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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 play a crucial role in our facilities, making our patients' stay more pleasant. To volunteer, call the community relations office: James.Barnett4@va.gov or Matthew.Jones@va.gov.

Volunteer requirements 

We value your time and offer flexible commitments, but prefer a minimum of two hours per week during typical business hours. Volunteers must complete an online background check, a new employee blood draw and annual flu shot. Drivers must pass an annual physical, including an eye exam.

Volunteer assignments

  • Amenity relief volunteer: Assist nursing staff by providing special attention to patients.
  • Clinical reception assistant: Check in/out patients for surgeries and other tasks. Available 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., Monday - Friday.
  • Greeters/Wayfinders/Red coat ambassador: Greet and escort patients and visitors. Available 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
  • Patient visitors: Visit patients staying in our hospital, offering crafts, conversation, or books. Available 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.
  • Patient escort volunteers: Push patients in wheelchairs to and from appointments. Available 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
  • My Life, My Story: Interview Veterans in person or by telephone, documenting their life stories to be included in their medical charts.
  • Volunteer van drivers: Drive patients to and from appointments. Must have a current driver’s license, auto insurance and pass a physical exam. A vehicle and gas card are provided. We serve the Dane, Columbia, Grant, Jefferson, Richland, Rock, and Rockford areas.

Youth volunteers 

Youth volunteering is from June 12 - August 16 for ages 14-17. Applicants need a negative TB test and a completed youth application. Submit your application in May as the review process can take several weeks.

To donate, contact the Community Relations office at .

Cash/check donations improve the comfort and welfare of Veterans. Make checks payable to Madison VA Hospital at 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, ATTN: Community Relations 135.

Common uses include:

  • Newspaper subscriptions
  • Clothing
  • Bus passes
  • Recreational therapy
  • Arts and crafts
  • Homeless Veteran needs

 

Non-cash donations enhance our patients' stays and support homeless Veterans. Needed items include:

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

Online donations

You can donate online here. 

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