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I thought the shift that I had from 6 to 8pm was pretty short but little did I realize that I would get a major workout! It was soo much fun though! There were about 40 volunteers sorting cans. There was large industrial sized bins filled with mac n cheese, pasta, meal in a can, fruits, vegetables, etc and volunteers were responsible for separating them- taking out items that didn't have labels because clients need nutritional facts in case anyone is allergic- packing them into card board boxes and I had the fun job of taping boxes! It was hard work! I was running around picking up boxes and stacking them up! I loved it. It was so inspiring to see people of all ages too- coming together and working together for one cause- and that is to help out others because we can. There were students all the way to an old man with a walker! If he can volunteer- so can you! The two hours were really organized and time just flew. It was nice to see people in such good moods willing to help. I am going to look into volunteering for Second Harvest directly and get more people to come join me. If you take 87 it is right off the freeway and there is a convenient parking lot. At the end of volunteering they gave out free waters and a huge bag of Smooth Meltys- the minty candy with the little white dots. On the bag it says "Volunteers make the difference. Thank you" How nice is that!

Second Harvest in San Jose on Thursday February 17, 2010 from 6 to 8PM

This is a great organization! I've always wanted to help out whenever I can but I am always fearing being over committed. In this case you never have to! You go to their website- register for free and look for a project in your area, sign up, and then show up! There are plenty of events but they do fill up quick. Check back often though because if people can't make it they will remove themselves from the event. Today I went to my first event and it was in the Santa Clara county. I volunteered at A Place At The Table with InnVision Peninsula Program at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Menlo Park. The shift was pretty short for 12:30 to 4:30pm but we actually ended at 3:30pm. The task at hand was to come help prepare and serve a hot meal to the East Palo Alto homeless community. The Project Leader Paul had e mailed me several times to make sure I was going to show up, give me directions, and what to prepare for which was great. There were about 9 people volunteering to serve a hot meal for up to 90 people. We made spaghetti and meatballs, corn, ceasar salad, pastries, and coffee. I really liked my first time experience because everyone was willing to get their hands dirty. Some were chopping onions, tossing the salad, scooping the spaghetti, serving to the clients, etc. I look forward to signing up for more events on the website! Its so easy!

My husband and I prepared breakfast for young people residing at the Edgewood Center. We enjoyed volunteering very much and found the children and the staff to be appreciative and friendly to interact with. Volunteering in this way was so very easy and made us feel very good.

This is an extremely well organized group. I've felt comfortable and respected by everyone I've met, especially the homeless and needy. I am scheduled to volunteer twice a month all the way through December! :)

it's not what we give but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare (dr.Melvin Northrup)

We are a non-profit organization that provides HUD-subsidized housing for independent seniors and handicapped residents. For the past 16 years I have hosted Thanks- sgiving dinner for residents. For the past 5 years I've contacted Hands On Bay Area for volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up on Thanksgiving. If it weren't for Hands On Bay Area volunteers, I would be doing this event on my own, as I did pre-HOBA. I was so delighted the first year volunteers came to help. I couldn't believe how efficient, helpful and happy these people were. Each year since, the same types of lovely people come to help me help my residents, and I'm still delighted and in awe of the spirit of the HOBA volunteers. I am happy to have this venue to thank all those people who continue to give so much of themselves on this very special holiday.