POPLAR BLUFF — Volunteers are an integral part of daily services at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, filling roles and assisting veterans in areas where staff cannot.
Nowhere in the hospital are volunteers more important than in the Community Living Center, and as the holidays approach, more are needed.
“We’re reaching out for volunteers because a lot of veterans during the holidays feel left alone or left behind,” said Dale Garrett, chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement, which oversees the volunteer program. volunteers on the Community Living Center unit do things like play bingo or other activities with the residents. A few of the most important things volunteers can do, Garrett noted, are simply providing one-on-one visitations, engaging in conversations, and pushing the veterans around the facility to get them outside.
“Not only does it break up the monotony for the veterans, but these simple things enhance their quality of life and their experience here at VA,” Garrett said.
Ideal volunteer candidates, Garrett noted, are those who love to talk and engage people in conversations, are willing to help where needed, and love to serve others.
Besides individual volunteers, Garrett said, those who can provide a variety of activities also are being sought.
“We’re also asking for activities other than bingo, such as church or school choirs coming up to sing, various clubs or sports teams making visits, or maybe even ice cream socials or any other activity ideas they may have,” he said.
Volunteering periodically is easy, Garrett said, with only a brief orientation and minimal paperwork required. Those who wish to commit to weekly or monthly volunteer service will need to undergo a more extensive orientation and application process.
“We can get them started and walk them every step of the process,” Garrett said. “Volunteers are considered non-compensated VA employees, so they receive a similar vetting process as employees, but it’s simple.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the medical center is asked to call the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at 573- 778-4276 or send an email to VHAPOPVoluntary-W@ va.gov.
“If somebody has a heart for serving, we would love to have them donate their time and talent to enhance the veterans’ experience here at VA,” Garrett said.
