Kimberly and Dolly: Empowered to Lead and Serve

Kimberly's Story:

Hi! My name is Kimberly Gonzalez, and I have been participating in Hands4Hope for 2 years now. I joined in my sophomore year of high school wanting to be more involved in my community and to find a sense of purpose. I didn’t expect how much it would impact me. I not only joined a club, but a community of amazing youth from several different schools.

Now, as a junior, I am proud to say I am the Public Relations leader of my school’s Hands4Hope club. I have loved the opportunity I was given to be a leader, and I am now running for president for next year.

In the 2 years I’ve been in Hands4Hope, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering at several incredible and meaningful events. One of my personal favorites is Empty Bowls, where local high school students make bowls along with donations from local pottery artists. They host a dinner where people can purchase a mystery bowl made by either a student or an artist, and all the proceeds go toward fighting hunger. This is just one example of the many events I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of.

Taking on a leadership role has helped me grow in many ways. I used to be extremely shy and a timid student. I hated public speaking. It was my worst nightmare. Now, I find myself taking on new opportunities and using my voice in the classroom and in my community. This year has pushed me to be more accountable, responsible, confident, and determined.

I hope to continue growing and developing my skills if I am elected president next year. Fundraisers like this help keep these programs alive and running, supporting youth just like me who want to be involved and make a difference. They give students a chance to create change, and without it, I don’t know where I would be.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me, Hands4Hope, and all the amazing youth who are working to make a difference in our community.

Dolly's Story:

Hi, I’m Dolly!

Every time I work with the youth at Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, I’m reminded why I continue to be part of this organization.

Hands4Hope gives young people something incredibly powerful. They gain the tools and confidence to lead, communicate, and give back to their community with compassion and purpose. Everything is youth driven. These students are not just volunteering. They are identifying real needs, planning meaningful projects, and seeing them through from start to finish while building leadership skills that will stay with them for life.

I’ve been involved with Hands4Hope for several years now, and I continue to be amazed by the impact it has, not just on the youth, but on our entire community. From leadership camps to club meetings and outreach projects, I have seen firsthand how these young people grow into confident and thoughtful leaders who lift others up.

One of the things I often say is that if more organizations operated the way Hands4Hope does, with this level of intention, structure, and empowerment, we would see incredible change. These youth are learning skills many adults are still working to develop.

I’m honored to serve on the board and support this work, and proud to be part of an organization that is shaping the next generation of compassionate and capable leaders.

I hope you’ll consider joining me in supporting Hands4Hope this Big Day of Giving and helping create more opportunities for youth to explore, act and lead.

About Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference

Hands4Hope is a youth-driven organization that has served Sacramento and El Dorado Counties since 2008 through Education and Outreach programs. Working alongside adult mentors and using a service-learning strategy, we equip youth with the knowledge and skills to be civic minded and socially responsible.