This summer, the Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference School Supply Committee led a project to help local students start the year prepared for school by providing backpacks and vital supplies. In 2024, 6.5 percent of children were living in poverty in El Dorado County, so the committee members knew the need was urgent.

The Hands4Hope School Supply Drive Committee, made up of 16 middle and high school youth with the support of adult mentor volunteers, a college intern and Hands4Hope staff advisors, began by working with local businesses from Folsom to Placerville to host collection bins. Next, they coordinated with El Dorado Hills Town Center and El Dorado County Office of Education to host a "Stuff the Bus" event on July 18. The marketing subcommittee and a KCRA 3 interview got the word

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