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Volunteer or donate

We depend on the goodwill of our supporters - you can make a difference when you help us serve our Veterans.

Become a volunteer

Volunteers help make our Veterans' visits more comfortable. To get started, contact the Community Relations office at James.Barnett4@va.gov or Matthew.Jones@va.gov.

Volunteer requirements 

We offer flexible schedules but prefer at least two hours per week during business hours. All volunteers must complete an online background check, a new employee blood draw and an annual flu shot. Drivers also need an annual physical that includes an eye exam.

Volunteer assignments

  • Greeter, wayfinder or red coat ambassador: Welcome and guide patients and visitors. Availability varies, but typically between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Patient visitor: Spend time with hospital patients through crafts, conversation or reading. Available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Patient escort: Transport patients to and from appointments by wheelchair. Availability varies, but typically between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • My Life, My Story: Interview Veterans in person or by phone and record their life stories for their medical charts.
  • Veterans Canteen Service: Take inventory, stock merchandise and keep storage areas organized. Volunteers also help with light cleaning and general upkeep to maintain a welcoming cafeteria. Available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Privacy Office assistant: Organize records, track required documents and maintain secure filing systems. Volunteers also help with privacy compliance by preparing materials, checking for missing information and supporting general office organization. Available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Volunteer van driver: Drive patients to and from appointments. Requires a current driver's license, auto insurance and a passed physical exam. We provide the vehicle and a gas card. Service areas include Dane, Columbia, Grant, Jefferson, Richland and Rock counties along with Rockford.

Youth volunteers 

Youth ages 14 to 17 can volunteer from June 12 to Aug. 16. Applicants need a negative TB test and a completed youth application. Apply in May since the review process can take several weeks.

To donate, contact the Community Relations office at .

Cash and check donations help improve the comfort and well-being of Veterans. Make checks payable to Madison VA Hospital and mail to:

Madison VA Hospital
ATTN: Community Relations 135
2500 Overlook Terrace
Madison, WI 53705

Donations are commonly used for newspaper subscriptions, clothing, bus passes, recreational therapy, arts and crafts and support for homeless Veterans.

Non-cash donations support patient stays and homeless Veterans. Current needs include:

  • Large print word search, sudoku and crossword books
  • Diapers sizes N to 4 and baby clothes sizes newborn to 12 months for the Women's Health Clinic
  • Food for our outpatient food pantry (call for current needs)
  • New winter coats, sizes large to XXL
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirts, sizes medium to XXL

Online donations

You can donate online. 

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