Volunteering with Hands4Hope and seeing firsthand how I could make a difference within my community is one of the most fulfilling things I have done.
What grade are you in and what school do you go to? Also, how long have you been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
In the fall, I will be a junior at Oak Ridge High School. I got involved with Hands4Hope in early December and quickly began joining their numerous youth-led Community Engagement Committees. I currently participate in the ASPIRE Outfitters and Emergency Food Pantry Committees and I am one of the leaders on the Ryan Christopher Hersh Scholarship Committee.
How did you hear about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What motivated you to join?
I heard about Hands4Hope from my friends who brought me along to volunteer at the Fall Festival. The Fall Festival gave me a peek at the incredible community and environment that Hands4Hope has created for everyone including volunteers, adult leads, and community members.
How has Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?
Hands4Hope has taught me how to properly organize, communicate, and lead with my peers. It has taught me how to create an approachable and welcoming environment for people. These skills have transferred over into my school and personal life as it has helped me communicate effectively with the people around me.
Hands4Hope has not only grown me into a better leader, but it has also grown me into a better person as a whole.
What value do you think Hands4Hope-Youth Making A Difference adds to the community?
Hands4Hope has helped this community in ways that most people wouldn’t be able to do on their own. Joining Hands4Hope has made me feel that I am a part of something higher than myself. All of the fun events, fundraisers, and drives that Hands4Hope has done have given families safety and security during crises like the Caldor Fire and the Covid-19 outbreak.
One of the first things I remember about Hands4Hope is volunteering at the Winter Boutique and being in charge of the kids' station. At the kids' station, I remember talking, playing, and laughing with all of the kids there. I played hide and seek, tag, candy cane ring toss, and even hosted a game of Twister!
Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope?
Volunteering with Hands4Hope and seeing firsthand how I could make a difference within my community is one of the most fulfilling things I have done. I am so glad I have dedicated my time to Hands4Hope and its cause.