Meet our October Volunteer of the Month!

“Hooray! Igor is the best!” That’s what our staff has to say about our October Volunteer of the Month, Igor Belogolovsky, who’s been an indispensable asset to our Mission Bay team. As we’ve been expanding our Mission Bay programming into nearby schools, Igor has been willing and eager to help with the effort. He’s been an amazing guide for our students as they explore the enchanted forest and all that it has to offer. To learn more about Igor, read on.

1. What led you to become part of our volunteer community?

I’ve been following 826 ever since reading You Shall Know Our Velocity by Dave Eggers. I’ve been walking by the Pirate Store with admiration for the last 12 years. I was finally ready!

2. Given a choice of the three, which would you choose: pirates, pufferfish, or woodland creatures? Why?

I got married under the redwoods up in Humboldt County. I’m all about some woodland creatures.

3. What would we find you doing when not you’re not volunteering at 826?

Hiking, snowboarding, backyard astronomy, live music, playing forgotten ‘90s grunge hits on guitar around the campfire.

4. What is a piece of advice you would give a new 826 volunteer?

I’m starting to realize it’s helpful for me to come into each 826 experience with a totally blank slate. No expectations. It’s early days, but it seems like, even in really challenging moments, often you’re just a few minutes away from a student having a big breakthrough.

Interested in getting involved as a volunteer? Visit our page here!