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Volunteer Opportunities
We invite YOU ...to
become a part of our
VA health care team as a VOLUNTEER.
VA Voluntary Service (VAVS), at the North Chicago VA Medical Center, provides
volunteer support to hospital staff through the recruitment of qualified,
motivated and patient focused individuals. Careful attention is given to
matching the skills and abilities of the volunteer to the varied needs of the
medical center and veteran patients. Volunteer benefits include flexible hours,
complimentary meals to those who volunteer four hours or more through lunch
(weekdays only), library privileges, emergency and follow-up medical treatment
if injured on-the-job and annual recognition awards. This is a wonderful
opportunity to use skills developed over a lifetime, learn new skills, network
with health care professionals, socialize and become a member of the largest
single health care “team” in the world.
Meaningful volunteer assignments are available throughout the medical center,
as well as our Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Volunteer opportunities
include but are not limited to:
Transportation Provider (weekdays)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Program. Using the DAV
7-passenger van, assist veterans with transportation to and from the VA for
scheduled outpatient appointments. Valid driver’s license/current insurance
essential. No lifting.
Front Door Greeter/Guest Services Program (weekdays)
Greet patients and visitors, provide information/directions, offer
wheelchair escort, and monitor waiting/reception area. Prepare and serve
complimentary coffee and refreshments.
Office Volunteer (weekdays)
Assist administrative staff with clerical duties: answering phones, filing,
typing, general office duties.
Friendly Visitor (weekdays, evenings, weekends)
Visit one-on-one with patients, read, play cards/ board games, and other
activities.
Feeders (weekdays, evenings, weekends)
Assist staff at meal time with patients having limited dexterity and motor
skills.
Wheelchair Escort (Sunday mornings)
Transport veterans from patient wards to the Chapel for Sunday morning
services.
Carpenter/Handyman (weekdays)
Light carpenter duties for small repairs, picture hanging, installing
shelves, furniture mending, etc.
Pet Therapy (weekdays, weekends)
Clean, groomed and friendly dogs to visit patients. Petting and touching animals
is very therapeutic and provides comfort and companionship. Canines may be
purebred or mixed breed. Must have health certificate from a licensed vet
verifying annual inoculations and Rabies vaccination.
Entertainment Volunteer (weekdays, evenings, weekends)
Play piano for nursing home residents. Sing along or relaxation music.
Will you join us? To become a volunteer at the North Chicago VA Medical
Center, contact Community Affairs at (224) 610-3714. An interview will be
scheduled to express your interests in volunteering, as well as to gain insights
into the requirements of the many volunteer assignments available.
GIFTS & DONATIONS
Monetary and non-monetary contributions are gratefully accepted and used for
meeting particular needs and requirements for the welfare and comfort of our
veteran patients. Some of the more popular donated items include newspaper
subscriptions; videotapes; personal hygiene items such as shaving items,
deodorant, dental care items, lotion, shampoo, combs, socks, t-shirts and
undergarments. Paperback books, magazines (no older than three months) and used
clothing (men and women) that is clean and in good condition may also be
donated.
Items for donation may be dropped off Monday through Friday (excluding
holidays). Please call in advance (224) 610-3714. All donations will be
acknowledged in writing.
Additionally donated funds fully support patient activities, monthly birthday
parties, patient TV/VCR’s and a variety of services and programs. A complete
list of routine material donation needs and monetary donation accounts is
available upon request from Community Affairs at (224) 610-3714.
Individuals or groups wishing to make monetary donations to the medical
center for the benefit of the patients should make checks payable to the VA
Medical Center and mail them to:
VA Medical Center
Community Affairs (135)
3001 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
To Contact Voluntary Service, please call (224) 610-3714
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