal job!  "Riley has taken his summer internship with Hands4Hope to another level! His commitment to service and the youth involved with Hands4Hope is evident through his continued and tireless efforts.  Riley has been an instrumental leader in the 1^st annual Hands4Hope School Supply Drive. As a result of his commitment, coordination and planning we are confident that many students in El Dorado County will be prepared and ready for the 2014-2015 school year!" explains Nicole Craine, our Youth Development Coordinator. 

Mikan, our Outreach Coorindator, further adds "Riley’s enthusiasm and willingness to not just help, but to take on the responsibility of handling details, has made our summer events much more successful.  We’ll miss him when he returns to school!"

Thank you Riley for all your hard work and commitment to Hands4Hope!

Hands4Hope's 1st Annual School Drive

(Looking for distribution events?  Scroll to bottom)

The Details:

The 1st annual Hands4Hope School Supply Drive will benefit children in need in El Dorado County. Hands4Hope youth leaders & volunteers will work with local business, agencies  and community members to collect items such as: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, scissors, glue sticks, binder paper, construction paper, Kleenex and other school supply items.

Our Goal:

The goal for this event is to provide a backpack filled with necessary school supplies to each child in need before school begins in early August 2014.  To match previous collection efforts made by The Placerville Union School District the drive will need to collect enough school supplies and backpacks to serve 240 students (K-8^th grades). However, the El Dorado Union High School District has expressed great interest in Hands4Hope expanding the drive to also provide school supplies to students in grades 9-12^th.

List of Greatest Needs:

• Backpacks
• Composition books
• Pens
• Pencils
• Red Pens
• Folders
• Enclosed pencil sharpeners
• Glue sticks
• Construction paper
• Kleenex
• Binder paper
• Dry erase markers
• Highlighters

Events & Actions:

Community Donation Bins:

Hands4Hope donation bins for community donations of school supplies will be available July 14-August 3, 2014 at the following business and/or agencies:

•    Starbucks (2215 Francisco Dr, EDH)
•    Starbucks (4311 Town Center Blvd, EDH)
•    El Dorado Hills Fire Station #84 (Francisco Drive, EDH)
•    El Dorado Hills Fire Station #85 (Wilson Dr, EDH)
•    El Dorado Hills Fire Station #86 (Bass Lake Drive, EDH)
•    El Dorado Hills Fire Station #87 (Golden Foothill Pkway, EDH)
•    St. Stephens Church (Olsen Ln, EDH)
•    Lakehills Church (Rossmore Ln, EDH)
•    EDH Library (Silva Valley Pkwy, EDH)
•    California Welcome Center (Town Center, EDH)
•    Round Table (Town Center (Town Center, EDH)
•    Zia’s (Town Center, EDH)
•    Community Service District (El Dorado Hills Blvd, EDH)
•    Rock’n Frogs (2201 Francisco Dr, EDH)
•    US Bank (1020 White Rock Road) 
•    El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department (300 Fair lane road Placerville)

Neighborhood School Supply Blitz:

On July 19^th (9:00am-12:00pm) Hands4Hope youth volunteers will lead a Neighborhood School Supply Blitz by Distributing 1,200 Hands4Hope School Supply Fliers along with donation bags to residents in three local communities (Blackstone, Promontory, and Four Seasons). Volunteers will return to those neighborhoods on July 29^th (9:00am-12:00pm) to collect donation bags. 

Tabling Events:

Office Max-On July 27th and August 3^rd (12:00-2:00pm) youth volunteers in partnership with Office Max will set up a donation table in front of the Office Max located at 3041 Forni Rd Placerville. Patrons will be able to purchase prepackaged supply kits ready for donation.Sam’s Club- On July 27^th (12:00-2:00pm) youth volunteers will set up a donation table in front of the Sam’s Club located at 2495 Iron Point Rd, Folsom. Patrons will be able to purchase requested school supplies and donate as they leave the store.

How you can help:

     1. Purchase the items in greatest need
 

     2. Drop off at any of the Community Donation Bins.If you live in the El Dorado Hills' communities for the Neighborhood School Supply Blitz, leave the items on your doorstep during the collection time.Or visit us at any of the Table Events.

Distribution Events:

To register for either event, click here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Aden and Lauren

Aden and Lauren are only nine and seven years old, but they are already making big contributions to their community.  These two youth volunteers have been involved in Hands4Hope for nearly two years, helping in many of the community outreach programs.

When asked what kinds of volunteer work they do for Hands4Hope, Aden and Lauren explained that they feed the homeless, raise money for food shelters, make care packages for soldiers and make blankets for shelters and dog toys for homeless dogs. 

