Share your volunteer stories, meet friends, & learn about Bay Area volunteering

PL Spotlight - Janelle Silvis

What's your favorite HOBA project?

Hmmmmm...
I really like projects where we are assembling or making lots of kits because some volunteers like to get really competitive and make a game out of it. I did a project at Microsoft one time and we set up two super long tables with an assembly line of hygiene supplies and the volunteers loved it. They were making kits faster than I could open up more boxes of supplies.
Kit making is a great project. It's pretty simple and can get a little chaotic, but by the end there are literally hundreds of kits made and ready to be delivered to agencies around the Bay Area.

Why did you become a Project Leader?

I became a project leader because I love doing service and believe that at this time it is very important to engage our community and help each other. I literally cannot think of anything better than working for a non-profit that genuinely strives to encourage people to volunteer and serve the community that they are a part.

What do you do when you’re not leading volunteer projects?

When I am not leading projects, you can probably find me handing out clean needles and doing peer counseling for the Syringe Access Services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

Why volunteer? Why HOBA?

Volunteering is the perfect way to get know your community, help people in need, and meet other great people. HOBA is absolutely great at easily allowing people to find volunteer opportunities that fit someone's specific interest, can fit any schedule, and are local.

Music or Movies?

Definitely music. I can have way more of an emotional attachment to music than movies. You know, like when you hear a song and it reminds you a certain place, time of your life, or a person? I love that. Plus, for the most part, I really don't have the attention span to sit through most movies.

Cheetos or Cheez-its?

Oh dudes. Cheetos all the way. Are you kidding? Cheez-its are no competition to the untouchable cheeto!
I prefer Hot. Hot. cheetos.

PC or Mac?

Mac vs. Pc...?
I grew up using both systems and I must say I do prefer the user friendly interface of a Mac.

Ice Cream or Cake?

I love cake. Cake is sooooo good.
It is a little better though when there's ice cream on top....