The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program's one of the largest volunteer programs in the Federal government. Our mission is to enhance the Veterans’ healthcare experience through utilization of volunteers and donations.

The generosity of the volunteer’s time allows us to provide many of the additional niceties that otherwise could not be accomplished by the paid staff on a day-to-day basis.

VAVS offers volunteer assignments that fulfill the volunteer’s desire to make a difference in a Veteran’s life. The VAVS program can be tailored to meet the volunteer needs of an individual, student, family, large group or corporation.

We have many volunteer opportunities for you, your family, friends and co-workers. Assignments may vary but your involvement can make a real difference in the life of a Veteran patient. Below are a few volunteer opportunities, for more options contact the Community and Volunteer Service.

INFORMATION DESK AMBASSADOR

Greet patients and visitors, provide directions and information to guests.

FORT CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY HONOR GUARD 

Provide military honors at Veteran funeral services. 

VOLUNTEER DRIVER

Provide transportation for patients to their medical appointments in Battle Creek from Benton Harbor and Niles, MI, and Wyoming, MI, to Muskegon, MI. Other locations are also available. 

PALLIATIVE CARE (NO VETERAN DIES ALONE PROGRAM)

Provides comfort and support to terminally ill Veterans and their families.

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS MAY INCLUDE:

Office Support Assistant, Recreation Assistant, Hobby/Craft/Music Volunteer, Cookie Baker, Pet Therapy Assistant, Coffee Room Server, and Greenhouse Assistant.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Because of the nature of care being delivered at our VA, all volunteers are carefully screened and individually matched to their assignments.

The potential volunteer is required to complete the following:

• Interview
• Volunteer Application
• Background Investigation
• General Orientation
• Job Specific Competencies
• COVID-19 vaccinations and Influenza vaccination

This process is not only meant to ensure the safety and well being of our Veterans and their families but provide a successful volunteer experience as well.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Increase your physical and mental activity
• Improve your physical and mental health
• Extend your life

SOCIAL BENEFITS

• Make new friends
• Be part of a team
• Feel needed, make a positive impact
• Gain a sense of pride, satisfaction, and achievement

CIVIC BENEFITS

• Share your skills
• Give back – contribute to society
• Fulfill your civic duty
• Serve those who have served our country
• Set the example for family, friends and co-workers

CAREER/EDUCATION BENEFITS

• Explore career paths
• Learn new skills
• Build your resume
• Earn volunteer hours

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about volunteering, contact the Community and Volunteer Service staff at the address or phone number below:

Battle Creek VA Medical Center
Community and Volunteer Service
5500 Armstrong Rd
Battle Creek, MI 49037
269-223-5497

Wyoming VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Community and Volunteer Service
5838 Metro Way SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
616-249-5300 ext. 30563

Volunteer opportunities are also available at our Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Muskegon, Lansing, and Benton Harbor. 

Community and Volunteer Service supports inpatients and residents and most services at the Battle Creek VAMC, Wyoming VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Benton Harbor VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Lansing VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, and Muskegon VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. Our mission is to enhance the Veterans’ healthcare experience through utilization of volunteers and donations.

Community and Volunteer Service manages the many gifts and donations provided by generous and caring donors supporting our Nation’s Veterans.

Donations provide the supplemental resources necessary to support an assortment of programs and services for Veterans, such as gas cards for transportation, recreational programs and activities, homeless needs, clothing, comfort items, holiday gifts, canteen books, and other assistance as needed.

All contributions are used 100% to support the needs of the Veterans and are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Battle Creek VA Medical Center accepts In-Kind donations of specific items that are needed for the comfort and enjoyment of our Veteran patients while they are receiving care at any one of our facilities. View the In-Kind Donations section below for a list of ongoing in-kind donation needs for our Veteran patients.

Monetary donations are used to support a variety of patient activities and services throughout the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. When making a monetary donation, the donor is asked to specify how they would like their contribution to be utilized in support of our hospitalized Veterans. View the Monetary Donations section below for a list of fund accounts that are always in need of support to benefit Veteran patients.

Checks should be made payable to:
Battle Creek VA Medical Center

Mail checks to:
Battle Creek VA Medical Center
Community and Volunteer Service (135)
5500 Armstrong Road
Battle Creek, MI 49037

E-Donate is an online donation option that allows you to select from a number of accounts that are designated to support the specific needs of Veteran patients throughout the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. Donations can be made by credit card, debit card or electronic funds transfer. The actual donation is made through a secure site at the U.S. Department of Treasury.

A minimum of $5.00 is required for all online donations through E-Donate. Visit the E-Donate page to make a donation online.

General Post Fund Accounts (GPF)

1002 General Purpose Fund
1003 Christmas Fund
1004 Personal Care Items Fund
1005 Recreation Fund
1006 DAVA Gardens Fund
1007 Substance Abuse Treatment Unit Fund
1008 Religious Projects Fund
1010 Remember-A-Vet Fund
1012 Domiciliary Fund
1014 Inpatient Mental Health Unit Fund
1015 Battle Creek Coffee Fund
1016 Homeless Veterans Program Fund
1020 Specific Donation Fund
1021 Wyoming Coffee Fund
1025 Pontoon Boat Fund
1026 National Veterans Programs/Games Fund
1032 Volunteer Recognition Fund
1034 Outpatient Mental Health Programs (MHICM/WRC) Fund
1035 Palliative Care Unit Fund
1038 Blind Rehabilitation Fund
1039 Community Living Center (CLC) Fund
1041 Seamless Transition Fund (OEF/OIF/OND)
1042 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Patient Fund
1045 Medical Unit Fund

For more information on the purpose of each fund, you can call (269) 223-5497.

• New men’s t-shirts, boxers, briefs and socks (all sizes)
• New coats/jackets
• New sweats/sweat shirts (L-XL)
• New men’s tennis shoes/boots (size 10-13)
• Gym shorts
• Bus passes for Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and Lansing public transit systems
• DVD movies
• Music CDs (all varieties of music)
• Relaxation CDs
• Composition notebooks
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Ethnic hair products
• Body wash
• Shaving cream
• Shampoo/conditioner
• New or gently used backpacks (drawstring or regular) or duffel bags
• Yoga mats (new)
• Word searches/crosswords/Sudoku (larger print)
• Paint by number kits/Small craft kits
  
  *No sample size personal care items are accepted. We do not accept used clothing, crocheted blankets, lap robes, or puzzles.