Aden and Lauren attend Jackson Elementary School in first and third grades, where they are involved in the Toiletries Drive.  “We collect soap, conditioner, sunscreen, diapers, toilet paper and toothbrushes to donate to those people who don’t have them but need them,” said Aden and Lauren. 

Lauren said that her favorite volunteer outreach with Hands4Hope is feeding the homeless and making cards for them, adding “but almost everything at Hands4Hope is really fun.” 

Aden likes meeting up with his friends at The Team Hope elementary school club to decide on a new volunteer project to do.  This year, Aden is very excited to be involved in raising money for the Heifer Project. 

Heifer Project is an organization that takes animals to villages in third world countries. Rather than bringing them food and clothing, the organization teaches them how to use these animals as a means to make money. The village people have to reproduce these animals and give them to someone in their village.

“The kids set a goal to raise $80 to buy rabbits and chicks,” explained Katie, Aden and Lauren’s mom.  “So far, Team Hope has exceeded their goal so the kids will meet to vote on what to buy with the additional money.  The choice is either more animals for Heifer Project, or cat food for the Fat Kitty City organization.”

When not volunteering for Hands4Hope, Aden enjoys reading books, playing soccer and baseball, and his favorite subject in school in math.  When he grows up, Aden would like to invent a flying car with monster engines on its side. 

Lauren said that soccer is her favorite activity, while demonstrating a very awesome looking soccer kick.  She also loves gymnastics, singing, dancing and shopping.  Shopping for what?  “Clothes! She loves clothes,” said her brother Aden.  When Lauren grows up, she would like to be a real estate agent and a grocery store checker. 

“I love that my children are involved with Hands4Hope because it has given them a different perspective on the world that parents struggle to get across just using words,” said their mom. “My kids now spend a lot more time doing things for others, and they now realize that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. They are also learning about setting goals and working as a group towards a greater good.”

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Julia

Julia, a sophomore at Ponderosa High School, was introduced by one of her good friends to Hands4Hope a few years ago. She volunteered a couple of times at our Food Blitz for the Hungry before jumping in head first last year and helping to plan a Fashion Show Fundraiser with a few of her friends.

Their Fashion Show was wildly successful, raising more than $2,000 for The Glass Slipper, a local program to help build self-esteem in young women. "There were a lot of challenges planning this," said Julia. "Learning to work together and be responsible was hard. But, we learned a lot about leadership and for me, I learned how to talk to people, especially businesses and adults, and I am definitely more comfortable doing that now."

Last year, Julia and her friends were approached to take on leading the Ponderosa High School Hands4Hope Club. They accepted and joined the Youth Board and went to the leadership retreat to kick off the year. "It was a lot of fun. I especially have enjoyed getting to know everyone from the different schools. I have made friends that I wouldn't have known otherwise."

The Ponderosa H4H Club has two main focuses for the year. In November, all 17 members worked together to plan a Homeless Outreach in Placerville. They got the food donated and caravanned to the outreach together. "It was really cool how everyone was willing to meet up on a Saturday in the pouring rain," she said. "It was a great opportunity to spend time together and for us all to see what Hands4Hope is all about."

Coming up on May 8th, the club is hosting Family Fiesta Night at the United Methodist Baptist Church in Cameron Park. Their goal is to raise $1,000 for New Morning Shelter Youth & Family Services in Placerville.

Julia enjoys doing several of the Outreaches Hands4Hope offers. She said each one of them are fun for different reasons, but she really enjoys the direct interaction she gets to have with those she is serving at the events like the Homeless Outreach and Green Valley Community Church Saturday and Kid's Cafe.

"I have gained a lot out of Hands4Hope," she said. "Most importantly, I have learned that I like being in leadership. I never knew that about myself before and I had no experience with it. I have learned how to take a project, break it down and make it happen."

When asked why she enjoys getting others involved with Hands4Hope, she said it's all about spreading the compassion. "I want people to realize what others in our community go through. Before I got involved with Hands4Hope, I did not understand. Most importantly, when you're involved (with Hands4Hope) you can actually make a difference in people's lives!"

Julia, thank you for your dedication to Hands4Hope, we are so lucky to have you!

 Mid-Year Youth Board Retreat, 2013

Fashion Show Fundraiser

Volunteer Spotlight: Aubrey

Aubrey has been involved in Hands4Hope almost since it began and has very early memories doing drives at her school and helping at Green Valley Community Church. Now a middle schooler at Rolling Hills, she is the Vice President of the Hands4Hope Club.

