YOU’LL FIND A FAMILY AND A HOME.

“The year’s end approaches, and we’re challenged to look at how far we’ve come, and to set new goals. And I’m on such a different path than a year ago. I think that every year, I’ve sought how to be in a better position to make the impact I want to. But this time, I can say I’ve made an impact instead of wondering how to do it.” – Stephen Hong, 24. New York, USA.

DECEMBER.

December is a chance for many to collect their thoughts and reflect on the year just gone. It is tradition to send warm wishes of love, peace, and joy to those who mean the most to us and be thankful for both experiences had and those yet to come.

FINDING A FAMILY.

More often than not, the uncertainty of how your time will be spent and who with, can lead to volunteers feeling apprehensive about being on project during the holiday season; a season of reunions and social events. Once you’re on project though, those feelings quickly disappear. What our volunteers find is a home away from home. Within a matter of days strangers become friends and in mere weeks, those friends become family. All Hands and Hearts is a family that is there when you celebrate the completion of concrete pour or new roof but also right next to you when you are homesick and those thousands of miles seem even further away.

COMMUNITY.

And what’s more, you’re not just forming friendships with the volunteer and staff pool. Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts means connecting with a community that you never even knew existed until you stepped foot on base. A community that has experienced some of the worst natural disasters in their lifetime and yet a community that welcomes you with the biggest smiles and the warmest, most open arms.

VOLUNTEERING.

Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts doesn’t have to fall over the holiday season; projects are happening over the globe, all year round. But if you do decide to come stay with us during the holidays, know you’ll find a home and a family eager to meet you.

FOOTNOTES
Story and photography by Rosemary Bartlett for All Hands and Hearts