Because of this geographically diverse program and the one-on-one nature of so many of DAV's services, the organization needs volunteers dedicated to reaching out to veterans. Volunteers perform many of the DAV's essential services, including driving veterans to medical appointments at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics. Van drivers help all veterans to obtain essential services offered by the 172 VA hospitals located across the country.
DAV also sponsors volunteer programs at VA care centers and nursing facilities. There, DAV volunteers perform a variety of patient care and support functions. Volunteers may choose to work directly with patients as assistants in programmed activities, as escorts to treatment or other programs within the hospital, or as welcome companions during a hospital stay. Volunteers can also elect to help hospital personnel in administrative and other tasks, each of which play a key role in hospital operations.
For those volunteers who are unable or prefer not to work in the hospital setting, programs across the community provide an opportunity to support service personnel. DAV's Local Veterans Assistance Program connects volunteers with veterans who need assistance with daily activities such as grocery shopping and home maintenance. The program is particularly suited to those volunteers who have schedules that do not accommodate recurring commitments.
Even those with full schedules can support the outreach services performed by DAV. The organization is always accepting donations at all levels of generosity. Potential donors can find a secure and user-friendly donation form on the organization's website, www.dav.org.