The Club already has a list of successes for this year. They raised almost $800 at a bake sale for the Heifer Project and sold bracelets at their school to fund raise for the Honor Our Troops Committee. Aubrey said the hardest part for her has been talking in front of her peers at the meetings. "I sometimes get really nervous, but I have gotten better since I have been doing it," she said. "I gain a little more confidence every time I have to do it."

Besides helping run the Club, Aubrey has been very involved in other Hands4Hope Outreaches for years with her family. "One of my favorite outreaches is the Green Valley Community Church Kid's Café," she said. "I love seeing others' smile and I get a good feeling inside."

She said one of her most memorable experiences happened while she was working at the Hands4Hope Winter Boutique in 2011. "A little girl, about 8 or 9, walked in with the biggest smile and my sister and I started helping her and putting things in the dressing room for her to try on," she explained. "She was so excited to have new things and it made me happy to know that we were helping her stay warm with new clothes."

Aubrey is involved in several other school activities and is very involved with sports as well. When asked why she chooses to stay dedicated to Hands4Hope, she said, "H4H is just so fun... everything about it. Helping people, the outreaches, and seeing others happy... it all makes me realize how lucky I am."

Aubrey, thank you so much for your dedication and time!  We are so lucky to have you in Hands4Hope!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan

 

 Ryan is an 8th grader at Marina Village Middle School. He got involved with Hands4Hope as it was kicking off in 2008 after hearing about it from friends.

"Since I joined, I have found a new part of me that is driven by healing others," he said. "I have a new-found compassion for helping those who are less fortunate and I really love seeing their grateful faces."

Ryan has also helped start and lead the Hands4Hope Club at Marina. They are in their second year and the club has been very successful. Just this year, they collected more than 1,600 pairs of socks and raised money at hot chocolate sales for the Heifer Project. He says the experience of the club has been rewarding and also challenging. "The hardest part is channeling 25 distracted teenage minds into one purpose and common goal," he said.

"I have been forced out of my comfort zone multiple times in Hands4Hope," he explained. "During my first outreaches, I had a fear and dislike of the homeless. These experiences opened by mind and heart to others."

While volunteering at the Winter Boutique, Ryan said he was touched by a 5 year old boy in need who visited looking for new clothing. "He was so excited to get new things and his happiness lit up the entire room," he said. "This showed me the effect of our good work!"

2012

This is from the beginning!

2011 Winter Boutique

Spotlight: Pam Maxwell, Hands4Hope Board President

I met Jennifer Bassett when she came in to the bank to open her accounts almost 4 years ago. I was the Manager at the time and went over to introduce myself and also to ask about what the nonprofit did for the Community. Jennifer told me about the toiletries drive they had just had, and talked about the Food Blitz they were going to be involved with. I was so impressed with Jennifer and her passion, I expressed that I would be interested in learning more and getting involved. I served as the Vice Chair for about 8 months and then was asked by Jennifer if I would be the Chair of Hands4Hope.

I have served in the banking industry for 21 years and it was my first job right out of College. I am originally from Napa and am married with 2 daughters, Elise, 5 and Emma almost 3. I work at U.S. Bank and am a Vice President and Community Affairs Manager. I have always had a passion for giving back and being a part of my Community.

I truly believe that Hands4Hope is inspiring youth to make a difference in their community, while also learning about working together as a team and leadership.

I remember my first Food Blitz, I took my daughter Elise with me. She was 3 at the time and wasn't exactly sure what we were doing, but knew that we were helping collect food. All she could say was "Hands4Hope", but when she did that I would follow behind with the message that we were collecting for those in need in our community. Now she is 5 and I know Hands4Hope has made an impact on her because she understands that not everyone has what we have, food, shelter and clothing.

This year at the blanket making event she said "Are we going to make blankets for people who have to sleep outside?" I said yes and she looked forward to the evening.

Hands4Hope has made a impact on me and my family and keeps me grounded. I appreciate Jennifer starting such a wonderful organization in El Dorado County.

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Jamin

{Jamin climbing the rock wall at leadership camp}

Jamin joined Hands4Hope in 2010 while fulfilling volunteer obligations for school. Since getting involved, he is the founder of a Hands4Hope Club at Jesuit High School, where he is a junior.

When asked to describe his experience of being involved, he used the words “content” and “humbled”. “I am humbled because I have so much and yet could not see how fortunate I was until I started serving others,” he said. “I am content because there is so much joy derived from helping others.”

To help him with becoming the President and Founder of the Hands4Hope Jesuit Club, Jamin attended Leadership Retreat for 2 years with other H4H leaders. “It was a great way to further bond with the other youth leaders,” he said. “We shared ideas about what is working at different schools.”

