Volunteer or donate

As a VA volunteer, you’ll support Veterans in your area, meet interesting people, and gain valuable experience in a health care setting. You’ll also enjoy benefits like: 

• Free annual flu shot and tuberculosis test
• Educational opportunities, like CPR training
• Free parking, and canteen meals during shifts of 4 hours or more
• Job search opportunities
• Job skills development

Whatever your interests, we have volunteer opportunities that are right for you. Here are some of the ways you can help:

Patient care

• Escort - Bring patients to medical clinics, chapel, recreation, and programs.
• Food and nutrition - Help patients select menu items, open containers, cut food into bite-size portions, and eat during mealtimes.
• Front desk - Greet outpatients, guests, visitors, and patients' families, answer phones, and transfer calls at the information desk.
• Medical clinics - Visit with patients and run errands.
• Recreation - Help with activities like arts and crafts projects, bedside games, field trips, and bedside movies.

Administrative support 

• Blood bank – Alphabetize paperwork and help with snacks.
• Canteen – Work in retail store and cafeteria, washing dishes, wiping tables, and filling condiments
• Grounds crew - Help groundskeeper wash equipment, trim landscape, and sweep area.
• Office assistance - Type, file, answer phones, keep records, enter data, and call patients to remind them about appointments.
• Transportation - Drive patients from their homes to VA medical centers. Must have current driver’s license, auto insurance, and physical exam.

Other assignments not listed here may also be available.  If you’re interested in volunteering, or if you have special skills to offer, please contact us so we can discuss how you can best help our Veterans. 

While some volunteer assignments must be performed at specific times, most are flexible and can fit your schedule. We also have special short-term projects. 

Donating is just a click away now that VA medical centers accept donations online. You just need a major credit card, debit card, checking account, or savings account.

The service provides a quick, safe way for you to pledge your support to Veterans online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the voluntary program you’d like to help. And there are no extra fees to use the secure website, so every penny of your donation goes to help Veterans.

Donate online

Please send a check payable to VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System to: 

George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center
Voluntary Service Office
500 Foothill Boulevard
Building 8
Salt Lake City, UT  84148

Some people prefer to give money while others would rather donate specific items needed by our Veterans. We’re grateful for all donations.

Our Veterans appreciate:

• Personal care items
• New clothing, socks, and underwear
• Books, puzzles, games, and art supplies
• Lap robes and blankets
• Kitchen supplies
• Cleaning supplies

Please contact the Voluntary Service Office if you have any questions about donations.