For El Dorado High School sophomore Sarahi Lopez, Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is the first time she’s been part of a club and done volunteer work. As a result of her involvement, Sarahi says she has become more confident, better at managing her time and made new friends. In addition to her role as a Hands4Hope Club leader, you can often find Sarahi volunteering at GVCC - she credits Hands4Hope for helping her become more aware of the issues in her community.
We love watching our youth grow into individuals who feel inspired to serve others with compassion, respect, humility and kindness.
We hope you’ll take a moment to get to know Sarahi!
What grade are you in, what school do you attend, and how long have you been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I am currently a sophomore at El Dorado High School. This is my first time being a part of a club and doing volunteer work. I have been involved with Hands4Hope for seven months.
What club or committees or community engagement outreaches have you participated in? Please indicate if you’ve held any leadership positions.
I am the Treasurer and Public Relations Coordinator for the El Dorado High School Hands4Hope Service-Learning Club. I also volunteer at Green Valley Community Church (GVCC)’s Saturday Cafe. As a volunteer, I help set up and serve the food. I’ve also helped with the grocery check-in system. I really like volunteering at GVCC because everyone is super nice and it is an awesome environment to be in while helping serve people.
How did you hear about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? What motivated you to join?
I heard about Hands4Hope through my mom’s friend and since I wasn’t really doing anything over the summer, I thought it would be fun to join and do some community service before school started.
Think about what you’ve done with Hands4Hope so far: How have these experiences shaped you into the person you are today compared to when you first joined?
Hands4Hope has helped me become more involved with my community and that has made me a lot more aware and outgoing. I also definitely think Hands4Hope has made me a better public speaker. Because of my experience with Hands4Hope, I am able to speak to more people without being nervous.
How has Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life?
Hands4Hope has helped me become more organized in my life, I can keep track of the time I am going to volunteer and any school or outside activity better now.
What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
My favorite memory has been volunteering with my good pal Madeline at the Big Brother Big Sister Auction dinner! We had lots of fun, made a new friend and were glad to help serve.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I would say Hands4Hope is a great opportunity to volunteer with your friends and connect to your community. It’s fun and a great use of your time!
What activities do you enjoy outside Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
Outside of Hands4Hope, I enjoy a variety of activities like reading, making jewelry, listening to music, spending time with friends and family and taking pictures of my cats.