International Volunteer Day
December 3, 2019
(Image: VA Red Coat Ambassadors, Joe Wade, Sharon McCarthy and Stephen Keefe traveled in through the storm to volunteer. “I like the culture- it is sincere and the vets seem to respond when they know how much we want to be here for them,” Stephen Keefe, Volunteer, Manchester VAMC.)
On this Giving Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages community members, businesses and organizations to help support hospitalized Veterans throughout the country by doing what they can.
Each year, thousands of Veterans spend the holidays at VA inpatient facilities away from family and friends.
“One hundred percent of the donations made to Manchester VA Medical Center are used to provide direct support for the 26,000 plus Veterans in our care,” said Debra Krinsky, chief, voluntary service, Manchester VA Medical Center. “Donations are a big part of supplying Veterans with needed, but hard to come by items such as gift cards for groceries and food, clothing items, bus passes, and supplies for art programming and other therapies.”
Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity throughout the holidays. Giving Tuesday also enables participants to turn good intentions into action.
International Volunteer Day, Thursday, December 5th, is just around the corner and one way to give is through volunteer service. VA Red Coat Ambassadors help Veterans to have a positive and personal experience during their healthcare visits and are one way you can volunteer. For more information go to: www.manchester.va.gov/giving/index.asp
