BALTIMORE — During GivingTuesday, November 29, the VA Maryland Health Care System encourages the community to help support local veterans through charitable donations or volunteer opportunities.

At the VA Maryland Health Care System, community members can support the Veterans Holiday Gift Program, which was established to provide gifts to hospitalized veterans at the Baltimore, Loch Raven and Perry Point VA Medical Centers during the December holidays.

“The holidays can be especially tough for hospitalized veterans at one of our three VA medical center,” said Jonathan R. Eckman, director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. “Our community’s support during this time of the year can go a long way for those who volunteered their service in defense of our great country.”

To contribute to the Veterans Holiday Gift Program this Giving Tuesday, visit Pay.gov, click on “Continue to the Form,” select “VA Maryland Health Care System” under the “Facility” dropdown menu, complete the form, select “VA Maryland Holiday Account” under the “Program Donation” dropdown menu, click on “Continue,” and follow the instructions provided.

Opportunities are also available by donating time — such as becoming a virtual volunteer, driving veterans to their appointments or volunteering in a specific assignment at on Maryland’s three VA medical centers.

To learn more about donating or becoming a volunteer, contact the Voluntary Service Office for the VA Maryland Health Care System at 410-642-2411, ext. 25409, or visit our Volunteer or donate website.