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Volunteer or donate

Tuscaloosa VAMC depends on the goodwill of our benefactors and volunteers who wish to give something back to America's Veterans.

Become a volunteer

Tuscaloosa VA care depends on the goodwill of donors and volunteers who want to give something back to America's heroes. Volunteers provide much-needed help throughout the health care system and make patients' experiences more enjoyable. Many different volunteer opportunities are available, and each volunteer's talents are closely matched with one of our assignments. 

To volunteer, call or visit the Tuscaloosa VAMC Voluntary Service Office. We will be happy to receive your application or discuss how you can help us in our mission to provide comfort and care to America's veterans.

Volunteer at the Tuscaloosa VA

Volunteers provide many important functions throughout the Medical Center and help make our patients' stay more enjoyable. To find out more information please call our office at

To volunteer,  fill out an application. Print it, sign it, and either bring it into our Volunteer Service Office in Building 1, 1st floor, Room 149 or you can mail it to our campus: 

Volunteer Services

3701 Loop Road East

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404-5099

We will be happy to receive your application or discuss how you can help us in our mission to provide comfort and care to America's veterans.


Benefits of volunteering

In addition to supporting Veterans in your area, you'll enjoy the following benefits as a VA volunteer: 

  • Free Canteen meals during shifts of four or more hours
  • Free parking at your volunteer facility 
  • Annual tuberculosis test
  • Free annual flu shots
  • Job skills development
  • Career exploration opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Red Coat Ambassador volunteers - Greet outpatients, guests, visitors and patients' families, and answering general questions about our campus.  Ambassador volunteers are our frontline representatives stationed at the main information desk.
  • Coffee Bar Attendants - Our coffee bar volunteers help spread the joy of coffee and community to visiting Veterans and Family members at the facility.  The coffee station is situated in our main building, where you will get to socialize with just about everyone who works or visits our campus. 
  • Golf Cart Valet - Golf Cart Valets drive around our campus parking lots to assist Veterans and family members, by shuttling them from their cars to the front door of the facility.  This helps so many Veterans that have mobility issues to provide a quick and easy way to their appointments. 

 

Volunteer opportunities for youth

The Spirit of Summer Youth Volunteer Experience invites students ages 14 to 18 to explore volunteer opportunities at VA. The program helps students learn more about VA careers, hone their job skills, meet new people, and serve our Nation's heroes. All students who complete the program earn a participation certificate.

Volunteer to make a difference

Our Nation's Veterans have given so much to preserve our freedom, and volunteering at VA is a great way to serve them with gratitude and thanks. Volunteers in the Spirit of Summer Youth Volunteer Experience help in the following ways:

  • Serving coffee
  • Directing patients within VA facilities 
  • Helping in clinics
  • Supporting recreation programs

In addition, they meet fantastic people, learn new skills, and have fun!

Perks

Program participants will have access to these perks:

  • Summer Youth Certificate for 80 hours (or more) of service
  • Complimentary VA Pittsburgh Summer Youth Volunteer polo shirt
  • Daily lunch for four or more hours of service
  • Free parking
  • Invitation to participate in special programs throughout the summer

Benefits

The Spirit of Summer Youth Volunteer Experience offers the following benefits: 

  • Supports the VA Pittsburgh mission of providing excellent care and service
  • Helps students adopt a service attitude
  • Reminds students of the contributions of our Servicemen and women
  • Allows students to learn more about various health care occupations
  • Creates an investment in the future of our Nation
  • Teaches communication and job-related skills

Learn more about the Youth Volunteer program

If you're a student who's interested in participating in the Youth Volunteer program (or if you know students who might be interested), contact Debra Cain, the Voluntary Services Program Leader. 

Phone:

Make a donation

Generous donations from people like you help helps us provide enhanced services to Veterans receiving care. You can make a monetary donation by mail, or drop off a donation of materials to our main campus.  

All donations must schedule a donation drop-off appointment with our Voluntary Service office.  Please call us at  205-554-3550 to schedule your donation drop-off.

Donations needed for Inpatient Veterans

Personal Comfort Items Needed for Patients

Toiletry Items

  • Bar soap/body wash (for men and women)
  • Body Lotion
  • Vaseline
  • Deodorant (for men and women)
  • Mouthwash (non-alcohol)
  • Men’s Bristol Hairbrush
  • Large size Comb

Large Items

  • Clothing Hamper with lids (10-20 needed)
  • Medium size suitcase/duffle bag (8 needed)

*Clothing Items

  • New Men’s T-shirts (Med – 3XL - gray, black or white)
  • New Men’s Underwear (Large- 3XL)

*Shoes

  • Shower shoes (Lg- XXL)
  • Men’s House-slippers (sizes 10-14)
  • Men’s Tennis Shoes (sizes 10-14)

Gift Cards

  • Fast Food Gift Cards ($5 or $10 denomination)
  • Walmart (any denomination appreciated)
  • Local Grocery store/Supermarkets (any denomination appreciated)

Books/Novelty Items

  • Adult Coloring Books
  • Colored Pencils packs
  • Lined Writing Journals

*requesting as New item only

All donations must schedule a donation drop-off appointment with our Voluntary Service office at  205-554-3550 

Baby Showers for expecting Mothers

The Tuscaloosa VAMC holds baby shower in January and July for over 35 expecting Veterans a year.   The baby showers are designed to support pregnant veterans and help them avoid pregnancy complications and maternal mortality.  If you would like to help a Veteran that is expecting, click here to donate to our baby registries. 

Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center Volunteer Services 

Charmel Taylor

Acting Voluntary Service Officer

VA Tuscaloosa health care

Phone: 205-554-3550

Email: VHATUATuscaloosaVolunteers@va.gov

Volunteer Service Assistant

Jessica Washington

Volunteer Service Assistant

VA Tuscaloosa health care

Phone: 205-554-3550

Email: vhatuatuscaloosavolunteers@va.gov

April Jones

Public Affairs Officer

VA Tuscaloosa health care

Phone: 205-554-2842

Email: April.Jones2@va.gov