KING CITY — Alma Tierra LP recently announced that Rabecca Hand of King City has been awarded the Live Your Dream Award and appointed Monterey County Toys for Tots coordinator.
According to Alma Tierra, the award recognizes Hand’s “determination, leadership and commitment to creating meaningful change through advocacy, family empowerment, community empowerment and service.”
The Live Your Dream Award honors women advancing their futures through education and opportunity. Alma Tierra officials said Hand was selected for her commitment to uplifting others and helping build stronger communities.
Hand currently serves as an AmeriCorps service member providing volunteer academic support to at-risk youth as a kindergarten through third-grade math tutor. At Alma Tierra’s Vanderhurst Commons in King City, she serves as the Community Learning and Workshop Programs lead.
Alma Tierra officials said Hand leads initiatives aimed at strengthening families, expanding access to resources and addressing unmet community needs throughout the Central Coast. Her work includes programs designed to support youth, empower parents and connect underserved communities with services and opportunities.
“Rabecca’s work is a powerful example of what happens when determination meets purpose,” said Thomas Savage, managing principal of Alma Tierra LP. “Her recognition and her appointment as the Monterey County Toys for Tots coordinator reflect the impact she is already making — and the greater impact still ahead.”
Hand’s appointment as Monterey County Toys for Tots coordinator was confirmed by Lt. Col. David Cooper, chief operating officer. In the role, she will oversee countywide efforts supporting children and families through the charitable program.
Hand said she hopes to expand year-round support efforts through the Toys for Tots program.
“Serving as the Marine Toys for Tots coordinator for Monterey County is an incredible honor,” Hand said. “I am stepping into this work with gratitude, commitment and deep respect for the partnerships already present across Monterey County. The holiday campaign is only one part of what Marine Toys for Tots can bring into our local communities, and I look forward to working with agencies, organizations, schools, volunteers and community partners to grow year-round support through our other programs, such as the Foster Youth and Disaster Relief Initiatives. This is work I am proud to carry forward: collaborative, locally responsive and centered on creating equitable opportunities for youth and families.”
Marine Toys for Tots is a national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that provides toys and books to economically disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The nonprofit program also supports year-round initiatives, including foster youth and disaster relief programs. Visit toysfortots.org for more information.
Hand also was recognized by CASA of Monterey County for her advocacy work with foster youth.
In a statement April 29, CASA officials said Hand “brings her own lived experience in the foster care system to her role” and has supported the same youth for the past four years, helping guide the transition into adulthood.
CASA officials added, “Rabecca’s story is a reminder that our past experiences can be the greatest tool for building someone else’s future. We are incredibly grateful for Rabecca’s dedication and heart for the youth of Monterey County!”
According to CASA, Hand first learned about the organization through a radio advertisement and later returned to California with the goal of giving back through mentorship and advocacy.
