Volunteer or Donate
VA Northern California Health Care System depends on the good will of our benefactors and volunteers who wish to give something back to America's heroes.
Guitars for Vets

The Guitars for Vets program provides guitars and guitar instruction at no cost to Veterans struggling with physical injuries, PTSD, and other emotional distress. Learn More.
Veterans Wish List
If you are considering responding to this wish list, please call the Voluntary Services Office first, to confirm the need still exists at 916-366-5372 and talk to Voluntary Services Staff. Download the Wish List.
Volunteer or Give
VA Northern California Health Care System serves over 400,000 Veterans from Yreka to Oakland California. Our health care system is able to provide enhanced patient-centered care thanks to the generosity of our community members and service organizations. We have over 1,200 regularly scheduled volunteers who donate over 100,000 hours of their time annually providing assistance to our Veterans. Volunteers are placed not only at our outpatient clinics and hospital but in our local Veterans' Centers and the VA National Cemetery in Dixon.
Volunteering
Volunteers contribute greatly to the enhanced level of care provided to both our inpatients and outpatients. Each volunteer's interests and skills are matched with various needs resulting in an enhanced patient-centered care. Each volunteer's talents are closely matched with one of our many assignments.
If you are interested in volunteering, please send email to v21nchcsvavsstaff@va.gov. Include in your email how you would like to help our Veterans, what special skills you want to use and the days/times of the week you are available to volunteer. Once a position is identified then we provide you the application and explain our process. All volunteers must have current TB test and complete background checks prior to placement. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
Giving
Cash donations are used for the comfort and welfare of our Veteran patients, including —
- hygiene products
- refreshment supplies
- internet access for patients in our Martinez Center for Rehabilitation and Extended Care and also for Oakland patients
- recreational activities
Non-cash contributions are used to make our patients' stay more enjoyable. Items which are accepted include —
- magazines and books
- coffee and condiments
- new or gently used clothing
- telephone cards
To make a cash or non-cash contribution, please contact the VA Northern California Health Care System, Voluntary Service Program Office in Sacramento at (916) 366-5372.