Coatesville VA honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week
The Department of Veterans Affairs will thank more than 22,000 volunteers for their contributions to Veterans at VA April 16- 22 as part of National Volunteer Week.
Locally, the Coatesville VA Medical Center will recognize the 143 volunteers for the 9,240 hours they contributed toward caring for Veterans, driving, directing, sitting, serving, comforting, and counseling on a regular basis.
“We are deeply grateful for to the corps of volunteers that have stepped forward from the community,” explained Jennifer Harkins, Interim Medical Center Director at Coatesville VA. “Whether it be guiding them to a clinic or sitting with them in hospice in their final hours, how can you place a value on
the kindness of a stranger who eases the stress and worry of a Veteran? Volunteers bring laughter, share tears, and spread hope to our community of Veterans and their loved ones.”
While National Volunteer Week kicks off April 16, VA
is inviting everyone in the community to explore how they can use their skills and unique assets to thank Veterans with service of their own any time of the year. No medical experience is necessary, and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.
National Volunteer Week also presents an opportunity for other citizens to join the ranks of volunteers serving Veterans. There are many ways to volunteer. For instance, greetings Veterans as one of our Red Coat Ambassadors, driving Veterans to medical appointments, helping with activities, or our Lincoln’s Promise Food Pantry. Paul Dunbar, an Air Force Veteran and eight-year volunteer, assists in the food pantry each week. The pantry helps Veterans who are finding it difficult to maintain adequate food supply for themselves and their families. Dunbar assists Veterans by stocking shelves, bagging items, and assisting the Veteran to their car. Volunteers like Dunbar enhance the Medical Center’s ability to provide the connections,
support and a welcoming smile.
“We simply love our volunteers, they are a valued extension of our service to Veterans, said Jennifer Lilly, Coatesville VA’s Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement. We invite you to bring your compassion and if you can, bring your passion
for a recreational activity or a skill. Answer the call to help and be of service to our Veterans and bring joy to their VA experience.”
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Coatesville VA Medical Center visit the www.coatesville-health-care/work-withus/ or call 610-384-7711 ext. 4228.