Teacher Spotlight: Geoff Skjelbred

Hands4Hope would like to recognize all of the teachers who support our Club Programs, and act as mediums between our staff and the school administration. This month’s Teacher Advisor Spotlight focuses on Geoff Skjelbred at Herbert Green Middle School. He has been a great support to the Hands4Hope 5/6 Grade Club!

1. What school do you teach at and which club do you advise?

I teach fifth grade at Herbert C. Green School in Placerville.  I allow the fifth/sixth grade Hands4Hope group to use my room as a meeting place.

2. What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?

I am impressed at how well trained the leaders are and how independent they are when running the meetings.  Equally impressive is how well the other students respond to the leaders.  There is always a high participation rate at the meetings.

3. Is there anything that you've enjoyed most/been most surprised by in interacting with the club?

I now have a higher awareness of Hands4Hope and quickly tune in when I hear about it while in the community.  The other day I was in a line and I overheard one woman telling another that her daughter was accepted into her first choice college.  This was because of a solid resume that included Hands4Hope.  The mother had nothing but praise for Hands4Hope.  I was surprised at the positive reputation that Hands4Hope has in the greater community.  At the fifth grade level, Hands4Hope is still an entry-level program.  After overhearing that conversation, I understand how it provides the foundation for students who continue in the program through high school. 

Winter Boutique 2017

The clothing is washed, sorted, and folded; the storefront is decorated as a Candy Cane Forest; and the flyers are distributed to local nonprofits and schools - the Winter Boutique is open for shoppers!

Hands4Hope’s annual Winter Boutique is set to open December 1st and run the first and second weekends of the month. Geared towards individuals and families in need, this outreach event offers attendees the opportunity to “shop” for new and gently-used winter clothing without having to pay for anything!

The planning for this event began at the end of October, and is led by the Winter Boutique Committee, a group of committed youth and adult volunteers who collect and solicit donations, decide on and create a holiday theme for the boutique space, design and distribute flyers to organizations from Placerville to Folsom, and host the actual event. Hands4Hope Outreach Coordinator, Yoko Kono, also planned and lead the Warm & Fuzzy Drives and Blanket Making Party to collect more donations from the community.

With the Winter Boutique ready to open, and all of the preparations finished, Oak Ridge Sophomore and Winter Boutique Committee Member, Kealani Kuykendall describes her thoughts on the outreach: “I feel like the event will be a success [...] we put in a lot of hard work, and the decorations look really festive! I hope the event is as well attended as last year!”

"I think that the marketing and preparation for the Winter Boutique went very well. The meetings we had leading up to the Boutique really helped us see what we needed to get done, and we did get them done. It was a fun preparation time, and I am glad with how it turned out," Saint Francis Sophomore and Winter Boutique Committee Member, Aine Colgan furthered. "This is the first time I have heard of the Winter Boutique, and when I heard what it was for, I immediately wanted to help. It is so great what the boutique does for these families who aren’t able to buy winter clothes for them or their children. It amazes me what kind hearts people have when it comes to helping others."

Kenzie Misso, Oak Ridge Junior and committee member then concluded “I’m really excited for the Winter Boutique! The committee worked hard to put this on, and I’m so excited for the families to come and get the clothes they need. Personally, I’m really looking forward to just seeing people getting to pick out warm winter clothes because I know what a big difference this makes.”

For more information on this great event, please contact Yoko Kono at yoko@hands4hopeyouth.org or visit our website at hands4hopeyouth.org.

A Successful National Philanthropy Day!

The National Philanthropy Day of El Dorado County was held on Tuesday, November 14th, at the Boys & Girls Club in Placerville. The event, organized and hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), California Capital Chapter, showcased the philanthropic work of local volunteers and donors in the 2017 year.

This year, Hands4Hope youth participant, Taylor Smith, was selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award, and was recognized at the luncheon for her service. Jennifer Bassett, Hands4Hope Founder & Executive Director, introduced Taylor and presented her with the award. Taylor then delivered a speech on her experiences with Hands4Hope, the growth she has undergone through her participation, and how grateful she is to live in a community that encourages her learning and passion for giving back.

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians was also recognized for its continued work in the community as the Outstanding Corporation in Philanthropy, and, for their dedication to the Boys & Girls Club, Jim and Maureen Carter received the award for Outstanding Philanthropist.

Several other individuals and organizations were honored for their contributions this past year, including:  the Assistance League of Sierra Foothills, Joe Harn, Tom McCready, Commander Kim Nida, Don and Katy Peek, Chris Sanders, Danielle Slater, and Councilmember Wendy Thomas.

Congratulations to all of the award recipients, and thank you to all of the volunteers and donors for your generosity and commitment!

Want to know more about this outstanding youth? Read on to learn about Taylor's many accomplishments (and those yet to come) from her write-up in the program at the awards ceremony.

Taylor is a 15-year-old sophomore at Oak Ridge High School. Growing up, Taylor became increasingly involved with Hands4Hope, and she began to grow in every aspect of her life because of it. She learned to talk to anyone she encountered, and found what she was truly passionate about.

Through Taylor's dedication to service, countless people in need have received important resources in the form of clothing, toiletries, and food. She also works hard to provide safe and engaging activities for youth, sits down and regularly eats meals and talks with local senior citizens and homeless women. Her impact in serving the community is immeasurable! Taylor helped to hand-make 100 new blankets for local foster children and children in need. She also helps a student in Uganda learn English as a pen pal. Taylor regularly helps to make lunches for over 400 homeless individuals, and she collected enough toys to provide 30 children living in local low-income housing with birthday presents.

Taylor sees a great importance in living simply and finding happiness. Taylor wants to shine a ray of positivity on the world, and hopes that she can make a difference. Today, she is an impressive leader who motivates other youth to be active in serving their community through philanthropy.