What is VAVS?

The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) was officially founded in 1949 as a program to provide for our nation's veterans while they are cared for by VA health care facilities.

VAVS is the largest volunteer program in the Federal government. More than 350 national and community organizations support VAVS. Since 1946, VAVS volunteers have donated 482 million hours of service.

As VA has expanded its care of veteran patients into the community, volunteers have become involved. They assist veteran patients by augmenting staff in such settings as end of life care programs, foster care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nursing homes, and veteran outreach centers.

VAVS volunteers are special and generous people. They and their organizations annually contribute an estimated $40 million in gifts and donations. In FY99, all VAVS volunteers contributed a total of 13,420,738 hours of service to veterans.

Monetary estimates aside, it is impossible to calculate the amount of caring and sharing that these VAVS volunteers give to veteran patients. VAVS volunteers are a priceless asset to America's veterans and to VA.

How do I sign up to be a VAVS Volunteer?

You have two convenient ways:

1) Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for Voluntary Service. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VAVS Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment! To find out which facility is nearest you, click here.

2) Click here or on the Volunteer NOW! button, fill out the form and click submit. Your information will be sent to the VA Voluntary Service office nearest you. Someone from that office will then contact you to set up the initial interview.