Heather Sikes is this month’s Adult Spotlight! Hands4Hope would like to recognize Heather for all the time she puts into leading the Rolling Hills Middle School Hands4Hope Club, her involvement with Hands4Hope outreaches, and her role on the H4H Parent Advisory Council.
How long have you been participating with Hands4Hope?
I’ve been participating with Hands4Hope since 2016 when my daughter was in 6th grade.
Why did you join Hands4Hope?
I joined Hands4Hope because I was seeking a community non-profit organization that my daughter, and eventually my younger son, could become involved with to help others in need. I discovered Hands4Hope through community fundraising events, and became interested in the organization because of its focus on youth leadership & involvement. At my daughter’s Rolling Hills Middle School orientation, I was happy to see they had a Club! My daughter joined the RHMS Hands4Hope Club, and since there was such a large group of kids, a parent lead role was offered to assist the Club with meetings & events, so I happily volunteered.
What outreaches do you usually volunteer with? Which do you enjoy the most?
I volunteer mostly with the RHMS Club. They have meetings every other week which become weekly if we’re gearing up for a fundraising event. They host fundraising events such as bake sales, carnivals, and ice cream socials to support local organizations such as Sierra Youth & Family Services, El Dorado County Animal Shelter, Liliput, Marshall cancer services, & All About Equine. The Club has a youth leadership team that organizes the Club members to select agencies to support, then they plan, advertise, and complete their fundraiser. I support the kids in their wonderful efforts.
I’ve also volunteered with the Hands4Hope Mercy Senior Dinner Folsom, a monthly dinner prepared for low-income seniors, as well as the Loaves and Fishes lunch distribution in Sacramento. I was happy to also help out with a blanket making event with Oak Ridge High School’s special education class where we make knotted blankets to distribute to those in need.
I have a place on the Hands4Hope Parent Advisory Committee as well, which meets monthly to discuss & plan the organization’s activities.
I enjoy volunteering for anything related to Hands4Hope! I only wish my schedule allowed for more time to put toward such a fantastic organization.
What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?
My impression of the Hands4Hope youth is one of competence, compassion, & ability. I’m continually impressed with their care & concern, their confidence to get things done, and their ability to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m also encouraged for our future because these kids are trying to build a better community. They put in the effort, leadership, & teamwork it takes to work and
fundraise for the successful support of community agencies serving those in need.
Overall, what has your experience been like since joining?
My experience since joining Hands4Hope has been a great one! Hands4Hope has provided volunteer training, many opportunities for further involvement, & they’re simply a wonderful group of adults and kids to work with for a greater goal. It has been incredibly encouraging to see the youth working hard & dedicating time out of their increasingly busy lives to help & serve others. And it has been exciting to see kids become more confident and compassionate as they work towards helping others together. I feel honored to be a small part of Hands4Hope knowing it takes every helping hand, big & small, to make a difference.