On Thursday, June 27th, Hands4Hope celebrated its incredible youth volunteers at the 10th Annual Youth Recognition Event. During the event themed Sweet Endings… New Beginnings, youth volunteers were celebrated and recognized for their commitment and dedication to serving others. Over the 2018-19 program year, Hands4Hope youth logged 11,012 hours, organized and participated in 265 projects and outreaches, served 5,031 meals, collected and distributed 10,076 school supply items to students in need, collected and distributed 4,000 pieces of warm clothing to struggling families, and raised $27,500 to support the mission of local agencies, just to name a few things.
During this celebration, Hands4Hope said goodbye to the largest group of graduating seniors to date, many of whom started volunteering with Hands4Hope in elementary or middle school, and presented the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award to 47 youth, also the largest number to date. Hands4Hope staff, adult volunteers, and board members honored the hard work and dedication of youth attendees with either a bronze, silver, gold or platinum level service award. Additionally, the Hands4Hope Youth Board presented a check for $3,522, from their spring fundraiser Seeds of Hope, to New Morning Youth and Family Services Shelter Director Annah Wilson to support needs at the shelter, including a library.
The theme Sweet Endings...New Beginnings was selected to highlight the largest group of seniors graduating since Hands4Hope began 11 years ago. Hands4Hope helped send off 19 steadfast volunteers as they move onto their next phase in life. This was the first year Hands4Hope was able to realize the full vision of the feeder system created from middle through high school, offering a continued experience of volunteerism and leadership development from 6th-12 grades. They said farewell to this first cohort of youth who started volunteering in 6th grade and continued through graduation. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but looking ahead was also celebrated as they welcomed a new group of youth, including eight new leaders who will help launch the new Hands4Hope Clubs on the Markham Middle School and El Dorado High School Campuses this fall.
Even though these volunteers might not seek recognition for their service, their example delivers a powerful message that encourages others to take action. Hands4Hope was proud to recognize the tremendous contribution all of the youth made to both the organization, and the community!
Hands4Hope would like to extend a thank you to the El Dorado Saloon for helping provide the food, and adult volunteers Shirley Maier, Stacey Carter and Madeleine Vadenais for their work coordinating the event! Also, thank you to the El Dorado Hills Community Services District for the use of the Norm Rowett Pavilion.