The Experience of Planning Our Fundraiser

My experience planning the Wind Spaghetti Dinner Benefit was really a success and has left me with many lessons. 

 The initial start of the planning of this event began about a year ago, and the idea to keep it going began to fade away until a few of us recently got motivated again. I think our whole team saw the value of communication, and that without it the planning of the event could become very strenuous. However, I think the speaker at our event said it best, "People are like flowers in a garden and it takes longer for some to blossom".  

It is a leader's responsibility to help others grow to their fullest potential. I hope that this event was a great experience for our whole youth board to grow and learn from. And this event really showed me what youth are capable of. 

 Our astounding success really touched me and is yet another driving force for my desire to volunteer. The participation of the community and getting to interact with Wind really shows what this organization is about. 

 I learned about coordinating events, but also about working with people. The planning of this event was an act of determination for everyone involved. It ran so smoothly, our end goal was doubled, and we successfully accomplished our first fundraiser for a truly great cause, I could not have asked for more. 

Written By: Emily

 Emily with WIND Director Mike Brim

 Co-Coordinators Emily & Kirsti

 The decor looked great!

 Signing in our guests.

 Inspiring guest speaker Tony Asaro from the Sacramento River Cats.

The WIND Youth Band!  They were great!

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Emily

 Emily got involved with Hands4Hope about 2 years ago, after hearing about the organization from her dad, who joined the Hands4Hope Board of Directors. Soon after getting involved, Emily jumped head first into helping develop the Hands4Hope Club at Oak Ridge High School. Last summer, she joined 13 other teens from other high schools at the Hands4Hope Leadership Retreat in Coloma.

“My experience at the Leadership Camp was really unique,” she said. “I was one of the younger ones there and I didn’t know any of the members. We were all from different grades and schools, yet everyone was so welcoming and motivated.” Emily said the camp helped her feel ready to help lead the Oak Ridge Club. 

Emily said the interaction with those she serves is what makes her experience in Hands4Hope so special. She realized how special it was after the first time she volunteered. “I was volunteering at Green Valley Community Church and had never experienced anything like it before. I wasn’t just handing out food and clothes to people, I was having conversations with them. Some would thank me, and I thought, what am I even really doing that deserves such a heartfelt thanks? I had given up one Saturday morning, and by doing so, I was helping families have food on their table.” Emily said she wasn’t new to volunteering, but her experience with Hands4Hope is unique. “The biggest difference in Hands4Hope is how truly hands on it is. I get to see the faces of the people I am helping, and honestly, that makes it so much more inspiring.” 

Emily said being a part of Hands4Hope has taught her a lot about herself. “I’ve come to realize that some of the best rewards from helping others come from seeing all the little things you do come together to fulfill a great cause. Not every act has to be recognized to be meaningful. I’ve learned that once I start something, I definitely intend to finish it. Dedication is one of my core values.” 

Emily loves volunteering with Hands4Hope, and definitely doesn’t intend on stopping any time soon. “There is so much to give and gain from this experience. I have met all of the people involved with Hands4Hope and it’s members (and leaders) are so dedicated and compassionate.. In one of our Team Inspire Meetings, we were all commenting on how we just can’t believe Jennifer (Bassett) does it all. She really is a role model and hero.” 

“It feels great volunteering with people who care about each other and the community,” she said. 

Emily, we appreciate all you do with Hands4Hope. Thank you for being such a dedicated volunteer!

A Unique Youth Partnership

On a chilly December afternoon, local youth from the Hands4Hope youth outreach organization congregated in front of the WIND shelter in Sacramento. Equipped with layers of fleece, the youth entered the shelter, eyeing the place with admiration.

There were teenagers everywhere, playing their instruments, talking amongst themselves, and ultimately having a good time. The walls were decorated with art and inspirational quotes made in graffiti lettering.

The Hands4Hope youth started making blankets for the youth at the WIND shelter, and the WIND kids began to help. Although awkward at first, soon the youth from both organizations worked together and started enjoying themselves, engaging in small talk and starting to form acquaintances.

Events like these benefit the youth at WIND many of whom were and some that still are subjected to life on the streets. Hands4Hope helps the organization frequently, making blankets and providing meals for the WIND youth. On Friday, March 2, 2012, you can help too.

Hands4Hope youth will be holding Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser at Lakehills Church in El Dorado Hills to benefit the underprivileged teens at the WIND shelter in Sacramento. The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30pm and will cater to kids and adults alike. Tickets $12 per adult and children 6 and under are Free. Spaghetti will be served along with salad, garlic bread and lemonade. There will be a dessert auction and raffle and two youth bands will provide entertainment, one from Oak Ridge High School and one from Wind Youth Center. Seventy percent of the proceeds will benefit youth at the WIND shelter in Sacramento. Thirty percent will benefit Hands4Hope’s Team Inspire (high school group) and their local outreach projects.

Attending the event is a great way to learn more about and help Wind Youth Center, www.windyouth.org. Wind is an organization that houses and serves homeless teens. According to the organization’s website, their mission “is to engage youth experiencing homelessness who need safety from the streets and access to resources to help them move from crisis to healthy functioning and independence.” In the past year at WIND, over 100 youth were provided a safe place to sleep, 19,754 meals have were served, 237 youth were engaged in life skills classes, and 179 youth have received advocacy services. The center in Sacramento has classrooms, computers, a music room, showers, and a kitchen to house the WIND kids and ensure a successful life for them. Each youth who stays at the shelter even gets a youth advocate to help them get plan goals and provide assistance. The proceeds from the spaghetti feed event will help sustain the organization and cater to their needs.

