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We are delighted to shine a spotlight on Randy Mintz, our featured Adult Volunteer.

Madison has had a remarkable journey in her six years with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference. As a senior at Union Mine High School, she has been Vice President of the Union Mine Hands4Hope Club for two years. She has also served on the Hands4Hope Youth Board for three years, including co-leading the 2024 Warm and Fuzzy Drive as part of her current role as Placerville Community Engagement Ambassador. In addition, she has been involved with other Hands4Hope events including Empty Bowls, Winter Boutique, and Fall Festival; monthly Community Engagement Opportunities like Twin Lakes Food Bank distribution, Upper Room Dinner Service, and Green Valley Community Church Common Ground; and annual Community Engagement Opportunities like Images of Hope's Party in the Orchards, and Apple Hill Growers Association's dinner. It's no surprise that with all that high-level involvement, she has racked up an impressive 430+ lifetime hours of service. " Maddi is a joy to work with! She is naturally organized and responsible so it was nice to know that things will get done in a timely manner. Maddi is a strong leader who voices her concerns and opinions but is also able to listen to suggestions from her peers and mentors. She has the biggest heart and always finding ways to lift people up! It was an honor to have the opportunity to be her mentor. She will surely be missed when she graduates this spring!" said Yoko Kono, Hands4Hope Community Engagement Manager. What motivated you to join Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? I learned about Hands4Hope from my sister, Mary Matlack, who played a big role while she was participating. I honestly joined because she encouraged me to engage in my community, but I stayed when I realized how much of an impact Hands4Hope made on not only the community but the youth participants as well. How have your Hands4Hope experiences shaped you into the person you are today? I have always been a relatively confident and capable person, but Hands4Hope has enhanced my confidence and capability by ten fold. After giving presentations and speeches to large groups of both youth and adults, I am satisfied by my ability to present myself in front of any group of individuals and speak with a strong voice. I can problem solve efficiently and lead people through different situations. Hands4Hope has improved my overall proficiency in life and I am forever grateful. How has Hands4Hope helped you in school, with your friends and family, and in life? As a Hands4Hope leader I’ve been through many leadership trainings and have had the opportunity to speak in front of large groups many times. This has improved my confidence and public speaking ability in both school and life. Hands4Hope has prepared me to be presentable in interviews and in front of adults. It has also given me something to be passionate about. When I get asked about my passion I always know I can turn to Hands4Hope and list the many reasons it has impacted my life and why it is such an amazing organization. What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope? My favorite memory with Hands4Hope is when the other Community Engagement Ambassadors and I went to Green Valley Community Church Common Ground and we took pictures, interviewed volunteers, and captured the aspects of the outreach on film. [You can watch it here!] It is my favorite because it felt the most eye opening. They had a clothing boutique, breakfast hall, grocery line, and even a lumber yard to send home cords of wood with people. The outreach was so thought out and all the people seemed to feel comfortable. The adult lead explained in detail how he got started in the outreach and how his experience has been. Everything was so heartwarming that it reminded me why I love Hands4Hope: it provides so many opportunities to engage in our community and see the struggles that most people don’t even notice. As youth we are exposed to the burdens that individuals face daily, and we are given the chance to help those individuals and make an impact on some facets of their lives. Hands4Hope helped me experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. In my California Girls State interview I talked endlessly about Hands4Hope and the influence it has had on me and my ability to connect with others. The interviewers were very impressed by my commitment and involvement in my community and chose to send me to the 2024 CAGS program. It is a weeklong program made up of the top 1%—academically and civically engaged—of female juniors in California. Together with 424 other girls, I built a mock government from the ground up with little guidance and strong leadership. I formed lasting friendships and memories. It was the best experience of my life. What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope? If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself while also gaining the skills to help you in college and your future career, then you should join Hands4Hope. The Education Program walks you through the process of team building and project making. The Community Engagement Program provides a multitude of volunteer events for you to help those in need in your community. In the future, I hope to be a generous yearly donor to Hands4Hope regardless of where I settle. Also, if adult volunteers are needed, I plan to return as an alumni when I am able. What other activities do you enjoy? I am the Union Mine High School Varsity Softball Captain. I’ve played softball since I was 9, and have loved both watching and playing the sport. In my spare time I love to binge watch TV shows and movies, and occasionally pick up a book.