Jamin also said joining H4H and becoming the leader he is has pushed him out of his comfort zone. “Before I joined H4H, I felt as if I was on the sidelines watching things happen,” he said. But now being a part of it, “I feel that we (the youth) are actually making a difference. Every time I volunteer for an activity, I am sure to meet different youth volunteers and as a teen, it makes me feel empowered that we are driving this,” he said.

Starting a club at Jesuit meant pushing Jamin beyond his limits. “It meant getting up in front of teen boys that knew nothing about me and sharing H4H’s vision,” he said. “Initially, it was hard as a sophomore to get up and starting talking to guys I didn’t know about joining the club. My mother encouraged me and it has gotten easier.” In just these two years, the club has grown to 19 members and it has become a recognized organization for members in their school to volunteer for. “It is rewarding to know that my hard work is paying off,” he said.

Thank you for all you do, Jamin!!

{helping register guests at the Youth Board Spaghetti Fundraiser}

{walking the tight rope at leadership camp}

Volunteer Spotlight: Alisa & Kristin

Kristin and Alisa have dedicated hundreds of hours since our first Haunted House kicked off in 2010. They are in charge of the inside design of the Haunted House, bringing the theme to life with decorations and props.  "We couldn't do it alone," said Alisa. "It's a team effort!" They are part of the Haunted House Creative & Build Team, a team of seven who combine their creativity and work to their strengths, making the Haunted House the huge success it has been each year.

When asked why they enjoy helping out, both ladies said that supporting the mission of H4H is very important to them. "Jennifer has created something really important in teaching and leading children to offer their time, talents, and treasures to those less fortunate. By empowering our kids with this attitude, they can truly make a difference in the lives of others," said Kristin. Alisa agreed and said she was "impressed by one person's idea becoming so many people's passion."

Both ladies are bursting at the seams with creativity. Alisa has always loved Halloween and says she enjoys making new things from scratch. Kristin grew up in a family surrounded by creativity and says her experience in interior design has been an asset and decorating is in her blood.

"I believe everyone is given a gift and my gift is a worker bee," said Alisa. "This is how I contribute to our community. It feels so good to see it all come together."

Kristin said she feels blessed to be a part of the organization and her favorite part of working on the Haunted House is working with her dear friend Alisa. It is obvious they have a lot of fun and we are so grateful for the time, efforts, and creativity they lend to Hands4Hope in bringing our Haunted House to life!

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Chieme

(Chieme is in the back on the right)

Chieme got involved with Hands4Hope after seeing her sister disappear every weekend to volunteer, and coming home to share stories about her experiences. She says working with Hands4Hope has made her realize a lot. "I love helping others and making them happy. Just to bring a smile to someone's face will make my day," she said.

Stepping out of her comfort zone is something Hands4Hope has allowed her to do. Before volunteering, she said she couldn't approach others. "I could never walk up to a stranger and get to know them. It has made me more confident in myself."

Chieme has spent a lot of time working at many monthly outreach projects. "My favorite is the homeless outreach," she said. "I love the interaction I get to have with the people we feed. It makes giving them food and toiletries more personal."

One of the most memorable experiences for her has been the opportunity to work with WIND Youth Services. "They were all really down to earth and super kind," she said. "I think working with them made me realize that people may come from a different background than I do, but they are all people at the end of the day. They are no different than me."

Cheime says she plans on volunteering for the rest of her life. "Helping others is a feeling that you cannot replace!"

Thank you for all of your hard work, Chieme!

Volunteer Spotlight: Katie

Katie got involved with Hands4Hope earlier this year when she heard we needed more adult help, particularly in a field she has a lot of experience with, financials. She has two kids, Aden, 8, and Lauren, 6, and another one on the way! Katie said finding H4H is just what she needed to get her kids out there. "It offers everything we need to get out and serve on a regular basis," she said. "I feel like we can live a more balanced life because of H4H."

The first event Katie took her kids to was a Team Hope meeting at the CSD. "They love it and immediately started saving money for a cause they collectively chose." Then, they put on a drive at their school, Jackson Elementary. "Now, we have gone to several outreaches which put us face to face with the homeless and those less fortunate."

Katie said her work helping with the Hands4Hope financials has really kept her balanced. "Things are off for me when I am not involved in service work. I really hope to pass that down to Aden and Lauren."

Katie's favorite outreach activity is the Homeless Outreach in Sacramento. "We see, talk with and touch the people who are truly with out. We feel that human need inside ourselves to want to help," she said. "Recently, Aden saw a woman with the toes completely worn out of her shoes. He said 'mommy, she really needs shoes, are there any left? Her toes aren't inside her shoes anymore.' Seeing that and feeling empathy for her gives him a perspective that can only come from being there and seeing it with his own eyes. There is nothing I can say that would have that kind of impact on him," she said.

