H.A.N.D.S. Foundation Received Physicians Health Plan's 'People Helping People Award'
(Talk of the Town photo provided) HANDS Foundation members, from left above, Taylor Daniel, Kylie Hagans, Connor Stouder and Brett Roberts were in attendance for a recognition event Sunday. The organization was recognized by Physicians Health Plan for their role in contributing to community efforts.
By Chelsey Barrell
The HANDS Foundation has been a strong philanthropic component in Whitley County for seventeen years.
HANDS is an acronym for Helping Achieve New Directions with Students. This group is composed of 15 high school and middle school students who meet monthly to fund grant requests in the county. Over the years this youth foundation has funded nearly $250,000 to education and quality of life needs in Whitley County.
On Sunday, January 8, 2012, HANDS was recognized at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum during the Komets hockey game vs. the Dayton Gems. Four HANDS student representatives attended the game, including Brett Roberts and Kylie Hagans of Columbia City High School, Connor Stouder of Whitko High School and Taylor Daniel of Indiana Springs Middle School.
Between the first and second period of the game a Komets representative approached all four students sitting in the crowd to present them with the Physicians Health Plan People Helping People Award in appreciation for all of the group’s efforts and contributions to our community.
“Having the opportunity to help and volunteer our time to help our community is our favorite part of being in HANDS,” Kylie Hagans said as she accepted the award.
In addition to being a source of funding to various community needs, HANDS also provides yearly Christmas Parties at community HeadStart programs, offers a sister program called Littlest Philanthropist that teaches third graders about giving their time, talent, and treasure to their community, and participates in a yearly service project at the Mad Anthony Children’s Hope House in Allen County.
“The game was really fun and the Komets did an awesome job telling the crowd what we do exactly and really got our name out there to the public,” Connor Stouder said.
Congratulations to HANDS on their recognition by Physicians Health Plan and their continued service to our community. For more information on HANDS contact John Slavich at the Whitley County Community Foundation 244-5224 or jslavwccf@gmail.com