Hello Auxiliary Sisters and Brothers,
This year has been a real challenge for all of us at the VA Hospital in Portland. Since the COVID-19 has placed us in a vastly different world today having to social distance, wear masks and unable to gather in groups things have also changed with what we can or cannot donate to our hospitalized veterans.
As many of you know we have not been allowed to volunteer up at the hospital since the 13th of March. There have been no birthday celebrations with our veterans since that time. Christmas is just around the corner and we are not allowed to pass out the Christmas gift bags as we have done in the past. This year gift cards will be given to our hospitalized veterans. Suggestions were from Fred Meyer in the amount of $10.00. These will be given to Volunteer Services at the beginning of December and will be passed out by Volunteer Service employees. Gift cards were suggested because they can be sanitized.
Today I received a letter from the Volunteer Service Office with a list of what will or will not be accepted at the hospital by order of Infection Control. Here is a list of items that are accepted and must be purchased from stores.
Accepted Items
- Masks (Surgical and N95)
- Cloth masks/head scarves
- Hand Sanitizer (STORE BOUGHT ONLY)
- Latex and Latex free gloves
- Track Phones for Community Reintegration Services
- iPads, Android Tablet, Kindle Fire
- Gift Cards
- New Backpacks
- New clothing items (sweatpants, sweatshirts, socks, winter clothing, coats, rain ponchos)
- Tents and tarps for Community Reintegration Services
- New, unused blankets and neck pillows
Not Accepted Items
- Afghans/lap blankets
- Crocheted/knitted items (scarves, hats, etc.)
- Homemade neck pillows
- Toiletries
- Magazines and books
- Holiday stockings
- Medical supplies
- ANY HOME-MADE ITEMS
Due to the spread of Corona Virus and safety precautions, Voluntary Services is suspending accepting and in-kind donations like used clothing, toiletries, hand-made items, magazines and books, until further notice.
ALL DONATIONS MUST GO THROUGH VOLUNTARY SERVICES
Voluntary Service at the Portland and Vancouver Campuses will continue accepting monetary donations thru the mail or e-donate. Remember to receive credit for any monetary donations should be sent to the Department of Oregon Auxiliary, treasurer, Sonya Sallee. If you should purchase items and wish to donate them to the hospital remember to send a donation slip with the amount spent to the VAVS Representative to ensure that you receive credit. If you should have any question, please feel free to contact me either by phone (503)620-1556 or by e-mail mw1948@frontier.com.
Sincerely,
Kathy Walsh
VAVS Representative
Portland VA Hospital