Outreach Highlights: Winter Boutique

It’s that time of year again! Hands4Hope is preparing for one of its biggest and most impactful outreaches, The Winter Boutique! This event is hosted annually by Hands4Hope during the Holiday Season to provide low income and foster families the opportunity to “shop” for warm winter clothing without having to pay for anything. The boutique is open to individuals in both El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, and typically supports about 200 individuals per year. Read on to learn more about this unique outreach opportunity from Megan Smith, an Oak Ridge Sophomore and regular Winter Boutique Committee member.

How many years have you been participating in the Winter Boutique?

This will be my third year participating in the Winter Boutique. Last year I helped to sort clothes, set up and decorate, as well as actually interact with the recipients on the boutique days.

How many people usually volunteer for the Winter Boutique Committee and Event?

The Winter Boutique is usually planned and organized by a select group of high schoolers and adults, around 10, but for the actual event more like 30 people overall will participate.

What do volunteers usually do in preparation for and at the event?

When contributing to the planning of the Winter Boutique, the main duties are to sort all of the clothes we receive from the Warm & Fuzzy Drive and other donations, and set up and decorate the boutique space. However, on the days the recipients come to the boutique, volunteers get to interact with the families and help them shop for what they are looking for as well as keep everything nice and tidy just like an actual store.

What is your favorite thing about the Winter Boutique Outreach?

From my experiences with the Winter Boutique, I would have to say my favorite thing would be getting to interact with the families and see how happy they are and how much it means to them to be receiving the things they need for the winter. Everyone that comes through is so friendly and grateful, and it is such a great opportunity to contribute to and be a part of something so special.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

For the Winter Boutique this year, I am really excited to decorate and set up the boutique. We have some really fun ideas for themes, and we have already received a lot of clothing, so we will get to decide on how to set it all up where it is functional and visually appealing at the same time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One thing I would like people to know about the Winter Boutique is that it is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I have had with Hands4Hope over the years. Getting to plan and carry out the boutique and see how happy the recipients really are is so special, and knowing that their holiday season will be brighter because of something you contributed to is truly a gift.