-Written By: Samita

Twin Lakes Food Bank Visit

Last Tuesday we went to visit the Twin Lakes Food Bank in Folsom and were welcomed by the director, Tammy.  She informed us about the program she is running.  Everyday, Twin Lake's trucks pick up the extra food from Raleys, Whole Foods, and Savemart and then re-use it for the needy families in Folsom and our surrounding areas.  The people in need are welcomed any day of the week from 9-12:30 and Tuesday nights from 4-7.  Those families are provided with a months worth of groceries, clothes, purses, and anything from diapers to shaving cream.  Twin Lakes usually gets around 70-80 people per day.  This program holds a huge event on Good Friday every year where they give over 600 families an Easter dinner bag and Easter baskets for the kids.  Thanks to the community, Twin Lakes is able to provide such a great service for the families.  Anybody is able to donate their goods, so don't forget to drop off your used clothing or extra groceries at anytime!

While we were there, it was surprising to learn how many people use this food bank in our area.  Families are dependant upon this bank for their groceries. We have never had to worry about running out of food for the month. Many hours of hard work are put in for these people to have fresh milk, produce, and eggs everyday.  The organization is run by dedicated volunteers that inspired us.  Twin Lakes Food Bank opened our eyes to poverty going on around the corner and how easily it is to jump in and help.

During our visit, we were able to capture a few shots of this outstanding organization. 

-Lindsay Lee and Audrey Hayden

Oak Ridge High School Seniors

MLK Day is about serving others...

Martin Luther King Jr was an important man who taught others the importance of equality and helping others.  Every year, Hands4Hope likes to do our Homeless Outreach on this Monday to participate in celebrating him and his teachings!

Our volunteers put together more than 200 sack lunches filled with bean burritos, chips, a cookie and a piece of fruit to feed the homeless.  Then, we all carpooled down to Sacramento to feed those who were hungry.

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Dylan & Sam

Dylan (left) and Sam

Brothers Dylan & Sam started volunteering with Hands4Hope to fulfill school requirements, but quickly learned they love being a part of Hands4Hope and getting out in their community.

12 year old Dylan says Homeless Outreach Sacramento is his favorite event to volunteer at. "I was kind of scared at first but then I liked talking to them. It made me feel happy because they're funny and special," he said. "[Being on the street] has taught me not to judge or make guesses about people," he said. "Some people are born into this but I don't need to judge people, I just need to help them."

10 year old Sam says he also loves the Homeless Outreach, the Food Bank Blitz, but recently he had a unique experience at our Winter Boutique. "One time while I was sorting clothes, I saw a kid from my school come in [to receive free assistance]. It made me realize kids at my own school didn't have enough money for clothes," he said. "At first, I wasn't friends with him, but now I have a better understanding about him."

Both boys said volunteering has made them realize how fortunate they are. "I love volunteering, it teaches you to be more generous and compassionate," Dylan said. "I never realized I could make a difference, but little actions can make a big change."

"I thought it was normal to have a house and family, and now I have realized not everyone does," said Sam.

Both boys have spent at least one weekend a month volunteering, and both say they are happy they got involved with Hands4Hope.

"I certainly hope I volunteer forever... it just teaches you to be a better person," said Dylan.

Thank you for all you do, boys!  We are so happy to have you on our Hands4Hope team.

New Year's Neighborhood Food Drive

The demand for food has increased an alarming 40% in the last two months... and this is on top of the increases over the last two years! 

In mid-December, Tammy, the director of the Twin Lakes Food Bank which serves Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties, put out a plea for soup, cereal, ham, and prayers. The food they received from the Kids Can school drives, which normally holds them over until February, was gone, their shelves emptying quickly.

In response, Hands4Hope, with the help of many of our incredible families, threw together a New Years Neighborhood Food Drive to help get food back on the shelves... and WOW!  We made a big difference in a very short time!!

Hands4Hope volunteers passed out grocery bags with a note explaining the needs on doorsteps through out their neighborhoods.  On January 1st and 2nd, they revisited the homes and collected the bags of food filled by their neighbors.

In total, volunteers collected 2,134 pounds of food.  

Enough to feed 215 families!!

{The Twin Lakes Food Bank truck after just one day!}

Tammy from the food bank sent a text message thanking our volunteers... 

"OH MY GOODNESS! That's a whole lot of food!!! It's amazing what kids can do. They are shining examples."

"It was heartwarming to see the generosity of our neighbors and watching my girls pull the overflowing wagon up and down the hill. They were able to be involved from the start to finish of this project and felt very proud. I want my daughters to know that they can make a difference by helping others even at their young ages. We look forward to helping out again soon!" - Megan, mother of H4H volunteers

"I am so glad the food drive was such a success. It is amazing to see how many of our neighbors wanted to help! There are so many great people in the world!" - Jan, mother of H4H volunteers

"I am so proud of all of you! I'm proud of the way you took hold of this last-minute drive with an excitement and eagerness to help those in need and made it a huge success. I'm proud of your willingness to ask your neighbors to support this effort. I'm proud of the way you took time out of your busy holiday schedules to make this happen. It truly makes me beam with pride when I tell people what our young volunteers have accomplished. The power of our youth is endless and spectacular!" 

- Jennifer Bassett, Founder/Executive Director of Hands4Hope

Thank you to our volunteers and community members who helped make a difference!