The Lasting Impact of Volunteering

My name is Madi and I have been involved in Hands4Hope for the last year and a half. I joined the program because I wanted to help my community and give to others less fortunate than myself. 

I started with intent of entering to help others but I have learned so much about myself as well. 

Today I was fortunate enough to participate in the Sacramento Outreach program. At this outreach we make lunches and go disperse them to those in need in Sacramento area. We made about 250 lunches, and loaded the car with blankets, socks, soaps, books, shoes, and tooth brushes.

We set up camp around 12:00 and the turn out was amazing. All the items went so fast, we needed more of everything! 

One of the most memorable moments was when these four men came up to our table, soaking wet. It was not raining yet but it was extremely cold out. The men opened up to us and told us their story:

They live on the river bottoms, off Richards Blvd. They set up their whole lives there. The storm the last few days has caused the river to rise, as well as water being let out of the dam. This morning their whole lives were washed away. They lost everything, every single thing they owned. The four men were wet because they were trying to save anything they could. 

Seeing these men reminded me and my peers about how fortunate we are and opened our eyes to the amount of giving that needs to occur for those in need. There is still so much that could be done! 

With each of my outreaches I learn something about others and myself, they continue to open my eyes and heart. Hands4Hope teaches youth to make a difference in others lives, my experiences will stay with me the rest of my life and I know I will continue to serve those around me. 

You help those in need, and they help you. 
We went there to fill their stomachs and they filled our hearts more then they'd ever know. 

What would you do with a pot of gold?

It's the week of St. Patrick's Day and to help bring the green spirit to one of our food distribution locations, our parent volunteer, Inga, brought St. Patties pictures for the kids to color.

We call our kids spot the "Kids Cafe" which allows parents to have some time to get what they need and not worry about their children.

6 year old Mary Jane made her first visit with her dad to the kids cafe last week.  While she was there, she met our founder, Jennifer, who was volunteering at the event.

Mary Jane colored a beautiful picture.  It was a multi colored rainbow with clouds, a leprechaun, and a pot of gold.

When she brought it over to show Jennifer the picture, Jen said, "wow, what a great picture, you even have the gold colored in with a gold crayon!  What would you do with a big pot of gold?"

Mary Jane thought for a minute or two before she looked up at Jen and said, "I would save it."

Jen replied, "what would you save it for?"

Again, Mary Jane thought for a moment.  Then she said, "food.  I would save it for food.  Lately, we haven't had a lot of it at our house."

Jennifer looked around the room at all of the youth volunteers who were working the event.  They had all heard her say that.  Each of them felt a connection to Mary Jane.  Not only was it a reminder of the issues of hunger and the people it affects, but how young some children are being affected.

picture courtesy of

The impact of homeless outreach.

My name is Tracy, I was recently hired on part time to work with the Founder of Hands4Hope.


I feel so lucky to be involved with this organization.  I love how it gives youth the chance to make a difference in our community. 

Recently, I volunteered with a handful of kids and adults for one of our homeless outreach events.  The homeless outreach events tend to fill up fast.  The reason: unbelievable connections are made with the youth and the people they are serving.

Our morning started early.  At 6:30 a.m., I had a large pan of refried beans heating in our oven.  At 8:30, we met up with the group in the conference room at a local supermarket.   There, we set up an assembly line and spent time putting together sack lunches.  The kids hand made the bean burritos.  Then they assembled the bags with chips, and cookies. 

After caravanning to our site - the kids had fruit, bottled water, and hot chocolate to offer.

Within minutes of arriving... more than 100 people had lined up to take advantage of a good meal.

We parked along a back alley and pulled fold up tables out and set them up with the different stations of food.

The last station had donated items: clothing, books, toiletries, and bags.  (The toiletries go fast - toothpaste, hand sanitizer, soaps, ect)

 The assembly line of H4H kids

 Circled up after the event discussing our experience.

The group of volunteers (minus Jen, our founder, who took the picture)

We served lunch to more than 250 people.

The morning was amazing for me.  I saw kids talking to these people who are truly struggling.  It helps put the world into perspective for all of us.

I saw one of our kids get approached by one of the men getting help.  He was a little scary looking, but he just wanted to shake his hand and say thank you.  When he put his hand out, I saw some hesitation at first from our kid, but then he looked up into his eyes and shook his hand and said "you're welcome, sir."