To become a volunteer, fill out an application. Print it, sign it, and mail it to us. You can also send us your application via email. A specialist will contact you to schedule an interview.

Benefits of volunteering

In addition to supporting Veterans in your area, you'll enjoy the following benefits as a VA volunteer: 

• Free Canteen meals during shifts of four or more hours
• Annual tuberculosis test
• Free annual flu shots

Volunteer duties

Whatever your interests, VA has volunteer opportunities for you. 

• Escort - Escort Veterans in wheelchairs or on gurneys to and from events in the theater, at outdoor picnics, barbecues, etc. 
• Produce market - Break down pallets of fresh fruits and veggies for distribution
• Recreation - Assist with arts and crafts projects.
• Chapel - Escort patients to religious services.
• Entertainers - Singers, dancers, comedians, share your talent with an appreciative audience.

• Garden Club and Greenhouse care - Water and tend to plants as needed early morning. Adopt a garden bed with your organization and care for it throughout the season.

• Ambassador volunteers - Greet outpatients, guests, visitors and patients' families, answer phones and transfer calls. Ambassador volunteers are stationed at the main information desk.
• Hospice - Provide companionship and assistance to Veterans who are entering the final stages of life. Volunteers “fill in” and provide comfort at the bedside at times when family and friends are unable to be present.
• Compassionate Contact Corps (virtual only) - Telephone and video chat. Make weekly calls with a Veteran or Caregiver who could use a friendly telephone visit!

• Adopt-a-Ward program - A volunteer group sponsors recreation activities on various in-patient units, including Adopt-a-Holiday. 

• Library - Assist the librarian, help patients use special visual aid equipment, deliver books to patient rooms, and stock book racks.

• Office assistant - Type, file, answer phones, keep records, and do data entry.
• DAV transportation - Drive patients from their homes to VA medical centers.

Contact us

If you have questions about donating or volunteering, contact VA Bedford Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)

Phone: 781-687-3076

In person:

Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Building 61, Rm B09
200 Springs Road
Bedford, MA 01730
Campus map

Many sick and disabled Veterans lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) operates a nationwide transportation network to meet this need. DAV and auxiliary volunteers drive Veterans to and from VA hospitals and clinics, helping people get the care they deserve.

VA Bedford Healthcare System and the DAV work with county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans to and from VA Bedford for scheduled medical appointments.

Become a volunteer driver

To learn more about becoming a DAV driver, contact VA Bedford CDCE.

Phone: 781-687-3076

Call us to learn how your company can support America's Veterans through donations and/or volunteer days. 

Phone: 781-687-3076

If you'd like to make a donation to VA Bedford HCS, please send a check (payable to "Bedford VA") to the following address:

VA Bedford Healthcare System
CDCE (135)
200 Springs Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

If you're making an in memoriam donation, please specify on behalf of whom in the memo block of your check.

Some donors prefer to make monetary contributions to VA Bedford Healthcare System, and others prefer to donate goods needed by Veterans. Please call us to find out what our current needs are before making any donations.

Phone: 781-687-3076

If you would like to volunteer to donate your time, or some financial assistance, please visit the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement donation page.