VA Honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week

Locally, the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System will recognize nearly 700 volunteers for the over 77,000 hours they contributed toward caring for Veterans, driving, directing, sitting, serving, comforting, and counseling on a regular basis.

Wende Dottor, Interim Executive Health System Director states, “We are so grateful to our volunteers that show kindness and compassion to our Veterans. They are selfless in the time they give to others”.

While National Volunteer Week kicks off April 16, VA is inviting everyone in the community to explore how they can use their skills and unique assets to thank Veterans with service of their own any time of the year. No medical experience is necessary, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.

National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans. There are many ways to volunteer. For instance, we have what is called a “Red Coat Ambassador Program”, in which you assist Veterans throughout all facilities. You can volunteer in the Veteran Transportation Network (VTN) Program where you get to drive Veterans to their appointments. Also, you can volunteer as a courtesy golf cart driver or serve coffee throughout the NF/SGVHS.

“Volunteers are our backbone and provide services otherwise not capable of being available. Knowing their time and efforts are given from their hearts give joy to all they serve,” said Robert Coon, Assistant Chief for Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE), NF/SGVHS. We invite you to experience that joy by volunteering yourselves.”

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/.

S. Clay Perdue, Health Systems Specialist

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