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.
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