A Legacy of Giving: From Mother to Daughter
Rhonda Stewart’s mother had her hands in the community, working tirelessly to spread good throughout underserved areas and to vulnerable families and individuals. Sharlene took this passion and instilled it into her daughter, Rhonda. Together, the mother-daughter duo filled their trucks with toys and essentials, driving around different neighborhoods to pass out products to those who needed them.
“I remember always giving back to the community,” Stewart said. “Around the holidays I would always organize efforts to help the less fortunate to ensure their children too could have a nice Christmas. My best friend Racine and I would drive into Kensington and pass out food, clothing, and hygiene items to the unsheltered and suffering from the disease of addiction.”
After years of volunteer service, Stewart had the dream of taking her work to the next level and, after taking a six-week nonprofit mentorship class, she knew exactly how to achieve this.
In 2021, Shar’s Hands was officially created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
“My mom’s name is Sharlene. She has had such a huge impact on the person I am, teaching me to give to others, my heart for giving, compassion for others, and just being a good person that it only felt right for her name to be a part of the organization.” Stewart explained.
The mother-daughter legacy of Shar’s Hands continues through Stewart and her own daughter, who is now 18 years old and has been volunteering since she was five.
Meeting Essential Needs Across the Region
The mission of Shar’s Hands is to provide essentials to children and families, with another key effort placed on giving back to veterans. Essentials can look like clothing, shoes, and hygiene products, as well as assisting families and individuals who are both food insecure and housing insecure. After taking care of essential needs, Shar’s Hands also works to fund children’s sports and activities.
With the nonprofit based in Downingtown, their main demographic is Chester County, primarily Coatesville, Downingtown, and West Chester. However, they also provide services in Berks County and take a monthly trip to Kensington.
“Something that I find unique to Shar’s Hands is we are a boots on the ground team, we respond quickly, and assist quickly in times when families are most vulnerable.” shared Stewart.
At its core, the organization works because the community bands together to support the mission. The team behind Shar’s Hands is small, but mighty. The all-female team of five each take their positions seriously, from its founder to its community liaison. The majority of funding is community-based, with donations given through Venmo, PayPal, check, or directly through their website.
More recently, the team has secure funding through community grants. “In April of 2025, we were blessed to be a recipient of the 100 Women of Downingtown donation.”
Shar’s Hands also holds various fundraisers, such as designer bag bingo, raffles, and local business donations. Both their work and their marketing relies heavily on social media, particularly Facebook.
“A family reaches out with a need, we post the need, and this community has been great in supporting families in need.” Stewart said.
Events That Uplift and Unite
This spirit has been invigorating for both the community and the nonprofit, sparking tremendous growth for Shar’s Hands and the services they’re able to provide. The passion lies in the root of volunteerism, dedication, and trust.
“Our growth came from getting people to volunteer with us, getting to know our team, seeing the true passion we have, and providing that person an opportunity to give back.” said Stewart.
Every dollar of every donation is put right back into the local community. Shar’s Hands is a 100% volunteer team and there are no paid positions at the organization.
Shar’s Hands hosts monthly game nights at the Coatesville Medical VA Center, to honor those who have served the country.
“Oftentimes, our veterans feel forgotten and we want to change that perspective. We love spending genuine time together, talking, eating together, playing games, and bringing them prizes to win.” Stewart shared. A particular favorite of the group is bingo.
The organization also hosts an annual BBQ, which recently occurred last month, which is by-far a favorite event.
When the holidays roll around, Shar’s Hands is ready to help spread holiday cheer. Each year, they host a holiday shop at Coatesville Youth and Women’s Alliance (CYWA) for families to “shop” for their children.
“We bring Santa, crafts, drinks, and snacks and occupy the kids so moms and dads can choose gifts and get them wrapped by our team of volunteers,” said Stewart. “We do this because we want to bring a smile to as any children as possible on Christmas morning.” It also helps to alleviate the financial stress for the parents who cannot provide presents for their children and allows them to enjoy the holiday as they deserve.
Powered by Community and Compassion
Shar’s Hands will continue giving back to Downingtown and the surrounding areas; working with the business community as donors, the school district with their food pantry, and providing local high school students volunteer hours.
“Downingtown is a special community. I say that because I watch this community over and over again come together and support one another.” Stewart said.
As Stewart likes to say, she’s 24/7 with Shar’s Hands and she responds directly to almost every inquiry the organizations receives.
“I am proud we are 100% volunteer, boots on the ground team, and get to interact with almost everyone we donate to.” said Stewart.
Shar’s Hands’ mission is to bring likeminded people together to serve as many as possible. If anyone is interested in more information or volunteer opportunities, email rhonda@sharshands.org.
