After a heartbreaking loss, one Fairfax County teen is turning grief into action. Following the death of his brother, who had been experiencing homelessness, high school student Minn Vo decided to do something to help others in similar situations. Hands in Hope was born out of that moment—a student-led nonprofit now bringing together about 100 students across the county with a shared mission to support people in need.
The group is already making an impact, organizing projects like winter donation drives with hats, blankets, and hand warmers, as well as assembling hygiene kits filled with essentials and handwritten kindness cards. Those kits are distributed through local organizations like Second Story, helping people facing homelessness feel seen and supported.
For Minn, it’s about more than just supplies—it’s about dignity. He’s working to grow the effort, bring in more students, and expand the nonprofit’s reach, all while balancing school and everyday life. And his message is simple: even small acts of kindness can make a real difference.