Sophia & Lynn: Support Future Youth Leaders

About the Organization 

Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is a non-profit, youth-driven organization based in the El Dorado and Sacramento county regions. Their mission is to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. Hands4Hope youth participants explore social issues surrounding them, take action by choosing and designing service projects, then lead these projects from start to finish.  Along the way, they gain experience and skills essential to success in college, the workforce and in life. Please donate to help Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference continue to provide the opportunity for youth to become leaders in their communities!

Meet Sophia!

Leadership Camp

Hello! I’m Sophia Thomas. I have been involved with Hands4Hope since I was in 7th grade. When I started middle school, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the club but I was too shy to join. In 7th grade, I finally mustered up the courage. When I was in 8th grade, I became the president of Edwin Markham Middle School’s Hands4Hope Club. From there I was able to meet with amazing people that all wanted to give back to the community. I was able to lead our school's fundraiser to raise money for a local dog rescue. Over the summer, I helped serve food at Images of Hope’s White on White as part of a Hands4Hope community outreach. 

In August, I started high school and joined the school’s Hands4Hope club. In November, we did a Neighborhood Blitz where we collected food items for our Essentials Closet on campus where kids can come and get food or clothes if they need it. Next year as a sophomore, I will be serving asreasurer for my high school club. 

I met Lynn when I was in 7th grade. I was super scared and nervous when I first joined but she was always super nice and supportive. I got to work closer with her when I became president and really helped me to step into the role. When she reached out to me about Big Day of Giving I was super excited to get to work with her. I have had the pleasure of working with her on this and look forward to working with her again. 

Hands4Hope has helped build my confidence that I didn’t know I had and has allowed me to connect with others in my community that I wouldn't have been able to connect with if I didn’t join. Hands4Hope has really given a lot to me, and I can’t wait to keep working with this great organization!

Meet Lynn!

Hello! I’m Lynn Fedoryk, one of the adult volunteers with Hands4Hope. After retiring from teaching and moving to Placerville, I discovered this amazing organization. Because the thing I missed most about teaching was the students, I realized that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to engage with motivated young people who are passionate about serving their community…and I was right!

The more time I spend with the Hands4Hope youth, the more impressed I am with their passion for their community and their fearlessness for taking on projects that will make that community a better place to live. Hands4Hope gives them the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and tools that they will need to follow their passions and really make a difference in the world. 

I got to know Sophia at Edwin Markham Middle School when she was the Hands4Hope Club President. My initial impression of her was that she was very sweet, but a bit shy. So I was so impressed when she got up in front of the club to lead the meetings. Being shy myself, I knew that it was probably outside of her comfort zone to get up there, but she did it anyway because it was important to her that she help others in need...and she was awesome!  It reminded me how vital these types of opportunities are for our future leaders so that they can gain the confidence and skills that they will need to make a difference in the world. Please help Hands4Hope continue their mission!

Needs

Your donation of any size goes to work right away to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service.

👕 $15 = Purchases a required participant T-shirt for one youth with limited means

🥰 $50 = Provides material for two handmade blankets to care for families in need

🎒$100 = Provide a high school student with a new backpack filled with school supplies, including a scientific calculator

🍴$200 = Supplemental food for two monthly dinners prepared for seniors at an affordable senior housing facility (average 55 meals)

💡$500 = Sponsors participation in three-day leadership camp for one youth

🥫 $2,500 = Operates the Placerville Youth Center and Emergency Food Pantry for one month

🏫 $3,500 = Funds one on-campus service learning Hands4Hope Club at a middle or high school for a quarter of a year

🤝 $7,500 = Funds one on-campus service-learning Hands4Hope Club at a middle or high school for half a year