Why our family joined Hands4Hope

Our family has been involved with Hands4Hope since January of this year.  We were excited to find something that we could do together, as a family.  I had been looking for a way for our family to serve in our community for a while. We have two boys, ages 8 and 10. We have been blessed in so many ways and wanted to be able to give back and serve others who are in need.  

I was introduced to Hands4Hope after volunteering at the El Dorado County Food Bank distribution at Christmas-time.  Hands4Hope is a great fit for us; it's something we can all do together. Since joining Hands4Hope we have done the Placerville homeless outreach two times. On both occasions it was cold and snowy.  It was a real eye-opener to the fact that there are people who have to try and survive in weather like that.  We have enjoyed meeting the people we are serving, asking their names and hearing their stories.  It has sparked some really great conversations with our boys.  They love it and look forward to serving again.

-Tracie H.

The Warmth of Volunteering

On Saturday April 9^th, I was able to visit Green Valley Church with Hands4Hope.  I had the opportunity to help out at the store in which every shopper was allowed to take his or her choice of 50 items in the store for free.  It was such an amazing program and the women in charge put in countless hours of work sorting and folding the clothes.  I felt like I was in a GAP store rather than a room in a church.  It was great to help out by folding the clothes and helping people pick out what they needed.  The pay of a friendly smile, and a “good-morning” was greater than any dollar amount.

 It may sound cheesy, but giving back and helping those who need it is truly a wonderful experience, and I have enjoyed it tremendously.  When I am able to give out a lunch I made to a homeless man, I see genuine appreciation.  Picking out a church dress with a little girl brings genuine warmth.  Becoming involved with Hand 4 Hope, I always leave smiling and happy that I took the time to get involved.  These are such rewarding experiences.  Sometimes, it just takes waking up a little earlier.  The payback is worth it, and I am always glad that I was able to offer help to those who need it, and at the same time growing closer to my community, God and myself.

Alexa- Age 16