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Heather Sikes is this month’s Adult Spotlight!

A few years ago, Hands4Hope volunteer and high school senior Kirsti Buckendorf found that her community was failing to meet the needs of many senior citizens. After some research, Buckendorf approached Creekview Manor, an independent living senior housing facility in Folsom, California, to share some ideas as to how Hands4Hope could help. The discussion went well, and Hands4Hope was able to establish a monthly plan to encompass seniors in one of its outreach programs. In just a couple hours every month, Hands4Hope’s Mercy Creekview Senior Dinner provides food, entertainment, and company to the seniors of Creekview Manor. Although the residence was built with the intent of providing housing to low-income residents, financial issues are still prominent within the Creekview community. Resident Coordinator Sarah Simons explained the importance of the program, expressing that many struggle to buy food as their money becomes scarce towards the end of the month. Through monthly food donations, Hands4Hope volunteers and staff are able to provide a gourmet, homemade meal for residents. Every month, the number of seniors that attend the dinner varies from 30 to 50. Those who stay home can still receive a dinner by requesting a volunteer to hand-deliver it. For many Creekview seniors, the dinner is a place to interact with people--young people in particular. Jonnie, a four-year resident at Creekview Manor, said, “The kids who come here are great. I finally get to be around young people again and I love that.” It’s not just the seniors who love the social aspect of the dinner, volunteers enjoy connecting with the residents too. Twin brothers Mason and Brody have been attending the dinner for five months with no plans to stop anytime soon. “At the senior center, we usually bring or make food to donate,” they said. “When we get there, we fill up waters for the main tables and figure out what main dish we are serving. There are also a few ladies who like to play Scrabble, so we see if they want to play. Once we serve dinner, we deliver meals to the apartments of those who couldn’t make it (sometimes for physical reasons).” Not only do the boys work hard to make sure that all seniors have food on their plate, but they have fun with it too. They often do art projects with the seniors and stick around after dinner to chat and connect with them. Over the last eight years, keeping the dinner running has not been easy. After Kirsti left for college, her mother, Inga, decided to take on the outreach. For her, the two hour event turns into around a three day affair. She plans meals, prepares food, shops for ingredients, and even donates some of the food. “But in the end,” she said, “the warm smiles, hugs, and thank you’s make it all worth it.” -Written by Kiren Belgal

Ava Gallardo- President What is your school and grade? Also, how long have you been involved with H4H? I go to Rolling Hill Middle School and I have been involved with Hands4Hope for 3 years. Why did you join Hands4Hope? I joined H4H because I wanted to help people in this community and learn more about the organizations in the area. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? H4H has helped me through school, family and friends because it gives me an understanding of the world and helps me learn about the people in my community. What has your experience been like since joining? Super fun! I’ve loved learning how to plan an event and learn how to lead. Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope? I would like to add that this is an amazing organization with amazing people and I love being a part of it. Vikram Singh- Vice President What is your school and grade? Also, how long have you been involved with H4H? I am from Rolling Hills Middle School and have been in H4H for two years. Why did you join Hands4Hope? I joined H4H so I could raise funds for people in need. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? Hands4Hope has made me want to help people more. What has your experience been like since joining? My experience has been good, fun, and enjoyable. Huda Bashir- Secretary What is your school and grade? Also, how long have you been involved with H4H? I am in 8th grade at Rolling Hills Middle School, and have been involved with Hands4Hope for 2 years. Why did you join Hands4Hope? I joined H4H because it sounded interesting, and I wanted to join a club that was organized and had a purpose. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? H4H has helped me get more involved with my family and friends, but most importantly life. It made me closer to my community, and helped me help multiple organizations. What has your experience been like since joining? My experience with H4H has been very eye opening. I have figured about so many causes as well as helped a few. I also have learned how to lead a club, and work well with others. Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope? Overall, my experience with H4H has been amazing, and I hope I can continue helping my community with Hands4Hope. Tristan Kono- Treasurer What is your school and grade? Also, how long have you been involved with H4H? Rolling Hills Middle School 7th grade. I have been volunteering for Hands4Hope for 7 years now. Why did you join Hands4Hope? My parents and brothers were all volunteering so I wanted to help out too. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? Hands4Hope taught me that not everything is about me and that there is always someone less fortunate than me. Like when I'm sad or mad, I think about what other people like the homeless people or people that are sick are going through, and it helps me feel grateful and lucky for what I have. The Hands4Hope Club has taught me leadership skills like leading group activities and talking in front of crowds. I really like my leadership group. I have some friends in the club which makes it more fun and I get to meet new people. What has your experience been like since joining? I have helped the homeless, donated to the hospitals and families in need, and after I help them, I always feel good about myself. My favorite outreach is the homeless outreach. We make lunches for homeless people and drive out to Sacramento and serve them. I like it because I feel more connected with the people around me and I like talking with them. They always say thank you and God bless you and it shows how thankful they are. Sometimes people tell me jokes and its really funny. I also like volunteering at the blanket making. I work with my friends to make blankets for the Winter Boutique . . . and we get pizza and stuff. Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope? Right now, we are raising money for Shriner's children's hospital which is a charity hospital. I work with my friends designing posters, planning fundraisers, and playing group games. I hope we can raise as much money as possible. I hope that other people will become more aware of people less fortunate than us so that there are fewer people who need our help. Cole Powers- Historian What is your school and grade? Also, how long have you been involved with H4H? I go to Rolling Hills Middle School and I've been with H4H since the beginning of 7th grade. Why did you join Hands4Hope? I originally joined to get volunteer hours but quickly learned it’s such a fun group. I always have a great time during our meetings. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? H4H has helped me to be confident in myself and to know that I can actually help my community. What has your experience been like since joining? My experience has been great so far. I've learned there is no shortage of organizations we can help out with. Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experiences with Hands4Hope? I look forward to joining the H4H Club next year at Oak Ridge.

