HOSPITAL PROGRAM 2025-2026

Sandra Johnson-Leu Department Program Chairman

ctrysun@embarqmail.com 919-906-7592

 

Welcome to another program year. The Hospital program is one of the oldest Programs in the VFW Auxiliary, starting in 1914. There is so much we can do through this program to support our Veterans. Fund raising, donations, visits, activities, volunteering. The ways can be endless. Our biggest goal is to recruit volunteers. The more volunteers we have, the more we can do for our veterans. Volunteers can be anyone. Members, non-members, youth, family members. The hospital program has been expanded to include facilities that are not only VA hospitals, but local hospitals, veterans’ homes, nursing homes (both VA and non-VA), and clinics. Each of these facilities always appreciate volunteers assisting in many ways and areas. The opportunities are based on the facility you are volunteering at. You do need to be sure to contact the facility to check on the requirements for the volunteers there. VFW Auxiliary members may participate in activities voted on by the members of your Auxiliary. This can include monthly or quarterly bingo with the patients. Snack bags taken to the facilities. Members can make items such as lap robes, hats, quilts, etc. You can make Valentine cards to place on the meal trays for the Veterans. For each holiday, the VA facilities in North Carolina hold specific activities to assist the Veterans in need in the Community. The VAVS (Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service) program was created to serve in VA Medical facilities in partnership with Veteran Service Organizations. Each of the 4 VA Facilities in North Carolina have designated Representatives to communicate with the members the needs of each hospital They are your direct connection to the VA hospital your Auxiliary is assigned to. North Carolina has the following VA Hospitals to serve: Asheville VA Medical Center – Joyce Preston, VAVS Rep Durham VA Medical Center – Sandra Johnson-Leu, VAVS Rep Fayetteville VA Medical Center –Amelia Bennett, VAVS Rep Salisbury – W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center – Farres Upton, VAVS Rep. Please remember to make your annual contribution to the Hospital Reserve fund. It is with this contribution the Department can make a donation to each of the 4 VA Medical Centers on behalf of the members. Also, any cash donations you wish to make to a VA Hospital must be sent to the Department Treasurer with a contribution sheet and letter as to how you wish the donation to be used. National President Lois Callahan’s theme: "From Sea to Shining Sea Honoring Veterans Who Keep Us Free” Department President Anna Holm’s theme: Serving out Toto-ly Oz-Some Veterans