Hands4Hope’s 2nd Annual School Supply Drive serves 394 students with essential school supplies for this year.

Youth Participants getting bags ready to go hand out fliers door to door in El Dorado Hills based neighborhoods.

Hands4Hope hosted their 2nd Annual School Supply Drive to benefit children in need in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties with essential school supplies for the 2015-2016 school year.  The drive collected 2298 school supplies that helped 394 El Dorado County students, grades Kindergarten through 12th.  This is 100 more local students served than last year.

Hands4Hope youth leaders & volunteers worked with local businesses, agencies and community members to collect items such as: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, scissors and other school supply items.

The 2nd Annual School Supply Drive was led by Kelly McMillen, H4H School Supply Drive youth intern and Oak Ridge Senior, who was mentored by Nicole Craine, H4H Youth Development Coordinator.

Youth participants and Adult mentor at our Table Event at the Office Max in Placerville.

“All of the students were incredibly thrilled to be getting new backpacks and supplies. It was an awesome experience to see how excited kids were about the small supplies like a brand new pencil or binder. It made me realize how lucky I am to have school supplies that are easily accessible,” McMillen explained. “ At the end, right before we packed up, a second grade girl came in. She picked out a new blue backpack, gave me a giant smile, and proceeded to do that for every single thing she got. That experience was extremely humbling and gratifying for all the work put into the collection and distribution. She and all the other kids were so grateful for even the simplest pencil topper,” continued McMillen.

Youth Participant assisting an elementary school student pick out her school supplies.

Thank you to the community members who participated in this drive for bringing joy and confidence to local students this year.  Thank you also to the following local businesses and agencies: El Dorado Hills Library, Cameron Park Library, re: Visions, Placerville Library, El Dorado Hills CSD, California Welcome Center, Hangtown Skate Shop, Blue Shield of California, El Dorado Disposal, DST, Gift of Kids, USA Stars Soccer Academy and Ethos Soccer Club.