Answering the call of Service Not Self is a core value of the American Legion Auxiliary — it motivates our members into action and pushes us to advance the mission. 

Volunteering for veterans is a way to show appreciation for the sacrifices they made for us and our great nation. Every day, ALA members demonstrate compassion and gratitude to veterans in a variety of ways that make a positive impact in their lives … and ours. 

“Volunteering for veterans is infectious — once you start volunteering, it’s hard to stop,” said ALA Department of Illinois member Patricia Kranzow. “Volunteers often get as much benefit from the experience as the veterans they serve.” 

However, for some ALA members, it may be hard to volunteer at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center because the closest one is far away, or they are physically unable to serve in person. Don’t be discouraged — there are still ways to contribute to the cause. 

Community Based Outpatient Clinics. CBOCs offer the most common outpatient services (like health and wellness checks) to provide routine appointments in a more convenient location. To find a clinic, visit www.va.gov/find-locations. 

Vet Centers. These facilities provide community-based counseling, outreach, and referral services for veterans. For more information about Vet Centers or to find locations, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov. 

Compassionate Contact Corps. This is a virtual social program where volunteers are assigned to veterans who are socially isolated or experiencing loneliness. The volunteer calls the veteran weekly for 15 to 60 minutes to provide a form of socialization and companionship over a phone or video call. This is similar to The American Legion Buddy Check program. For more info about the program, visit www.volunteer.va.gov/ccc.asp. 

Veterans Creative Arts Festival. ALA members play a large role in competitions held nationwide. Members have been big supporters of local showcases through volunteering. If your VA facility does not currently host a local Veterans Creative Arts Festival, contact a VA staff member who instructs creative arts and recreational therapy or a voluntary services coordinator. 

Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service. VAVS supports VA and Veterans Health Administration strategic goals by recruiting, supporting, and retaining a workforce of volunteers to assist management in the delivery of VA health care by improving access to care, assisting with long-term care, improving patient satisfaction, and much more. More details are at www.ALAforVeterans.org. 

Holiday Shop Helpers. During the holiday gift-giving season, many veterans don’t have the means to buy presents for their loved ones, so organize a holiday shop at your American Legion post home or a supportive health care facility. These shops allow veterans to select gifts to give their loved ones. If someone already hosts a Holiday Shop, donate items, wrap gifts to display, or mail them. You can also use this idea for other holidays. 
 
ALA military/veteran service:
• Hours serving veterans/military: 3,740,088 
• Dollars raised/spent on veterans, military, and their families (veterans/active duty/reserve): $8,014,491 
• Dollars raised/spent on veterans, military, and their families (military families): $1,474,067 
• TOTAL REPORTED: Dollars raised/spent for veterans, military, and their families: $14,280,608 
Source: ALA 2023-2024 Impact Report