Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Caleb & Zach

 

Brothers Caleb & Zach started volunteering with Hands4Hope in January of 2011. Both have volunteered for several events and say they found a "love" for service.

Caleb, 11, says one of his favorite events is the Food Bank Blitz. "I was shocked because a lot of people donated money, even some who didn't have a lot of money themselves," he said. "We got a lot of mac and cheese for hungry people."

When he first got involved in Hands4Hope, Zach, 9, says he wasn't really sure if he would like volunteering. "I didn't know if I would like it," he said. "But after I went, I realized how fun it was and I wanted to do it over and over again. I want to stay in Hands4Hope forever."

Both boys are very involved in Team Hope and work together with their teammates to save money through Change4Hope. "This year we donated our money to Homeward Bound and we got to meet Romeo [the dog] and it was cool to pet him," said Zach.

Going out to feed the homeless for the first time in Placerville was something new to them. "I didn't know what to expect," said Caleb. "I always like seeing Everett [a homeless gentleman in Placerville], he has a dog and he is always so nice to us. He has a really good grip handshake."

"I can't believe [the homeless] are so touched by everything we do, even if it is really little," said Zach. "We've started spending some of our own money on dog treats for the homeless and they always remember we have them. It's really neat."

The brothers have also spent several Saturdays volunteering at Green Valley Community Church helping with the food distribution. "I remember one lady who came in looking for an extra dessert because it was her husband's Birthday. We gave her a cake and I remember she was so excited and grateful. It was touching," said Caleb.

"We have so much. A house, food, and toys... we like to share," said Zach. "I appreciate everything I have now," added Caleb.

Caleb and Zach, thank you very much for all of your hard work.

GVCC Food Distribution

 Team Hope Meeting

Homeless Outreach Placerville

Great Job!!

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Connor

Connor has been a part of Hands4Hope for a year. He is wrapping up his Freshman year at Jesuit High School. He got involved through a friend, and says he was "hooked" from the start.

One of his first experiences with Hands4Hope was helping found the H4H Club at Jesuit High School. He headed off to Leadership Camp with all of the area high school Club leaders. "The Leadership Camp was my first taste of Hands4Hope, and it was great. In just a few days I became closer to [them] than I am to most of my friends."

Connor has also been one of our teens who mentors young children from a troubled past at Hope House in Placerville. He says the experience working with his 6 year old child has helped him "step out of his comfort zone." He says, "I look forward to this every week. [Mentoring] is not a chore, it is more of a dream job and I love that H4H has given me the opportunity to do just that."

Connor says his first year of being on our Youth Board as taught him a lot about himself. "When it comes to leadership, I will always be behind you supporting." He says being a part of the organization has "made me appreciate every small detail in my life".

Although Connor is unsure of what he wants to do in his future, he says he has realized through volunteering that he wants to do something in service. "Whether the military, police, fire department, or even a doctor, I can just see helping others in my future."

Thank you, Connor, for all of your hard work with Hands4Hope this year!

 Conner is in the white shirt doing the balance challenge!

 Presenting to the group!

 Painting the Gracie Bus!

Connor is in the black shirt (left) putting his handprint on Gracie!

Fashion Show Fundraiser Raises Thousands of Dollars!

Someone once said, “There is no greater gift in life than the ability to light the way for others”. It was a great honor to chair the 1st annual See Your Name in Lights Fashion Show.  My committee and I are all freshman at Ponderosa High School. We represent the Hands4Hope Youth Organization and Club at Ponderosa.

It is a great feeling to know that you made the difference in the lives of young people in your community. Our committee of four put on a benefit (The See Your Name In Lights Fashion Show) to support abused and neglected foster girls in the Sacramento area through an organization called The Glass Slipper. The Glass Slipper provides a warm place for them to come and regain their ability to open up and lead a more successful life.   They offer various activities for the girls, such as cosmetology and cooking. They also offer a program called IMAGE Boot Camp, in which the girls learn to love themselves.

To us, helping support this cause by planning the fashion show means appreciating the lifestyle we get to live, reaching out the community, and making a difference in the young lives of abused and neglected foster girls in the Sacramento area.

The event was from 11:30am-1:00pm at The Hampton Inn in Folsom and included a lunch of wraps, fruit, salad and cookies. It also featured a fashion show, which exemplified the beautiful clothing of Button Up Boutique in Folsom, CA.

It took months and months to plan, and although we still have a lot to learn, there was an amazing feeling of relief that flooded my body when we began the show. That flood of relief also came with a feeling of contentment and belief that there are so many good people in the world who are willing to help, even though they are struggling to make ends meet.

I speak on behalf of my committee and everyone at Hands4Hope when I say thank you to the people who put in money and time to help the girls of the Glass Slipper.  Together, we raised more than $2,000 for The Glass Slipper.

-Written By: Julia Guardino, Fashion Show Committee Chair

 {Fashion Show Fundraiser Committee}

 

{The models!}

{Special Guest Speakers from The Glass Slipper}

 

Thank you to our community for supporting the fundraiser!