Youth Spotlight: Ella Coller

Ella Coller's story is a little different from a lot of Hands4Hope Youth Spotlight stories. As a student at a small charter school, Cottonwood College Prep Academy, Ella doesn't have access to an on-campus Hands4Hope Club at her school—a common way that youth find out about Hands4Hope programs. Instead, she discovered Hands4Hope all on her own, and found that After-School Committee opportunities in summer worked with her availability and interests.

Now, as a high school junior, she has participated in the Hands4Hope Kids Zone Committee as a Tiny Tots Co-Chair in 2024, and on the School Supply Committee as the Distribution Co-Lead in 2025.

"Ella did an outstanding job as the School Supply Distribution co-lead by stepping out of her comfort zone to manage the gym entrance with authority and help our student guests find the help they needed. She was kind, firm, and in control!" said Kate Barba, Ella's Hands4Hope Staff Mentor for the School Supply Drive Committee.

Ella's experience with Hands4Hope exemplifies the impact that youth can have, and the growth they can experience, while choosing a level of participation that works for them.

How did you first hear about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What motivated you to join? 

I first heard about Hands4Hope when I moved to El Dorado Hills and saw lots of events and signs referencing it. I was looking for something I could contribute to in my free time during the summer that felt meaningful and had a clear impact in the community. Most of the places I’d looked into joining only accepted volunteers over 16 or 18, but Hands4Hope gives so many opportunities to younger people so I felt like I’d belong there. I also liked that it gave me the option to only participate in the summer, because it’s hard to fit it into my schedule during the school year. 

How has participating with Hands4Hope helped you?

Hands4Hope has helped to give me more confidence and find out what my strengths are, which has proved to be really valuable at work and in school. I’m a very quiet and introverted person, but I’m learning how to speak up and be loud when I need to, which is even helping me make new friends and share my ideas with more people.

What is a favorite memory so far from your time with Hands4Hope?

My favorite memory so far has been the School Supply Distribution Day. I loved meeting all the kids and parents who came, and seeing how excited they were! I was really proud of myself for overcoming social anxiety to talk to so many people, and proud of our committee for putting together an event that made so many people so happy.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope?

I would tell them to give it a try! If you’re unsure, there are so many different one-time opportunities that don’t require a lot of time commitment so you can just see if you like it. Even if it’s not your thing, you’ll still have gotten a new, valuable experience (and community service hours!). I hope to continue participating in the summer programs and keep volunteering when I’m an adult!

What other activities do you enjoy?

Outside of Hands4Hope, I love baking, reading, and spending time with my several younger siblings and cousins. My favorite books are historical fiction, but I’m trying to branch out and try new genres! I’m also on a competitive dance team, and my favorite dance style is tap.