HandsOn Bay Area
Invite reviews
I started volunteering with HOBA because of the online calendar. I could search for a project near me, and sign up for just one occurrence to check it out. If I had to cancel (which I did, in those early days, due to a very unpredictable work schedule), there was no guilt as long as I did so a few days beforehand. The project I've been working on lately is through OBUGS (google it), and I am getting really jealous of all these kids who have gardens at their schools! Weeding, painting, planting, cleaning up trash, cutting back vines -- you name it, we've done it. Hard work, but it's amazing how much you can get done in 3 hours with only a few really nice folks.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being inspired to garden myself! Really! I enjoyed this past weekend's experience that I potted 7 plants for my front yard -- my first time EVER growing ANYTHING on my own.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them increased visibility with a guerilla marketing campaign: off-the-wall shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, hats...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the ease of finding projects that interest me...and cancelling when I needed to.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
sincere, helpful people from a wide range of backgrounds.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
build better communities and a happier world.
Ways to make it better...
I could have encouraged more friends & family to come with me.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the unpredictability of volunteer attendance. Right now about 20% of volunteers for any given project are no-shows.
One thing I'd also say is that...
people who enjoy HOBA should really consider leading a project. There's not much to it except filling out the paperwork necessary to keep the projects going and keep funding for HOBA.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my outlook in life and realizing that doing a little can go a long way.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more events!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting new faces and knowing that others want to help out too!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very nice and genuine.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
rule the world!
Ways to make it better...
I got to meet more of the volunteers!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
none that I could think of- people want to volunteer as long as there are events locally!
One thing I'd also say is that...
volunteering is so much fun!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my everyday life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
add more events!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
its very easy to sign up and just do it.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very friendly and hands on!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world.
Ways to make it better...
I took pictures and made a bigger attempt to keep in touch with everyone.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
not having enough events!
One thing I'd also say is that...
more people should volunteer their time to help.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I was able to help out in a small way that made me feel very good.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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! :)
Photos
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
n/a
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
diversity of the group. everyone was focused on helping.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very nice and respectful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
feed more people. provide a safe harbor -
Ways to make it better...
n/a
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
n/a
One thing I'd also say is that...
n/a
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Makes it SO so easy to volunteer in any number of areas in the Bay Area. Seriously, you just click once and you're done. On days I have free I check the calendar to see what's available and there's usually for me. They are well organized and they make good use of your time.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that I can choose from so many opportunities and with no long-term commitment.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
reach out to even more organizations. With even more manpower they could get even more events on the calendar and help at the huge number of organizations that need volunteers but don't have the capacity to find them/train them/keep them busy.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Very well-run organization with a professional, responsive staff and cadre of volunteer project and team leaders. Through this organization that offers "done-in-a-day" volunteer opportunities, I have volunteered at and served as a project leader for over two dozen nonprofit organizations across the Bay Area. I highly recommend volunteering with Hands On Bay Area (HOBA). All you have to do is participate in an online orientation and commit to one afternoon or evening project. Believe me, it is easy to become hooked!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The diversity of volunteer sites and projects offered. You can help out at and learn about in a hands-on way issues from homelessness to environmental degradation. Also, HOBA's website is a model that all volunteer-based organizations can emulate.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
professional and responsive
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007