(Avery's mom, Nissa, is our Adult Volunteer Spotlight!)

Nissa started volunteering in 2023 when her daughter Avery (also featured as the February 2025 Youth Spotlight

We are delighted to have the opportunity to spotlight Taylor, and share her experiences with our Hands4Hope

If you've been paying attention to Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference social media posts and stories over the last few years, you've certainly seen Jacob and Kalen Wylie. These two current juniors at Ponderosa High School have spent a lot of their time participating with Hands4Hope in numerous ways, from their on-campus Hands4Hope Clubs to after-school Committees, and plenty of Outreach opportunities as well. Jacob, who has been participating for 6 years, has more than 370 service hours logged; and Kalen, who has been participating for 4 years, has more than 200 service hours under his belt! They both have also taken on leadership responsibilities. Jacob has served as both the Secretary and President of the Hands4Hope Clubs at Camerado Springs Middle School and Ponderosa High School. Kalen has held the positions of Treasurer and Vice President of the Ponderosa High School Club. Currently, Jacob serves as the President of the Ponderosa club, while Kalen holds the position of Vice President. Additionally, Jacob served as the Middle School Representative on the Youth Board Committee for the 2022-23 school year. " These two young leaders consistently model integrity, compassion, and service, inspiring their peers to make a positive impact in the community. I have seen them grow in their own individual leadership strengths and encourage others to do the same," said Nicole Craine, Hands4Hope Deputy/Program Director. How did you first get involved with Hands4Hope? Jacob: In sixth grade, Hands4Hope was brought up at my school. Even though I wasn't sure I wanted to join, I did because I wanted to get more involved in my school, and now Hands4Hope plays a significant role in my life. Kalen: I first heard about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference back in 8th grade through my brother, who was already part of the Camerado Club at the time. He really encouraged me to join, and after hearing about all the projects and events he was involved in, I decided to give it a try. I thought it would be a fun experience and a great way to get more involved in helping the community. How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you? Jacob:   My life has been greatly impacted by Hands4Hope! When I started in sixth grade, I had much less self-assurance than I do now. Over the summer breaks of 2021, 2022, and 2024, I attended the Hands4Hope leadership camp, where I gained confidence and enhanced my communication skills. In sixth grade, there is no way I could have had the confidence to give presentations and assume such significant leadership roles. Now that I'm a junior in high school, and have had more experience, I can give presentations with ease and enjoy doing so! Kalen:   Since joining Hands4Hope, I’ve grown a lot as a person and developed many important skills. When I first joined, I was a lot more shy and unsure about speaking in front of people, but being involved in meetings, projects, and events really helped me overcome that fear. I’ve learned how to take initiative, lead groups, and communicate more confidently. Hands4Hope has also given me professional skills like teamwork, organization, and planning, which I know will help me in the future. Overall, it’s helped me become a stronger leader and a more confident person. Has Hands4Hope helped you in other ways? Kalen:   Hands4Hope has helped me in so many ways beyond just volunteering. In school, it’s made me more organized, responsible, and confident when working on group projects or speaking in front of the class. With my friends and family, I’ve become a better communicator and more understanding of different perspectives. Overall, Hands4Hope has taught me leadership, teamwork, and compassion skills that have helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person in everyday life. What is one favorite Hands4Hope memory? Jacob:   My favorite memory with Hands4Hope - Youth Making a Difference has been at the Camerado Springs Middle School club in the 2022-2023 school year. At that time I was in eighth grade, and had been elected president. That entire school year was so fun because we were able to do many new things that we had never done in the previous years. We actually held two fundraisers! We did a school wide coin drive and it was so fun to go and collect money from each classroom and see everyone so excited! We also held a dine-out night at the Cameron Park Kiki’s Chicken and raised the most amount of money we had ever made for Images of Hope! Kalen:   One of my favorite memories with Hands4Hope is helping out at the Hands4Hope Fall Festival at Town Center. It’s always such a fun experience working with my team to set everything up, run the booths, and see families from the community enjoying themselves. Each year, I feel more confident and involved, and it’s great to see how much effort everyone puts in to make it a success. Those events really remind me why I joined Hands4Hope, they bring people together and make a positive difference while still being a lot of fun. What would you tell someone who is considering getting involved? Jacob:   If someone were thinking about joining Hands4Hope, I'd encourage them to give it a shot! It's quite difficult to put Hands4Hope into words. There aren't enough descriptive words to describe what they do. When you're there to assist the community, it feels so good to see veterans, kids, the elderly, and anyone have a good time when you’re there helping them! Kalen:   I would tell someone who’s thinking about joining Hands4Hope to definitely go for it. It’s such a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, and build leadership and teamwork skills that will help you in all parts of life. You get to have fun while also making a difference. I see myself continuing next school year as the Vice President of the Ponderosa High School club, and I’m currently part of the Empty Bowls Committee. I really enjoy being involved and helping lead projects that bring people together to support others in need.

