Spotlight: Pam Maxwell, Hands4Hope Board President

I met Jennifer Bassett when she came in to the bank to open her accounts almost 4 years ago. I was the Manager at the time and went over to introduce myself and also to ask about what the nonprofit did for the Community. Jennifer told me about the toiletries drive they had just had, and talked about the Food Blitz they were going to be involved with. I was so impressed with Jennifer and her passion, I expressed that I would be interested in learning more and getting involved. I served as the Vice Chair for about 8 months and then was asked by Jennifer if I would be the Chair of Hands4Hope.

I have served in the banking industry for 21 years and it was my first job right out of College. I am originally from Napa and am married with 2 daughters, Elise, 5 and Emma almost 3. I work at U.S. Bank and am a Vice President and Community Affairs Manager. I have always had a passion for giving back and being a part of my Community.

I truly believe that Hands4Hope is inspiring youth to make a difference in their community, while also learning about working together as a team and leadership.

I remember my first Food Blitz, I took my daughter Elise with me. She was 3 at the time and wasn't exactly sure what we were doing, but knew that we were helping collect food. All she could say was "Hands4Hope", but when she did that I would follow behind with the message that we were collecting for those in need in our community. Now she is 5 and I know Hands4Hope has made an impact on her because she understands that not everyone has what we have, food, shelter and clothing.

This year at the blanket making event she said "Are we going to make blankets for people who have to sleep outside?" I said yes and she looked forward to the evening.

Hands4Hope has made a impact on me and my family and keeps me grounded. I appreciate Jennifer starting such a wonderful organization in El Dorado County.

H4H Winter Boutique warms bodies and hearts

This year is our 3rd annual Winter Boutique.

Our youth volunteers have worked hard through their Warm & Fuzzy drives to collect warm clothing and accessories to distribute to families in need this winter.

Our Winter Boutique was open for two days for the first time this year.  It was a very special experience for our volunteers as well as for those benefitting from our Boutique.

Please see the responses from our volunteers and from a man who was in need.

From someone benefitting from the Boutique:
"Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful clothing boutique, yesterday! It was so impressive to see how beautifully the racks and shelves were arranged; and to observe the tremendous help of the Hands for Hope volunteers. I'm also so thankful for the clothes, themselves. The timing of this event couldn't have been better; as many of my outfits and work pieces were showing signs of extensive wear and I didn't know how I was going to replace them, just yet. I hope you know that you really make a difference . . . and that you really matter.
With many, many thanks!"

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From two of our volunteers:

"There were many stories over the weekend - one family lost everything after her husband returned home from the Military. Her teenage daughter was too embarrassed to come but our teens helped her mom pick out some really cool stuff and she left very grateful. When we gave her the Payless gift card she cried. Another lady said we made her Christmas, she wasn't sure how she would be able to get anything at all and was thrilled with what she found at the boutique. And, many people just gave a heartfelt thanks when they left. I was so impressed with our amazing Hands 4 Hope volunteers. They truly made the shopping experience easier and enjoyable for our guests. They were so helpful finding sizes and giving suggestions. They were always polite, smiling and friendly. A huge thanks to all of them!"

"Mine was two middle school girls. One found a pair of boots she loved. She was beaming ear to ear. They were both so excited they were almost jumping. It made me rethink what to buy my boys, nieces and nephews for Christmas. It also made me clean my closet even more, lately I keep thinking clothes will go back in fashion :) and hang on to them. Now having seen who is on the other end it makes it more real to me than giving it to Salvation Army. These clothes will not be wasted."

Thank you to our supportive communities that donated for this event.

We hope you have a beautiful holiday season.

Our Winter Boutique will be open again January 4th and 5th.