Sudeep and Valerie: Support Future Youth Leaders

Sudeep's Story:

I got involved with Hands4Hope back in 8th grade after joining the Rolling Hills Club. From that moment on, I could see that I was making a huge difference in the community. 

Ever since then, I joined the Oak Ridge Empower club, volunteered for a  multitude of outreach projects, and joined the Fall Festival and Empty Bowls planning committees to make an even bigger impact. 

One of my proudest moments has been with the Empty Bowls Committee and Dinner. I joined as a freshman, and didn’t know much about local food insecurity. Hands4Hope took over the planning and management of the 23-year-old event that year. 

I loved how much of an impact Empty Bowls had on the local non-profits providing healthy and nutritious meals, produce and groceries to our community, so I've continued to serve on the committee. 

This year, as a junior, I took the lead for marketing and education for Empty Bowls and together we raised $17,000.  At the event, it always makes my day to see guests enjoying their meals while also being passionate about addressing food insecurity as much as I am! 

Valerie's Story:

As an adult volunteer with Hands4Hope, I get to help our community while seeing our young people grow into leaders like Sudeep. 

In my role, I've been able to learn about and help many local non-profits, such as the Upper Room Dining Hall, one of the beneficiaries of the Empty Bowls Event. 

However, while I'm there to help keep them safe, it is the youth volunteers like Sudeep doing the real work. 

These young leaders continue to impress me with their poise, project management and public speaking skills. I'm proud to be a tiny part of their success!

Help us continue to make an impact!

Your donations through Big Day of Giving will continue to empower youth to keep making positive change in the community.

Our region is a wonderful place to live, and Hands4Hope helps contribute to that by teaching youth why it is important to volunteer. 

By donating, you are helping to keep this going and ensure all youth have a chance to experience the value of service and leadership.

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.