In three years of participation with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, Sudeep Mazumder has tallied 235 service hours through his involvement in his on-campus Hands4Hope clubs, after-school Committees, and various Community Engagement opportunities. He is now a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School, and involved in the Oak Ridge Empower Hands4Hope Club. His leadership roles so far have included roles with the Fall Festival Committee (Vice Chair of Games and Activities, Vice Chair of Volunteer Management); and Empty Bowls, where he is now serving as Vice Chair of the committee and chair of the Marketing sub-committee. "I have had the pleasure of partnering with Sudeep on the Empty Bowls Dinner Marketing Committee," says Youth Mentor volunteer Tracy Messineo. "His dedication to ensuring the success of the event has been evident in every interaction, and his ability to inspire and lead by example is impressive! He demonstrates initiative, follow-up, creativity and passion in how he approaches his work. Sudeep's commitment to fostering a positive impact on the community through his work with Hands4Hope is both admirable and inspiring. His efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Empty Bowls Dinner and the organization's mission." How did you first hear about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? I first heard about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference when my brother volunteered at the Hands4Hope Fall Festival in 2022. I had just learned that Hands4Hope made the Fall Festival event in Town Center at this moment. Later, I found out about the Hands4Hope school club at Rolling Hills Middle School, and after participating and learning about the amazing things Hands4Hope has done for the community, I couldn’t leave. How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you into the person you are today? When I first joined Hands4Hope in 8th grade, I was a very introverted kid that could not do anything unless I had a close friend nearby. I remember in the on-campus Hands4Hope Club, there would be days where everyone would be talking and hanging out with new people, but I would just stand in the corner to hide from everyone else. However, through my experiences in Hands4Hope, I realized that other youth here have similar passions as me for joining: helping the community. This helped me get out of my comfort zone a little bit, meet new people, and not hide in corners in scary situations. Hands4Hope was the one activity that I did that helped me mask up my "antisocialness" and interact with others as this ultimately makes events more fun. What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope? My favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope is the Empty Bowls Dinner. It was so cool to see the hard work the committee did to make this event, I was very impressed with the bowls that were at the event too. The high schoolers and artisans who made the bowls did a really good job designing them. What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? I would tell someone who is considering joining to definitely join. Hands4Hope gives youth the opportunity to not only be able to volunteer at many different community events, but also develop as a community leader. How do you picture yourself being involved in the future? In the future, I picture my involvement in Hands4Hope increasing substantially with me joining more committees and doing more community engagement. What other activities do you enjoy? Outside of Hands4Hope, I enjoy swimming, sleeping in, biking, and hanging out with friends.