Lastly, thank you to all our event sponsors, without whom this event simply could not have been successful Big Kahuna Sponsors Sharon and David Handler Hanson Family Nicholson Family Ohana Sponsors Allworth Financial El Dorado Disposal Scott & Lynette Spriggs Shelbi & Lee Bennett Mahalo Sponsors Carter-Kelly Inc Edwards Fulton Certified Public Accountants Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Western Sign Company Aloha Sponsors Hang Loose Sponsors Aborn Powers Property Management Green Acres Nursery & Supply Renew Packaging Solutions

This honor belongs to our incredible youth participants, volunteers, partners, sponsors, donors, and

Allison Simko is this month’s Youth Spotlight!

What school do you teach at and which club do you advise? I teach 7th grade English at Marina Village Middle School and I advise the Hands4Hope Club (third year). What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth? My experience with Hands4Hope youth propels me each year to take on the group as an advisor. The students involved with this group have a capacity for empathy and compassion that truly makes for leadership now and in the future. I enjoy listening to them plan to assist their community, interact with each other, and build skills to get a job accomplished. Is there anything that you've enjoyed most/been most surprised by in interacting with the club? I was especially touched by the efforts to support our homeless community last year! The students vetted out the choices of service and solidly chose to help the homeless and did this with skill and grace. This year, I would be amiss if I did not mention the over-the-top fun experience of the Doggie Fashion Show in Town Center. Being a participant with my "grand dog" was so fun to plan and be a part of! Again, the student leadership shined brightly through the leadership of their Hands4Hope advisors. Is there anything else that you would like to add? Part of being the advising teacher means that students use my classroom for meetings. I love to have them because of their positive energy, their willingness to clean up after meetings, and their expressions of appreciation. Hands4Hope youth have a perspective that everyone can learn from.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of generous sponsors such as Folsom Clark, Designing Dreams, Western Sign Company, Chuck and Conni Thompson, and many other community sponsors Our beverage sponsors and all those who contributed soup, bread, and desserts helped create a warm and

To our Sponsors: Your generosity and belief in our mission were the backbone of this event's success We also want to thank Holly's Hill Vineyard for their generous donation of wine and beer for the Sponsor

more than 150 children bounced and danced their way through Kids Zone Area, who together with event sponsors We are so appreciative of the families who came to enjoy this fabulous event, and to all the sponsors The 2024 Hands4Hope Kids Zone Committee would like to extend one final thank you to our Star Spangled Sponsors

What is the reason(s) for sponsoring Hands4Hope?

Hands4Hope selected Justin Xie as this month’s Youth Spotlight because of his dedication, continuous