Hands4Hope seeks youth volunteers for summer committees making a difference in local communities

Local middle and high school students looking to level up their summer with real-world leadership experience have until Wednesday, May 6, to apply for one of two meaningful volunteer committees through Hands4Hope — Youth Making a Difference. The School Supply Drive Committee works June through August to collect and distribute essential school supplies to more than 700 students across communities stretching from Folsom to Placerville. Youth participants coordinate collection drives with local businesses, host the popular Stuff the Bus event on July 17, sort and count donations and then plan and run the full distribution event on Aug. 4 — a hands-on experience that puts students in charge from start to finish. The Kids Zone Committee offers a shorter but equally energetic commitment, running from May through mid-July in preparation for the Kids Zone Area at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Fireworks and Freedom Concert on July 3. Student participants select activities, snacks and glow toys, build a marketing plan, manage an event budget, secure sponsorships and oversee volunteers and concessions on event day. It's one of the largest youth-led fundraisers benefiting Hands4Hope's education and outreach programs — and it is entirely run by the students. Both committees are open to students entering grades 6 through 12 in the 2026-27 school year, and adult mentors are also needed and welcome. Hands4Hope, a California Nonprofit of the Year honoree for Senate District 4, has built its mission around giving young people a genuine platform to lead, serve and make decisions that affect their communities. Applications for both committees are due May 6 at youthmakingadifference.org. For more information, contact Hands4Hope at 916-294-7426 or info@hands4hopeyouth.org.