We are delighted to welcome Adult Volunteer Tracy Messineo as the newest Board Director for Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference! Tracy has already made a mark with her role as an Adult Mentor in Empty Bowls and School Supply Drive Committees, and now with her position on the Hands4Hope Board of Directors, she will also help steer the organization as a whole with an eye for strategy, metrics, and sustainability. " I’m so excited to welcome Tracy to the Hands4Hope Board of Directors! Having already rolled up her sleeves to work side by side with our youth at events, Tracy has jumped in with both feet and is already making a wonderful impact. We are so fortunate to have Tracy bring her energy, experience, and heart to our board." Heather Edwards, Chair, Hands4Hope Board of Directors "My experience with Tracy began with her dedication as the adult mentor for the marketing subcommittee on our School Supply Drive. Her determination led to fantastic opportunities for our youth members and noticeable results in donations and families served. I look forward to working with her again on Empty Bowls as she once again shares her time and talent with Hands4Hope." Kate Barba, Hands4Hope Special Events Program Coordinator What drew you to give your time and talent to Hands4Hope? What motivated me to volunteer for Hands4Hope was a desire to engage in meaningful purpose driven work that would allow me to give back to the community after retiring from the healthcare industry last year. Hands4Hope quickly stood out amongst other nonprofit organizations because it offered a wide range of opportunities to make a difference – from combating homelessness and food insecurity to supporting women escaping violence, veterans, and seniors. What truly differentiated Hands4Hope, however, was i ts focus on inspiring and empowering youth through leadership and service. It was a winning combination! Tell us about your professional background and your position on the Hands4Hope Board of Directors. Drawing on my background in healthcare administration, where I spent over three decades building collaborative teams and guiding leaders toward their full potential, I am eager to bring these experiences to my role on the Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the External Affairs committee, I am excited to contribute fresh ideas and support strategic initiatives that will strengthen Hands4Hope’s outreach and deepen our impact across the communities we serve. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with inspiring colleagues and dedicated youth , and I look forward to learning from their perspectives as we work together to advance the organization’s mission. What are you looking forward to doing most while on the Board? I am looking forward to the opportunity to help support the ongoing sustainability and future growth of this wonderful organization by actively engaging with the communities we serve and contributing to the development of strategic initiatives that will strengthen Hands4Hope’s outreach and advance the organization's mission. I also look forward to continuing to work with youth as an adult mentor to contribute to their leadership development. What is a memorable experience or interaction during your time with Hands4Hope? My most memorable experience was participating in the Empty Bowls Dinner Committee as an adult mentor. The event was a huge success and it was so inspiring to watch the youth leaders and volunteers organize, plan, promote and operationalize this important fund raiser to support food insecurity. From Google project plans, to securing ceramic bowls and sponsorships, to stepping up to be interviewed on Good Day Sacramento, the youth supported by adult volunteers did an amazing job while learning new skills and getting out of their comfort zones. It was rewarding to see the community be so supportive of this event and the youth leaders and volunteers grow exponentially from this experience. What personal skills or experience do you get to flex as you volunteer with Hands4Hope? In my healthcare career I thoroughly enjoyed building high performing teams and mentoring leaders to their full potential. As a Hands4Hope Adult Mentor, I get to apply those skills to help young people develop leadership abilities, leverage their strengths and increase their confidence in taking on new challenges. How do you feel that your volunteer work with Hands4Hope has made a difference? Volunteering for Hands4Hope has provided me with a sense of purpose following retirement. I enjoy the network of amazing adult volunteers , the impressive Hands4Hope staff and leadership are a joy to work with, and I am inspired by the youth who show up enthusiastically to meet each challenge with compassion, energy, curiosity and commitment to make a positive difference through service to their community. What do you want other adults to know about getting involved with Hands4Hope? Don’t hesitate to get involved, you won’t regret it! Hands4Hope offers so many different ways to volunteer and you can donate as much or as little of your time as you are able. You will be enriched by the experience many times over and gain a better understanding of the needs in our community and how you can make a difference. In addition to contributing to the development of our future leaders, you will find you learn from them as much as they learn from you. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact. Tracy works side by side with youth participants in the Empty Bowls Committee in her role as a volunteer Adult Mentor

