The IVH Volunteer Service is a great program with a tradition of quality service to veterans. Volunteers are persons 12 years of age or older who are registered with the Volunteer Service Department and perform volunteer duties under the direction of IVH. The individual’s desire to serve and his/her ability to fulfill the requirements of the particular volunteer position will be the factors considered. Volunteer Services directs volunteers and groups where their services are needed. It provides orientation and training for volunteers. Both individual and group activities are credited to the organization through our computerized volunteer records system, and individual volunteers are eligible for a variety of awards and recognition.
Each year hundreds of people, working individually or through their veterans and community organizations, are providing thousands of hours of health care service to veterans. Without the help of volunteers, the IVH could not provide the quality of health care it offers Iowa’s 90,000 veterans today.
You are invited to become a part of our IVH team as a volunteer. The gift of you can make a difference to our residents: to their spirits, their health, and their general well being. The veterans have served all of us through their military duty. They have fought battles, manned defenses and, often, made great sacrifices for us. As they and their spouses enter the personal battles of disability, illness, and old age, it is our turn to serve them. Through individuals and community groups and organizations, we are able to serve them better.
For more information on volunteer opportunities at IVH, contact:
Volunteer Services
IOWA VETERANS HOME
1301 Summit Street
MARSHALLTOWN IA 50158-5485
Phone: 641-753-4371
The Iowa Veterans Home is grateful for the donations that individuals, organizations and businesses contribute to our residents and facility. However, due to recent overwhelming generosity, we find that many of the items we normally request are not needed at this time. We have limited storage space, so we will only be able to accept the items on the list below until further notice. Monetary donations are always welcome.
NEEDED FOR:
Canteen Book Fund: Supplies canteen books to indigent residents
Christmas Gift Fund: Purchases a Christmas Gift for every resident
Recreation Fund: Provides admission for residents to recreational activities, such as the
zoo, IMAX Movie Theater, museums and sporting events; provides phone cards, postage stamps and greeting cards to residents; purchases plants for resident garden boxes; funds resident bowling program; purchases popcorn and supplies for Tuesday popcorn program
Please send Checks to: Volunteer Services
Made out to: IOWA VETERANS HOME
1301 Summit Street
MARSHALLTOWN IA 50158-5485
The following donations should be sent or delivered to the IVH Quartermaster Department. Hours for delivery are between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you wish to deliver a donation at a different time, arrangements must be made with the Director of Volunteer Services by calling 641-753-4406.
“Word Search” puzzle books (no crosswords or Sudoku puzzles)
Cans of soda pop (both regular & sugar-free)
Candy bars – full size & snack size
Individually wrapped snack items (“Little Debbie” snacks, cracker packs, etc.)
Sample-sized bottles of men’s aftershave or cologne (new items only)
Forever Postage Stamps
50 lb. bags of white popcorn
CLOTHING DONATIONS: Men’s clothing in size XL or larger and women’s clothing in size L or larger. Please make sure clothing is CLEAN and in good repair.
Specific clothing items needed in sizes listed:
- Men’s pants, sweat pants, t-shirts, flannel shirts, sweat shirts, lightweight jackets, medium weight jackets, winter coats and hooded sweat shirts with zippers.
- Women’s blouses and elastic waist pants.
We can accept a limited number of the following items – please call 641-753-4406 before sending/delivering:
Greeting cards – all occasions and all holidays
Paperback books – especially westerns, mysteries/legal thrillers and books about war
In addition to the items listed in IVH Policy No. 142, the following items will not be accepted:
Children’s clothes
Soiled/torn clothing
Comforters
Pillows
Sheets
Blankets
Drapes
Toys
Pots and pans
Dishes
Used toiletries (i.e. lotions, soaps, shaving cream, etc.)
Dry clean only
High heel shoes or slick bottom shoes
Formal dresses (i.e. prom, wedding, etc.)
Jeans
To arrange a delivery, donors are encouraged to always contact the Director of Volunteer Services Office at 641-753-4406.
Policy No. 142 was approved at IVH to define the guidelines regarding donations of property to the Iowa Veterans Home from the general public and service organizations for residents of the Iowa Veterans Home. The policy is effective August 21, 2009.
The new policy states that IVH will accept a limited amount of donated items at any given time, based on the availability of space, need, and condition of items. The policy further states that all items must be clean, safe and workable and that IVH may decline any items that do not comply with these guidelines.
If an individual or organization wishes to donate any items to the IVH, they are encouraged to contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 641-753-4406. The Volunteer Services Office maintains a list of needed items and items that will not be accepted; this list will be amended as necessary and provided to the Quartermaster (QM), Switchboard, and Security personnel.
Donations should be delivered to the QM. Hours for donation delivery are Monday – Friday from 7 am – 3 pm; deliveries outside of the set hours must receive prior approval and must be scheduled through the Volunteer Services Office. These arrangements will then be coordinated with QM, Switchboard, and Security personnel, and/or other affected areas.
Donated items will be recorded on Itemized Donation Documentation, form #475-0257. Forms will be available in the Quartermaster area unless other arrangements have been made with Volunteer Services.
According to Policy No. 142, various restrictions apply to donations of property:
A. Medical Equipment
The Iowa Veterans Home will not accept used medical equipment (e.g. power mobility devices, walkers, canes, beds) due to liability and health regulations.
B. Electronic Devices
Only new electronic devices will be accepted.
C. Furniture Items
The Iowa Veterans Home will accept donations of new furniture based on needs. Used furniture items will not be accepted.
D. Clothing
All clothing for residents should be wash and wear; wool garments and other non-washable clothes are discouraged. Clothing should be washed prior to delivery.