VA Maine Healthcare System

Volunteer or Donate

Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) depends on the goodwill of our benefactors and volunteers who wish to give something back to America's heroes.

Volunteering

Volunteers provide many important functions throughout the Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics and help make our patients' stay more enjoyable. Volunteers can perform a number of services, and a volunteer's talents are closely matched with one of our many assignments.

To volunteer, call or visit the Togus VAMC Voluntary Service Office. We will be happy to receive your application or discuss how you can help us in our mission to provide comfort and care to America's veterans. For additional information regarding the process to become a volunteer, click here.

Donating

Cash donations are used for the comfort and welfare of our veteran patients, including —

• personal care products
• refreshments
• recreational activities
• newspaper subscriptions
• special projects

Non-cash contributions are used to make our patients' stay more enjoyable. Items which are accepted include -

• magazines (current, no older than 3 months)
• coffee program supplies
• new clothing
• telephone & gas cards

To make a cash or non-cash contribution, please contact the Togus VAMC Voluntary Service

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – No experience required, we will train you:

1. Red Coat Ambassador Program – Greeters and Guides at all locations including CBOS (Monday – Friday)
2. DAV - Voluntary Transportation Network (Bethel/Sanford/Rumford/Aroostook/Augusta)
3. Parking Lot Shuttle Driver – (Mon- Fri & On-Call)
4. Community Living Center 73 – Meal Time Companion(must complete on-site training)
5. Community Living Center Volunteers – Friendly companion to a Veteran (Monday – Friday)
6. Facilities Management Volunteer – Repairs, Construction Projects, Cleaning etc. – (Monday – Friday)
7. Patient Representative - (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT: 

1. Holiday Meal Fund (Provides meals for patients’ family members during the holidays)
2. Comfort Items, large and travel sized items needed, i.e., nail clippers, toenail clippers, denture creams/cleaner, body wash, body lotion, toothbrush covers, deodorant, disposable and electric razors (Higher Quality Razors Prefered), powders, mouth wash & sunscreen. (No alcohol based products)
3. Funds to purchase Canteen/Coupon Books
4. Coffee funds (Provides coffee in waiting areas/wards/clinics)
5. Newspaper funds (Provides newspapers in waiting areas/wards/clinics)
6. Recreation General Purpose Funds to support various activities
7. Homeless Veteran Assistance  

SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:

1. Nintendo Wii Console
2. Gas Cards ($25)
3. Trac Phone Cards
4. Trac Phones
5. Hannaford Gift Cards ($25)
6. Walmart Gift Cards ($25)
7. Over the Ear Headphones (Must be New) No Ear Buds
8. Organizations to sponsor entertainment on 73 Patriot Place
9. New clothing (Contact Voluntary Service for more details)
10. Shoes (sizes 10-12 mens)

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that under the Tax Code, donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ General Post Fund for exclusively public purposes are deductible from federal income taxes in the manner and to the extent allowable. The announcement reflects the tax law provision, which makes those donations deductible as “donations to the United States”. Donations to support any of the Department’s programs are deductible, whether the donor directs that the donated funds be used for a specific purpose or allows the Department to decide how the donated funds will be used. Do n a ted fu nds ma d e b y    ch eck sho u ld b e made out to “VAVS ” and sent to the address above

 NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME: Afghans; Jigsaw Puzzles; Used Clothing; Used Stamps; Magazines over three months old; Dental Floss; After-Shave; Hand Lotion, Blank Greeting Cards and Envelopes. Due to Infection Control policies we are unable to accept used clothing/bedding walkers, canes, or crutches at this time. Currently we are unable to accept personal memorabilia and artwork.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that under the Tax Code, donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ General Post Fund for exclusively public purposes are deductible from federal income taxes in the manner and to the extent allowable. The announcement reflects the tax law provision, which makes those donations deductible as “donations to the United States”. Donations to support any of the Department’s programs are deductible, whether the donor directs that the donated funds be used for a specific purpose or allows the Department to decide how the donated funds will be used. Donated funds made by check should be made out to “VAVS” and sent to this address:

1 VA Center (135)

Augusta, ME 04330

** Please note that donations can only be accepted Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 4:00pm. All donations must be dropped off  at Voluntary Service B205, 3rd Floor, R307. The front desk or any other department cannot accept donations.