Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan

 

 Ryan is an 8th grader at Marina Village Middle School. He got involved with Hands4Hope as it was kicking off in 2008 after hearing about it from friends.

"Since I joined, I have found a new part of me that is driven by healing others," he said. "I have a new-found compassion for helping those who are less fortunate and I really love seeing their grateful faces."

Ryan has also helped start and lead the Hands4Hope Club at Marina. They are in their second year and the club has been very successful. Just this year, they collected more than 1,600 pairs of socks and raised money at hot chocolate sales for the Heifer Project. He says the experience of the club has been rewarding and also challenging. "The hardest part is channeling 25 distracted teenage minds into one purpose and common goal," he said.

"I have been forced out of my comfort zone multiple times in Hands4Hope," he explained. "During my first outreaches, I had a fear and dislike of the homeless. These experiences opened by mind and heart to others."

While volunteering at the Winter Boutique, Ryan said he was touched by a 5 year old boy in need who visited looking for new clothing. "He was so excited to get new things and his happiness lit up the entire room," he said. "This showed me the effect of our good work!"

2012

This is from the beginning!

2011 Winter Boutique

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!"

_______________________________________________________________________

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.

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Jamin

{Jamin climbing the rock wall at leadership camp}

Jamin joined Hands4Hope in 2010 while fulfilling volunteer obligations for school. Since getting involved, he is the founder of a Hands4Hope Club at Jesuit High School, where he is a junior.

When asked to describe his experience of being involved, he used the words “content” and “humbled”. “I am humbled because I have so much and yet could not see how fortunate I was until I started serving others,” he said. “I am content because there is so much joy derived from helping others.”

To help him with becoming the President and Founder of the Hands4Hope Jesuit Club, Jamin attended Leadership Retreat for 2 years with other H4H leaders. “It was a great way to further bond with the other youth leaders,” he said. “We shared ideas about what is working at different schools.”

Jamin also said joining H4H and becoming the leader he is has pushed him out of his comfort zone. “Before I joined H4H, I felt as if I was on the sidelines watching things happen,” he said. But now being a part of it, “I feel that we (the youth) are actually making a difference. Every time I volunteer for an activity, I am sure to meet different youth volunteers and as a teen, it makes me feel empowered that we are driving this,” he said.

Starting a club at Jesuit meant pushing Jamin beyond his limits. “It meant getting up in front of teen boys that knew nothing about me and sharing H4H’s vision,” he said. “Initially, it was hard as a sophomore to get up and starting talking to guys I didn’t know about joining the club. My mother encouraged me and it has gotten easier.” In just these two years, the club has grown to 19 members and it has become a recognized organization for members in their school to volunteer for. “It is rewarding to know that my hard work is paying off,” he said.

Thank you for all you do, Jamin!!

{helping register guests at the Youth Board Spaghetti Fundraiser}

{walking the tight rope at leadership camp}

Volunteer Spotlight: Alisa & Kristin

Kristin and Alisa have dedicated hundreds of hours since our first Haunted House kicked off in 2010. They are in charge of the inside design of the Haunted House, bringing the theme to life with decorations and props.  "We couldn't do it alone," said Alisa. "It's a team effort!" They are part of the Haunted House Creative & Build Team, a team of seven who combine their creativity and work to their strengths, making the Haunted House the huge success it has been each year.

When asked why they enjoy helping out, both ladies said that supporting the mission of H4H is very important to them. "Jennifer has created something really important in teaching and leading children to offer their time, talents, and treasures to those less fortunate. By empowering our kids with this attitude, they can truly make a difference in the lives of others," said Kristin. Alisa agreed and said she was "impressed by one person's idea becoming so many people's passion."

Both ladies are bursting at the seams with creativity. Alisa has always loved Halloween and says she enjoys making new things from scratch. Kristin grew up in a family surrounded by creativity and says her experience in interior design has been an asset and decorating is in her blood.

"I believe everyone is given a gift and my gift is a worker bee," said Alisa. "This is how I contribute to our community. It feels so good to see it all come together."

Kristin said she feels blessed to be a part of the organization and her favorite part of working on the Haunted House is working with her dear friend Alisa. It is obvious they have a lot of fun and we are so grateful for the time, efforts, and creativity they lend to Hands4Hope in bringing our Haunted House to life!

Youth Volunteer Spotlight: Chieme

(Chieme is in the back on the right)

Chieme got involved with Hands4Hope after seeing her sister disappear every weekend to volunteer, and coming home to share stories about her experiences. She says working with Hands4Hope has made her realize a lot. "I love helping others and making them happy. Just to bring a smile to someone's face will make my day," she said.

Stepping out of her comfort zone is something Hands4Hope has allowed her to do. Before volunteering, she said she couldn't approach others. "I could never walk up to a stranger and get to know them. It has made me more confident in myself."

Chieme has spent a lot of time working at many monthly outreach projects. "My favorite is the homeless outreach," she said. "I love the interaction I get to have with the people we feed. It makes giving them food and toiletries more personal."

One of the most memorable experiences for her has been the opportunity to work with WIND Youth Services. "They were all really down to earth and super kind," she said. "I think working with them made me realize that people may come from a different background than I do, but they are all people at the end of the day. They are no different than me."

Cheime says she plans on volunteering for the rest of her life. "Helping others is a feeling that you cannot replace!"

Thank you for all of your hard work, Chieme!

Volunteer Spotlight: Katie

Katie got involved with Hands4Hope earlier this year when she heard we needed more adult help, particularly in a field she has a lot of experience with, financials. She has two kids, Aden, 8, and Lauren, 6, and another one on the way! Katie said finding H4H is just what she needed to get her kids out there. "It offers everything we need to get out and serve on a regular basis," she said. "I feel like we can live a more balanced life because of H4H."

The first event Katie took her kids to was a Team Hope meeting at the CSD. "They love it and immediately started saving money for a cause they collectively chose." Then, they put on a drive at their school, Jackson Elementary. "Now, we have gone to several outreaches which put us face to face with the homeless and those less fortunate."

Katie said her work helping with the Hands4Hope financials has really kept her balanced. "Things are off for me when I am not involved in service work. I really hope to pass that down to Aden and Lauren."

Katie's favorite outreach activity is the Homeless Outreach in Sacramento. "We see, talk with and touch the people who are truly with out. We feel that human need inside ourselves to want to help," she said. "Recently, Aden saw a woman with the toes completely worn out of her shoes. He said 'mommy, she really needs shoes, are there any left? Her toes aren't inside her shoes anymore.' Seeing that and feeling empathy for her gives him a perspective that can only come from being there and seeing it with his own eyes. There is nothing I can say that would have that kind of impact on him," she said.

Katie has a few memories that stand out in her mind, but one of them happened while we were working with another agency, WIND, down feeding the homeless in Sacramento. "The gentleman running the shelter brought teens with him to volunteer with us. He knew so many of the people on the streets and watching him call out their name, hug them, and check in on them was so genuine, loving and kind," she said. "People like him are who I want my kids to look up to."

Katie has donated much of her time recently helping with our financials, and helping in several other ways.

"My family and I need H4H as much as the youth in the area and the beneficiaries do," she said. "We have learned so much in such a short period."

Katie, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to Hands4Hope, you are very valuable to us!