All it took was one idea, 53 orphans in need, and a few people with big hearts to bring about the beginning of H.A.N.D.S. Upon making a humanitarian mission trip to an orphanage in Mexico, Geoffrey Nighswonger, Co-Founder of H.A.N.D.S., fell in love with the 53 orphans he met. As Christmas approached, he decided to ask around to see if he could get 53 people to each donate a pair of shoes, this would give each child a new pair for Christmas. He contacted a few friends and Genesis Williams together they completed the task. They not only got all 53 kids sponsored for shoes, but pants, sunglasses, some toys and other clothing as well. Geoffrey and Genesis (Co- Founder) both have hearts for those less fortunate and a history of participating and volunteering for many of the same organizations and events. With such gentle hearts and a passion for ideas, as well as the drive to promote change, H.A.N.D.S. ON INTERNATIONAL was founded. We believe there is no project too big or too small if there is someone willing to take it on!
H.A.N.D.S. for the homeless began with Geoffrey Nighswonger meeting a homeless man asking for food. He visited the man at his home which constisted of a tent pitched next to the freeway. After a call to Genesis the two brought day-old bagels, a few blankets, a pot of coffee to the street corner early that first Sunday morning. About five homeless people showed up that day. Geoffrey, Genesis and some different friends kept on returning each week with more food, more friends and more clothing. Slowly but surely volunteers and recipients increased. Now, between 80 and 120 homeless men, women and children are fed each week at each park, hair cuts are given, feet are washed, and most importantly the gospel of Christ is shared and hope is restored causing lives to be changed.
