Every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, organizations around the world acknowledge Giving Tuesday. It’s a global day of giving and service.

Science has well-documented and quite conclusively shown that giving is good for your health. Giving Tuesday seems a fitting time to recognize our dedicated community of advocates and volunteers who serve VA facilities nationwide.

If your New Year’s resolutions include getting healthier in 2021, consider beginning early by making a donation to your local VA facility to support their holiday activities.

They are reaping health benefits as a result of their service as well as the invaluable role they play in shaping the environment that our Veterans experience within the walls of our VA facilities.

The benefits of giving

An article entitled “The Health Benefits of Giving” from a Rush University Medical Center online newsletter highlighted the research behind following the four key benefits to giving:

  1. Greater self-esteem and satisfaction with life.
  2. Lower risk of depression.
  3. Better physical health.
  4. Longer life expectancy.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for many people. It can be difficult to think beyond our own needs and disappointments, particularly if we’re dealing with sickness and loss. But giving is the exact remedy that research has shown to be effective.

Giving Tuesday kicks off the busy holiday planning season for Voluntary Service teams within VA medical facilities. They will spend the month of December making the holidays a little brighter for hospitalized Veterans. Donations to facility holiday accounts help our staff to prepare special activities and purchase gift packages to help Veterans feel less isolated and connected to their communities.

Donate to support patients’ holiday activities

If your New Year’s resolutions include getting healthier in 2021, consider beginning early by making a donation to your local VA facility to support its holiday activities.

Today, on Giving Tuesday, help make a difference with your e-donation.

On Giving Tuesday, people around the world will unite in sharing their time, money, gifts or talents on behalf of charitable organizations of all kinds. You can make a gift through VA Voluntary Service. Show your gratitude to our nation’s Veterans for their sacrifice and service by helping VA to care for its Veteran patients. And you’ll be paying it forward – benefitting your own health and well-being.

Be a part of this year’s Giving Tuesday event. Use VA’s secure online E-Donate portal to make a contribution. You can use a major credit or debit card or donate from your checking or savings account.

Visit the website of your local VA facility and look for the E-Donate icon.

You can also call E-Donate toll free at 877-353-9791 or email us at vafsccshd@va.gov. To learn more about VA Voluntary Service, visit us at www.volunteer.va.gov.


Sabrina C. Clark is director of the VA Voluntary Service.

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