Gina Royer (left) and Miki Bolton (right) run Humble Hands, a local non-profit.

Humble Hands: Friends, Family and Faith Combine to Help Others

Gina Royer (left) and Miki Bolton (right) run Humble Hands, a local non-profit.
Gina Royer (left) and Miki Bolton (right) run Humble Hands, a local non-profit.

In 2014, Center Grove resident Gina Royer had a dilemma. Her husband Jason flips homes, and the owners of the homes that he flips often left items behind – furniture, appliances, even clothing. Jason and Gina felt that the items could be put to good use. At the same time, Miki Bolton, who had been friends with Gina for years, had been thinking about starting a charity to assist local families who had fallen on hard times.

Both Miki and Gina felt that God had chosen to bless them with these ideas at the same time in order to make Humble Hands, a local nonprofit, a reality. Within weeks of submitting their 501(c)(3) application – a process that usually takes months – it was approved. Starting in their garages, they moved last year to a facility in Whiteland as the need for more space became evident.

They deliver to approximately two to three families a week, and things get even busier during back-to-school and the changing of seasons when they typically assist 70-80 families with clothing needs in a very short period of time.

Humble Hands works closely with counselors at schools in Center Grove, Greenwood, Franklin and Whiteland. School counselors identify students whose families may have a need for items at home such as clothing, furniture, appliances and other household items. They meet with the student’s parents and offer information about Humble Hands. Families are then responsible for contacting the organization. There is a small questionnaire that Humble Hands asks families to complete, so they can track their outreach, but there are no other requirements other than having a need for services. They have found that the demographics of those in need changes over time.

In addition to individual donations, the team at Humble Hands relies on many local connections with businesses and churches such as Stones Crossing Church, CareNet, Lord’s Locker and Mattress Source (which donates most of the mattresses that Humble Hands provides). If there’s ever a need for something that they do not have, they post a callout on their Facebook page and usually have that item within a couple days. “It is amazing how the community surrounds us and provides us with everything,” says Miki.

They have approximately 10 regular volunteers and several groups that come and help out. Monetary donations to help with overhead costs are their biggest challenge. It is very important to Miki and Gina that donors receive a handwritten thank you note, so that their supporters know that they are appreciated.

They have relied on their faith throughout the years and feel that this journey has blessed them just as much as the people they serve, if not more so. It has provided their children with the ability to see that there are compassionate people in the world and to develop a “servant’s heart.”

Miki and Gina are also looking at expanding their services to include some life skills classes and possibly a small food pantry.

If you would like to help, Humble Hands is always looking for donations, particularly gently used furniture, electric washers and dryers and clothes. Volunteers are also welcome to help sort, organize clothes and make deliveries.

Humble Hands is located at 400 Tracy Rd., Suite 1 in New Whiteland. Drop-off hours can be found on their Facebook page.

You can learn more by visiting their website at humblehandsinc.com.

Comments 1

  1. Dave says:

    Good article Andi,
    Billy Spence has something to do with flipping houses according to his mother.

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