Katie has a few memories that stand out in her mind, but one of them happened while we were working with another agency, WIND, down feeding the homeless in Sacramento. "The gentleman running the shelter brought teens with him to volunteer with us. He knew so many of the people on the streets and watching him call out their name, hug them, and check in on them was so genuine, loving and kind," she said. "People like him are who I want my kids to look up to."

Katie has donated much of her time recently helping with our financials, and helping in several other ways.

"My family and I need H4H as much as the youth in the area and the beneficiaries do," she said. "We have learned so much in such a short period."

Katie, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to Hands4Hope, you are very valuable to us!

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Haley

{Haley, right, at the Spring Food Blitz 2012}

Haley started volunteering in September of 2011 after hearing about it from a friend and joining the ORHS Hands4Hope club. She said she was hooked on it after her first few Outreach Activities. Since September, Haley has volunteered nearly 50 hours.

Haley said Hands4Hope has had a positive impact on her life. “I have really come to appreciate more of what I have,” she said. “Volunteering has made me a better person because it opens my eyes to how fortunate I am, even for the simplest things like food and clothes.” She said it has also changed the way she looks at things. “Before I joined H4H, when I saw a homeless person I didn’t really think much of them. But now, when I see a homeless person, I think… how can I help?”

“I enjoy all of the outreach activities, but my favorite is working with White Rock Village doing Project Birthday and making lunches with them,” she said. “When I am at White Rock, it feels like everyone is a big family and I have grown close to some of the kids. I look forward to visiting them and I know they will always find a way to make my day.”

Haley said she’s had many memorable moments volunteering. “When I was volunteering at GVCC, I met a 7-year-old girl and her father. Her dad was telling us about how she makes him sandwiches for dinner and helps him all the time because it’s just the two of them,” she said. “I will always remember this because I was amazed at how mature and responsible this girl was at 7.”

“I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone by being a part of Hands4Hope,” she said. “Being part of the youth committee at Oak Ridge has taught me responsibility and communication skills. Before joining I was not expecting to have so much responsibility with helping plan activities like Project Birthday. It has also taught me to become more open in expressing my ideas.”

Haley said Hands4Hope has given her an idea of what she wants to do in her future. “I'm not exactly sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I know that I want to help people. Hands4Hope has really helped me realize my passion for wanting to help others.”

{Haley and team serving cupcakes at the Gifts of Mercy dinner in 2011}

{Haley, right, helping out at the Winter Boutique}

Thank you for all of your hard work, Haley!  We are so lucky to have you.

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Mackenzie

Mackenzie is in the white shirt & purple shorts.  Next to fellow leaders at Camp in 2011.

Mackenzie is going to be a senior at Oak Ridge High School. She got involved with Hands4Hope after hearing about it from her friend.

“Since I started with Hands4Hope I have realized that giving my time to others is more rewarding and more fulfilling than anything I could have received from someone else,” she said.

Mackenzie is one of 3 Hands4Hope youth that is involved in a mentoring program at Hope House in Placerville. She volunteers her time twice a month to interact with kids from a troubled past. “My favorite Outreach activity is mentoring; I absolutely love going to see my three young friends there. Simply knowing that I am making an impact on the kids' lives makes me love going back to visit them.” She adds, “I also get to act like a seven year old without being questioned by anyone.” {To read her touching blog post about her experience mentoring, click here}

Mackenzie is also one of our leaders for the Oak Ridge High School club. She joined her leadership peers at Camp last summer. “I learned so much in those three days on how to become a good leader and how to make a difference that others would look up to.”

“Working with Hands4Hope has definitely made me come out of my comfort zone,” she said. “A year ago I would have been so shy when approaching new people; I never would have had enough confidence to go up to someone that I didn't know and ask them how their day was going. [It's] taught me to come out of my box and be a more confident person.”

Mackenzie said she plans to volunteer forever and Hands4Hope has helped her make decisions for her future. “I am already planning to volunteer for the rest of my life! I have even thought about changing my career path to a nurse so that I can help people daily.”

“There really is nothing in the world like volunteering. Just knowing that I am affecting another person's life in a positive way leaves me feeling so great inside.”

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to Hands4Hope, Mackenzie!  We appreciate you.

Participating in a trust activity at Camp with friend, Kirstie.

Painting the Gracie Bus in Placerville.

Helping out at the Spring Food Bank Blitz in 2012