Bringing HANDS to Saint Mary’s College: An Organization Dedicated to Helping Others

As a college student, I understand the drive to be a part of something better. To make something of myself, put good back into the world, or just do SOMETHING of importance. Often times, finding this “something” is not as easy as it sounds.

However, Mariana Diaz,  Maria Bosch and Stephanie Fairhust, all Notre Dame graduates, recognized the people who wanted to help along with the places that needed it. And with that, HANDS organization was born.

HANDS non-profit organization provides the opportunity to travel to Central America to volunteer. By having relations with existing organizations, hundreds of individuals have been able to create a volunteer experience unique to them.

With several options for service-learning programs, volunteers can travel anywhere from 1-2 weeks in Guatemala or El Salvador. Here, they can assist in constructing houses for those in need, volunteer in orphanages, assist micro-financing projects, medical and health fields, and education. For the soccer lovers out there, HANDS has a unique opportunity to travel Guatemala teaching underprivileged children soccer. So no matter where your passion takes you, HANDS will be capable of finding a program for you.

So now that you understand the “what,” it is crucial to understand the “why.” As Ghandi said,

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Volunteering allows you to experience the world from a new perspective and HANDS would be honored to get you there. Through HANDS, you would be able to travel to an exotic country, enhance your resume, and improve your ability to speak Spanish. Every individual deserves to travel, experience, and learn. As a volunteer recruit, I am very excited to bring such a wonderful opportunity not only to Saint Mary’s College, but expand to other colleges as well.

So you know what it is and why you should partake in it. Now, all you have to do is apply online at handsorganization.com. It’s that easy! You can go at any point throughout the year, by yourself or with a group of friends (they don’t have to be students!)

Be sure to “Like” HANDS Organization on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and instagram @handsorg, and one last thing…

“Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better- even if you never know it.” -Greg Louganis

Photos provided by the author

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