Hands4Hope adult volunteer Gen Walk is the quiet force that ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. When something needs to be moved, stuffed, sealed, or delivered, Gen is the magic that makes it happen. From transporting Winter Boutique racks from our storage facility to the temporary pop-up shop, to returning borrowed trucks, Gen is always ready to step up and get the job done, and has amassed more than 1,600 service hours with Hands4Hope as a result! But that's not all she does. Gen also is the vision and drive behind our involvement with Sister Nora's Place in Sacramento, where she guides Hands4Hope youth to deliver and prepare a monthly dinner for the residents there. Because the residents have experienced trauma, homelessness, and other challenges, she mentors Hands4Hope youth to create a safe space for the residents as they enjoy the meal together. Gen's reliability, dedication, and willingness to tackle the less-visible but essential tasks, in addition to making a beloved Community Engagement Event possible, make her an invaluable part of our team. Thank you, Gen, for being the backbone of so many successful efforts! Read on to learn more about Gen, along with some notes from Hands4Hope staff! How long, and in what capacity, have you been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?  I have volunteered with Hands 4 Hope since 2011 and have participated in numerous events over the years, including Sister Nora’s Place, Fall Festival, Town Center Carriage Rides, haunted house, Kids Zone Area at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Fireworks & Freedom Concert, along with supporting the wonderful office staff where needed. What drew you to give your time and talent to Hands4Hope?  After retirement, it was important to me to find a home to volunteer.  Hands4Hope checked all the boxes for the perfect fit to give of my time. I have always volunteered in my community and providing support to the youth has always been important to me. It allows me to flex my skills based on my previous experience with volunteering in other areas, utilizing my training skills, and hopefully setting an example of being in service. Another example of the benefits of Hands4Hope is the diversity of the volunteers as well as the organizations it serves. What is a memorable experience or interaction during your time with Hands4Hope? Working with the youth, observing their leadership development, and interacting with the staff is always a highlight. How do you feel that your volunteer work with Hands4Hope has made a difference, either to the organization, to youth, or even to yourself?  I have been blessed to receive feedback from the youth and others that reflect my time is being well spent volunteering where I can. What do you want other adults to know about getting involved with Hands4Hope?  Hands4Hope is an organization that consistently demonstrates how fulfilling it is to give back and will make a positive impact on the adults who choose to give of their time. What other activities do you enjoy? Do you have any passions you want to share? Spending time with our daughter, son-in-law, and 2 grandsons is always a highlight.  I also enjoy traveling when possible.   Gen is our original and beloved adult volunteer. She has stuck with us through all the changes and growth of Hands4Hope for 12+ years! Gen's passion to help others in need and to always do the right thing is truly inspiring. Even though her plate is always full helping family members and friends, she still finds time to volunteer with Hands4Hope. We appreciate you, Gen...more than we can ever express in words! - Yoko Kono, Hands4Hope Community Engagement Manager Gen inspires me with how generous she is with her time and talents.  I can't overstate how big her heart is and the impact she has made on our youth, community and Hands4Hope staff! - Kathy Van Saun, Hands4Hope Development Director Gen has been an invaluable volunteer for over 12 year now! She is truly part of the Hands4Hope family and I can't imagine Hands4Hope without her. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does for the organization and is its greatest advocate. She brightens our days with her beautiful grin and lessens our load with her incredible work ethic. Every nonprofit needs a "G-Gen" and we are so blessed to have her on our team! - Jennifer Bassett, Hands4Hope Founder & Executive Director

Welcome - Please tell us a little bit about yourself! I’m a lifelong El Dorado County local—born and raised right here. I spent a few years in Sacramento for college and then a few years in Folsom, but eventually my husband and I settled into our home up in the hills of Placerville. I love being outdoors, especially in my vegetable garden. I mostly grow tomatoes and pumpkins, and experiment with other crops here and there. I have yet to grow a successful winter crop, so if you have had success, please share your secrets! In 2024, I became a UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County, and I’m excited to keep learning more about home gardening and sharing research-based tips with the community. Fall is my favorite season, and Halloween is hands-down my favorite holiday. Both sides of the family get involved with costumes, acting, and we almost always build a haunted house. It’s the perfect way to kick off the best time of the year! What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? Before joining Hands4Hope, I spent over eight years with the State of California, most recently working in Human Resources at the Department of Justice and before that, at the California State Teachers Retirement System where I conducted applied and survey research. I earned a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which is a fancy way of saying I like to study workplace dynamics and crunch numbers. Earlier in my career, I worked as a recruiter at a staffing agency in El Dorado County, where I enjoyed helping people find opportunities that fit their skills and goals. What