Honoring Veterans on December 3, GivingTuesday

VA Voluntary Service is proud to join in celebrating GivingTuesday, a national recognition of opportunities for giving and serving.

The holidays are typically a time of cheer, sacred traditions and family gatherings. For many, this time of year also brings about sadness, loneliness, and a greater sense of isolation.

As VA continues its endeavors to end Veteran suicide and aggressively address the mental health issues that impact overall wellness, Voluntary Service invites communities nationwide to join us in supporting hospitalized Veterans.

Those who find themselves hospitalized find the challenges of the holiday season much more daunting. They are apart from family and friends, as well as dealing with an illness or injury.

A challenge for you

You can be part of this year’s GivingTuesday.

This year, on GivingTuesday, we are extending a challenge to you. Consider making this holiday a little brighter for the Veterans in your community. At each of our VA facilities across the country, there is an opportunity to give or donate to bring the holiday season to our hospitalized Veterans who will not be joining family or friends this year.

Your donation will allow Voluntary Service to provide holiday activities, gifts, and special programs that will remind them that their country has not forgotten their sacrifice and service.

“I’ve had the opportunity to be part of these celebrations in a number of facilities over the years,” says Sabrina Clark. Clark is the National Director for VA’s Voluntary Service Office.

“There is nothing quite like seeing someone who has given up any hope of having a happy holiday because they’re in the hospital and then find themselves surrounded by parties, gifts, and visitors from their community. At VA, this is just what we do – we remind Veterans they’re special every day.”

If you would like to contribute to the holiday season at your local VA facility, visit www.volunteer.va.gov and click the VOLUNTEER or E-DONATE button.

A global movement

Dec. 3, 2019, is GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that’s unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

In just seven years, GivingTuesday has radically changed how we think about generosity. It also has showed just how much power communities everywhere have to create change.

Mayors from Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York and many other smaller cities and towns have formally endorsed GivingTuesday. The White House has also publicly supported GivingTuesday, along with international leaders at every level of government.

Last year, millions of people in almost every country came together to support the causes they believe in. As a result, the benefit raised over $400 million online – in just one day. The donations will benefit a tremendously broad range of nonprofits. While that’s impressive, much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.

The campaign provides a framework and ideas for people to choose their own best way to contribute to their communities. It also provides all Americans an opportunity to share their giving story.

Additional information.