Volunteer Banquet honors those who give to those who served
Dole VA honored one of its most valued and crucial resources during the Volunteer Banquet on Friday, April 19.
The annual event was held at the Downtown Senior Center, which had been decorated with a Mexican Fiesta theme. Sombreros adorned each table, and full-time Dole VA staff members served the gathered volunteers at the festive Taco Bar.
Voluntary Service Specialist Tom Britton said Dole VA’s crew of 173 volunteers donated nearly 4,000 hours in 2023. He said these selfless workers can be found throughout the facility.
“They escort Veterans in wheelchairs to consults, make appointment reminder calls, greet Veterans and their families, and assist with wayfinding,” Britton said. “We’ve got drivers who come in as early as 5:30 a.m. to pick up Veterans from their homes, take them to their appointments, and return them safely afterwards.”
Volunteers also make lab deliveries every 30 minutes, take coffee carts to waiting rooms, and ask Veterans to fill out survey cards about their experiences here.
“They provide a variety of services across so many areas — too many to list here — and they do it all with smiles on their faces and service in their hearts,” Britton said.