Carol Fetters 228-596-5014 Email Monthly Report Form
This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.
Volunteers!
The VA and other health care facilities are always needing volunteers. Please enlist some of your members to make the sacrifice to help the patients at the hospitals and nursing homes.
Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities. Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.
Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and apply for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.
CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS
As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Christmas and the New Year are holidays that everyone sees our veterans in the hospitals and nursing homes. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these December holidays are:
I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.
Dec. 3 – Make a Gift Day
Dec. 9 – Christmas Card Day
Dec. 16 – Boston Tea Party
Dec. 24 – National Egg Nog Day (Serve them several kinds of egg nog)
Dec. 30- Bacon Day (I bet they would love BACON)
These non-traditional holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.
TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS
Keep in mind the “TRADITIONAL” holidays are coming up! Thanksgiving and Christmas are near. The veterans look for the extra attention they receive during these months. Try to be with them more than usual.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, healthy and safe Christmas.