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VA Manchester Healthcare System honors volunteers for more than 8,000 hours of service

PRESS RELEASE

April 22, 2024

Manchester , NH — The Manchester VA Medical Center recognizes 86 volunteers, April 21-27, in observance of National Volunteer week for the 8,000 plus hours they have contributed toward caring for Veterans.

The various volunteer assignments make a difference—from ambassadors greeting Veterans entering the facility to social connectedness and ensuring Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and comfort.

“I can’t say enough good things about the volunteers at VA Manchester,” shared Acting Medical Center Director Julie Vose. “The dedication and willingness of our team of volunteers to bring smiles and a helping hand to our Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors who visit our facility for health care appointments and resources is what makes our medical center so special.”

VA takes the opportunity during National Volunteer Week to recognize more than 25,400 volunteers for their service to Veterans at VA medical facilities nationwide. In fiscal year 2023, VA volunteers and organizations donated more than 3.2 million hours of service and more than $81.1 million in gifts and donations for Veterans and their families.

Stella M. Lareau, chief of VA Manchester’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement, stated, “Our volunteers are the best of the best. I am proud to come in to work every day and work alongside the volunteers who give of their own time to help our Veterans.”

National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans in numerous ways and encourages volunteerism.

Lareau added, “For instance, the dedicated Disabled American Veterans (DAV) drivers received 5,464 requested rides to and from medical appointments and fulfilled them all. This equals to 96,428 miles and 5,195 of hours driven.”

“It’s important to note, you do not need to be a Veteran to volunteer, and you can be as young as 14 to start volunteering at the VA,” said Lareau.

VA invites everyone in the community to explore ways to give back to Veterans any time of the year. In addition, Veterans can explore volunteer opportunities as part of VetServe 2024, which encourages Veterans to become volunteers to support other Veterans. No medical experience is necessary, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.

“Our volunteers bring laughter and smiles to our Veterans, and they certainly make a difference in a Veteran’s life. The Manchester VA Medical Center volunteers always go above and beyond to help not only the Veteran population of New Hampshire but the staff as well,” stated Lareau.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Manchester VA Medical Center by calling  Robyn Romaniak, voluntary service specialist at 603-624-4366 ext. 1852.

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