drew you to join the Hands4Hope staff? When I was young, I felt full of hope, excitement, and endless possibilities for the future. I know today’s youth are growing up in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and uncertain. I decided I wanted to be a part of an effort that ensures the youth feel that same sense of possibility. That’s why I was drawn to Hands4Hope and its mission to empower youth through service-based experiences. When young people take part in their communities by planning meaningful projects, carry them out, and reflect upon the impact, they gain more than practical skills. They build empathy, confidence, and a sense of hope for the future. The same principles that guide Hands4Hope’s work—connection, collaboration, and reflection—are also the foundation of my own professional experience. Throughout my career, I focused on building and nurturing relationships, always seeking common goals and developing strategies to achieve them collaboratively. I thrive on connecting with people, cultivating trust, and using data to guide meaningful decisions. As the Development Coordinator, I am excited to bring these strengths to fostering donor relationships and advancing Hands4Hope’s mission to equip and uplift the next generations. What do you like to do in your free time? I spend a lot of time in my garden in the early morning to beat the heat. In addition to the vegetable garden, I have over 20 different rose bushes that keep me busy. I love having fresh cut flowers in the house and enjoy making floral arrangements. This is just something I like to do for myself and I sometimes give them as gifts. Several other activities I spend my free time on are yoga and hiking. What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know or are surprised to learn? I learned to play ice hockey as an adult and played on a recreational team in Roseville for more than five years. My husband also plays and in 2019, we took a road trip to Penticton, BC, where we both participated in a draft ice hockey tournament. We got to play in this super old and unique wooden ice rink (AKA “barn” as they call them in Canada). It was an amazing experience we’ll never forget!

Francesca first became a participant with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference two years ago, when a friend encouraged her to check out the Oak Ridge High School on-campus "Empower" Club. Now a Senior, she has continued to participate regularly in Community Engagement Opportunities, after-school Hands4Hope Committees, and other opportunities, and has exceled in leadership roles with School Supply Drive Committee and Winter Boutique Committee. Community Engagement Manager Yoko Kono says, "Chessa has been a standout youth leader for many of our Community Engagement outreach events and the After-School Committees. She has been a member of Hands4Hope since 2022 and has logged over 140 hours of service with Hands4Hope. Chessa was the volunteer coordinator for the School Supply Committee and successfully led her peers through the Distribution event where she helped over 600 students pick out a backpack and school supplies. She has also been an integral member of the Winter Boutique Committee for the last few years and is a hard worker with a passion for helping others in need. She is always on time for events and meetings, completes her tasks, goes above and beyond what is asked of her, and always has a smile that comforts the people she works with. She has been an invaluable youth leader for Hands4Hope!" Tell us about your experiences with Hands4Hope. My first ever Hands4Hope outreach event was Fall Festival in 2022. Since then, I have been a part of many more events such as Sister Nora’s Place dinners, Winter Boutique, Empty Bowls, Upper Room Dining Hall, and various sorting events. Recently, I held a role in Volunteer Management for the School Supply Drive and Distribution Committee. I had a blast being a part of that leadership committee and it inspired me to apply for the 2024 Winter Boutique Committee. I am currently the Marketing lead for the Winter Boutique and look forward to carrying this event out with the rest of the leadership team! How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you into the person you are today? Through my experiences with Hands4Hope I feel that I have learned many new skills and enhanced my confidence! I have gained lots of experience in what it takes to help create and manage various events to benefit our community. Through these events, my confidence in public speaking and being a leader has grown ! I am very thankful for Hands4Hope for giving me new experiences and tools that I can take with me for the rest of my life. What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope? My favorite memory with Hands4Hope is Winter Boutique. The event is such a rewarding experience. Every year I have a blast helping to set up and put on the "shopping" event. It’s great to see families getting the essentials they need in an organized and clean place. What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope? I would tell them to jump into it! I have had such a great time volunteering for Hands4Hope. No matter who it is, I could promise them great experiences with amazing people. How do you see yourself being involved with Hands4Hope in the future? After Winter Boutique, I plan to be a part of the Empty Bowls Committee. This will most likely be my last Hands4Hope Committee before I move away from home to go to college. However, I plan to continue to find ways to volunteer in my community no matter where I am! What other activities do you enjoy? Some activities that I enjoy outside of Hands4Hope are horseback riding, crafting, baking, and hiking! I love to be outdoors and find new places to explore.

