You don’t have to give a financial contribution to help veterans. Here are some simple, low-cost ways to make an impact on a veteran today:
1. Volunteer at a VA Hospital
Check local listings for the VA Hospital in your area. Veterans of all wars seek medical treatment at these facilities. Many recovering service members do not have visting friends or family members. Taking a couple hours a week or month to volunteer at a VA hospital and visit with veterans can make a huge impact on a wounded soldier’s life. Vist the Veterans Administration website to find out more information and to sign up to volunteer at your local VA hosptal.
2. Donate Simple Items
Small donations are also welcome at VA hospitals. Many recovering veterans are on fixed incomes and do not have supplemental items that could brighten their recovery process. Check your local VA hospital website for a list of recommended items to donate. Here are some items that are usually welcome:
New or gently used clothing
Magazine/Books
Coffee/Cookies
Telephone Cards
3. Help the Homeless
The VA estimates that over a fifth of homeless individuals in the nation once served in a foreign war. Do your part by volunteering your time at an organization assisting the homeless individuals in your area. If you know of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness, call the VA’s National Call Center for Veteran Homelessness at 1-877-4AID-VET or visit their website. You can use this contact to access free VA services and to learn how to support and encourage veterans to use these services.
4. Write a Letter
Many veterans organizations sponsor letter writing campaigns that provide letters of gratitude to veterans. Express your thanks for a veteran’s service in a heartfelt letter. There are a number of organizations that facilitate sending letters to adtive, reserve and veteran military military around the world. Check out A Million Thanks to learn how you can participate.
If you know a Veteran who would like to receive letters, A Million Thanks can also help.
5. Learn How to Thank a Vet
We often hear the phrase, “Thank you for your Service” and I’m sure vets appreciate hearing that. But more importantly is to thank them for their ‘Sacrifice’. Serving in the armed forces is not easy. Many choose not to. Those that do are often sacrificing time with their families, careers and taking great risks in the process. So next time you meet a Vet, thank them for their Service and Sacrifice.
If you would like to thank a veteran by donating your vehicle to Vets Vehicles, please call 888-838-7834, or visit Vets Vehicles – Donate for more information.
