United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Portland VA Medical Center

Voluntary Service - Donations

VAVS volunteers and organizations yearly contribute over $530,000 in gifts and donations for clinics, Nursing Skilled Care Unit, Recreation Therapy, hospice, transitional lodging units, liver/kidney transplant units, and outreach programs.

Seasonal Donation Guidelines and Gift Ideas

Portland Donation Sheet

Vancouver Donation Sheet

Guideline for making donations to PVAMC

Voluntary Service Phone Numbers

Portland (503) 220-8262 Ext.55042
Vancouver (360) 696-4061 Ext. 31842

Portland Donations are accepted weekdays 7:30am to 4:00pm
Vancouver Donations are accepted Monday through Friday 8am to 3pm

PVAMC Needs List
This guideline covers many items, but if you have an item that is not listed, please call to discuss acceptability.

*Due to recent changes on the Vancouver campus, we are not accepting any used clothing at this time.

Clothing

Accepted

Not Accepted

  • Must be new, clean or in good condition - Underwear must be new
     
  • Caps, hats, men or women's underwear, shirts, jeans, sweat pants, shoes, socks, sweaters, suits, pajamas, coats, bathrobes, etc.
  • Men’s sizes XXL and larger
  • Used clothing
     
  • Used underwear
     
 
Comfort items

Accepted

Not Accepted

Toiletries:

  • Trial size
  • Toothpaste/toothbrushes, combs, hairbrushes, aftershave, shaving cream, women’s personal hygiene items, shower caps, razors, and cosmetics.

Toiletries:

  • Used items, or items that contain alcohol.
  • No used cosmetics
  • Lap Robes:

    • Crocheted or knitted.
    • 50”x 60”

    Bereavement Quilts:

    • 5’ x 7’ *Must be fabric with batting
    • 6’ x 7’ can be hand tied

    Bereavement Quilts:

    • Only one small organization label is permitted because quilts will have an embroidered message.

    Laundry Bags:

    • 22” x 30”

     

    Wheelchair Bags:

    • 18” x 15”

    Afghans and Quilts:

    • 5’ x 7’
       

    Ditty Bags:

    • 12” x 11”
     
    Recreation Materials

    Accepted

    Not Accepted

    Reading material:

    • Any month of Readers Digest, National Geographic, magazines and paperback books. (New or used accepted- must be in good condition)
    • All other magazines must be 6 months or newer.

    Reading material:

    • No more than 50 paperbacks per donation.
    • No more than 5 Romance Novels at a time.
    • No political, sexual, or religious materials.
    • No Hardback books.
    • Games, toys.
    • Jigsaw puzzles not accepted at this time.
    • Collectibles, knickknacks.

    Writing materials: Pens, envelopes and stamps.

    • Always accepted:
    • Envelopes must be new.
    • Stamp must be new and current postage rate.
    • New seasonal and all occasion cards for veterans to send.
     

    Games:

    • Cards, board games, etc.

     

     
    Food

    Accepted

    Not Accepted

    Because of Infection Control Issues Please:

    • Contact Voluntary Service before bringing in food.

     

     
    VA Observed Holidays

    Accepted

    Not Accepted

    • Cards, letters, and posters are accepted. Please do not include full name, addresses, or contact information.

    •  Due to religious diversity, no specific denomination can distribute or promote religious materials.

       

    *Please Do Not Use Full Name, Address, Contact Info.

    • We cannot distribute Religious materials.
     
    Medical Supplies & Equipment

    Accepted

    Not Accepted

    Medical Supplies:

    Medical Supplies:

    • We cannot accept any medical supplies or equipment.

    Equipment:

    • Contact Voluntary Service before donating.  

    Equipment:

    • All weapons, knives of any kind are not accepted.

    Voluntary Service can assist you in making contact with service organizations that may accept donations which we cannot use.

    These guidelines cover many donations, but if you have items to donate that have not been included please call the service before bringing the donation to PVAMC.

    Check the Voluntary Service newsletter for items that have been requested by various
    services at PVAMC.