Meet Vidditi Khanna, an 8th grader at Sutter Middle School. Vidditi is in her second year of involvement with Hands4Hope, and has become a participant in many different aspects of Hands4Hope. She serves as the President of the Sutter Middle School Hands4Hope Club, and is also the Middle School Representative on the Hands4Hope Youth Board. She partnered with Meredith Wharton, Hands4Hope Board Director, to create a campaign for Hands4Hope's Big Day of Giving effort, and has also been seen volunteering for Hands4Hope Fall Festival, and other community engagement opportunities. She says, " These experiences in Hands4Hope have provided me with a community that I love and cherish very much. " Vidditi's Hands4Hope Club mentor, Lara Davis, said that Vidditi is an excellent speaker, well organized, and stands out among her peers. "I nominated her to be the Middle School Representative on the Hands4Hope Youth Board because of how well she handles her responsibilities," said Lara. "I see her following in other leaders' footsteps who are now thriving in high school Hands4Hope Clubs, and look forward to her continued involvement!" Describe your involvement with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference so far. I heard about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference from my sister when I was little, and when I got to middle school I joined the on-campus Hands4Hope Club. It was like a whole new world of volunteer service for me. Before I joined the Club I was always trying to find opportunities to volunteer and give back to my community, but it was difficult to find places where I could consistently volunteer and form a schedule. This is why Hands4Hope was a perfect fit for me because there are several activities including weekly meetings, outreach events and many more. How have your experiences with Hands4Hope shaped you into the person you are today compared to when you first joined? When I joined the Hands4Hope Club, I got the chance to be the secretary. I looked up to the rest of the officers and wanted to follow in their footsteps. I watched how they conducted the meetings in an orderly fashion and kept everyone on task and engaged, which inspired me to try and do the same. My experiences with Hands4Hope have shaped me to be resourceful, a quick thinker, and a problem solver. The skills that I have gained helped me become a better leader both inside and outside of the Club. Before I joined this Club, I was used to getting things done exactly how they were planned, but I have learned that sometimes everything does not go perfectly and there needs to be some flexibility in our approach. These experiences have taught me to keep things in order even when we have to go off track. What has been your favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? My favorite memory so far with Hands4Hope was giving the owner of the organization that we had fundraised for last year the check. Planning for the fundraising event (a carnival) was difficult but worth it. I saw the owner’s face light up as we presented the check to her. I was happy to know that I was a part of helping a growing organization that made other peoples’ lives better . What would you tell someone who is considering joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? First I would tell someone considering joining Hands4Hope the mission and vision of Hands4Hope and how we go about helping nonprofits. Next I would tell them about the opportunities that Hands4Hope is able to provide to youth who want to contribute to the community, Lastly, I would tell them about the friends that they will make during their participation in Hands4Hope. How do you see yourself being involved in the future? I see myself being a part of Hands4Hope throughout high school and using the skills that I have learned in Hands4Hope to help people throughout my life. What activities do you enjoy outside Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? I enjoy planning events for the school in my leadership elective and making school more fun for everyone. Another club I am a part of is speech and debate in which I do humorous interpretation and get to make people laugh! I also enjoy building my cases for debate. I like to explore arts and crafts like making jewelry, coasters, and doing henna. I like to cook with my family and spend time with them. Lastly, I love to do horseback riding and play tennis.