Youth Volunteers
Voluntary Service considers our youth volunteers an integral part of the overall Volunteer Program. Youth between the ages of 14 and 20 are encouraged to join the program and in return will receive valuable experience and training, which will be of benefit in applying for scholarships or employment.
Youth Volunteers are so very important to our aging Veteran population. The Veterans’ eyes light up when a smile, a story or a little assistance is shared by a youth volunteer.
Why should I volunteer?
In addition to the self-satisfaction of giving back to those who gave so much, there are many advantages to becoming a youth volunteer. When completing college and scholarship applications, it is very impressive when the reviewer sees the applicant has given their time, efforts, and energy to be of service to others. For information on the James H. Park Scholarship and the Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Scholarship please click on the following links:
http://www.volunteer.va.gov/ParkeScholarship.asp*
http://www.dav.org/volunteers/Scholarship.aspx *
For information on additional scholarship opportunities, you may contact the Voluntary Service office at (520) 629-1822.
Youth volunteers can begin developing a network of positive references for job and college applications.
Rewards
There is no better way to answer the question – “Why volunteer at a VA Hospital,” than to go to volunteers. Here are a few quotes from some youth volunteers.
- “I have met a lot of interesting patients and made many new friends. I have had a lot of fun and hope to participate again next summer.”
- “I have learned a lot about the different types of medical conditions, cures, medicine and treatment, and the differences someone’s bedside manner can make in a patient’s recovery.”
- “It is very cool that I’m here helping take care of patients that helped our nation become a strong, free, and powerful country.”
- “It is so nice to see the smiles because you are there to talk with them, play games like dominoes, cards, checkers, etc.”
- “I enjoy being with the elderly. I like to help the patients that cannot hold their fork, spoon, or cup. To me, it’s a gift to help them. It is wonderful to serve the veterans as they did the same for us.”
Youth volunteers are a ray of sunshine to our sick and disabled Veteran patients. For questions on how to become a SAVAHCS Volunteer, please contact our Voluntary Service at (520) 629-1822.
Our Nation’s Veterans need you!
