Larry Evans receives Helping Hands Founders Award

BY Aprile McKinnon

Canyon Lake’s Larry Evans received the Helping Hands Group’s Founder’s Award at a presentation during the organization’s packing day this month. The Canyon Lake based group’s most prestigious award was given to Larry for his outstanding dedication and selflessness to the organization.

In addition to receiving the award, Larry was also promoted to Vice President of the Helping Hands organization, adding more responsibilities to the dedicated volunteer. Larry said he was moved to join the worthwhile organization just three years ago.

“Back in early 2020 at a Celebrate Recovery Leader meeting, we were asked to find someone who might be interested in helping out with a food pantry called Helping Hands,” Larry said. “This was something that made sense to me as it tied into my own 12-Step recovery program that we give back to our church or our community. I was already serving at Canyon Lake Community Church on the Hosting Team, so I felt led to raise my hand to volunteer and the rest is history.”

Helping Hands founder Robert Sasser and his wife Linda Sasser pose with Larry Evans and his wife Michelle Evans after Larry was presented with the Helping Hands Founders Award. Larry and his wife Michelle have been volunteering at Helping Hands since June of 2020. Photo provided by Robert Sasser

The organization has a call center and a dedicated team of volunteers of 300 who provide assistance to those in need. Volunteers pack groceries at the distribution center on the second Saturday of each month. Helping Hands provides for 2,000 single seniors each month.

“Larry is an essential part of the team, arriving first and leaving last on packing events,” Helping Hands founder Robert Sasser said. “Larry is known for encouraging volunteers and making everyone feel welcome.”

Larry said that the significant growth at Helping Hands he has seen is due to the increase in the number of the group’s volunteers. The volunteers have helped with the increasing demand to serve more people in need.

Larry said that what he finds most rewarding is seeing new volunteers leave after serving and feeling rewarded and excited, just as he did when he first started volunteering. He believes that providing service opportunities to those who want to serve is essential to the Helping Hands mission.

Community outreach events are ongoing and volunteers are needed. Outside of his work with Helping Hands, Larry said he loves hiking with his wife and daughters.

“We hit the trails and all I hear is the earth crumbling beneath my hiking boots,” Larry said. “I can get off grid and completely disconnect from the information technology realm where I have been working for over 25 years.”

Larry and Michelle Evans pause during a recent hike. Larry said he enjoys being out in nature where all that is heard is the crunching of gravel against his boots. Photo provided by Robert Sasser

There are approximately 5,000 single seniors in the area who Helping Hands serves. These individuals reside in Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Perris, Wildomar, Menifee and Lake Elsinore. Because of the high cost of living expenses and the fact that many seniors are on a fixed income, there is a real local need.

Helping Hands is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve, Robert said. The group is focused on community service and works hard to inspire others to join its cause and make a difference.

Helping Hands is grateful to have Larry as an important member of the team, Robert said. For information on becoming a volunteer or for more information on Helping Hands sponsorships email the organization at contact@helping
handsgroup.us.