Every day, members of the armed forces and their families give service to our country—and communities such as Tacoma, Washington, have the opportunity to answer that service with action. In the weeks around Veterans Day, we often pause to reflect and honor, but the need — and the opportunity — to support veterans continues all year long. This article highlights how residents in Tacoma can step forward to engage with and assist veterans in meaningful ways.

Whether someone is seeking hands-on involvement, donating goods, or building ongoing relationships of support, there are local nonprofits, clinics, donation drives, and year-round programs ready to connect volunteers with veterans in their community. The following sections explore how those who want to serve can participate—both immediately and sustainably.

Local Organizations Helping Veterans and Their Families

In Tacoma and the surrounding Pierce County, several nonprofits provide direct services to veterans and their dependents. For example, DAV Chapter #1 (Disabled American Veterans) in Tacoma has been supporting veterans and their families for more than a century, assisting with claims and general support. Similarly, the MVETS Department of Washington in Tacoma serves as a veterans service organization offering advocacy, quality-of-life initiatives, and connection to veteran-specific benefits.

For veterans who are experiencing homelessness, Tacoma Rescue Mission offers shelter space and specialized case-management staff specifically for veterans, including those dealing with PTSD, housing, and employment concerns. By aligning with and volunteering through these nonprofits, residents of Tacoma can connect their time, skills, or donations with organizations that already have infrastructure designed to support veterans and their families.

Donation Drives and Community Contributions

Aside from serving in volunteer roles, supporting veterans often begins with donations of goods or funds. At local veteran service offices and nonprofit groups, there are regular donation drives for clothing, personal care items, food, gift cards, and other support. For example, the nonprofit housing transition program in Tacoma may accept specific items for veterans moving into stable housing.

Additionally, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary refers to donation ideas such as one-on-one visits, reading to a resident, or helping with outings at veterans’ homes. Residents can gather gently used clothing, prepare care packages, organize gift card drives, or coordinate seasonal contributions. By participating in donation drives, community members support veterans’ basic needs and dignity year-round, not just during a single holiday moment.

Hands-On Volunteering at Veteran Clinics and Homes

For those who prefer more direct interaction, opportunities exist at clinic settings and veterans’ homes in and around Tacoma. At VA Puget Sound Health Care—which includes the medical center at American Lake near Tacoma—volunteers are matched to roles such as escorts and shuttle drivers, information desk staff, recreation therapy, chaplain services, and more.

Furthermore, the state-run veterans homes in Washington welcome volunteers for one-on-one visits, reading aloud, helping with events, or simply spending time playing games or chatting with residents. You may need to complete volunteer training, background checks, or TB screening before serving, but your personal time can help bridge social isolation for veterans and enrich their day-to-day lives.

Building Ongoing Support Beyond One Day of Recognition

Support for veterans is most effective when it continues beyond a single holiday, such as Veterans Day. Consistent year-round outreach makes a difference. Local resources like the Pierce County Veterans Program provide emergency food, rental, and utility assistance for veterans in need—volunteers can offer administrative help, mentorship, or outreach services.

Also, forming relationships with veterans through mentorship, peer-support groups, or local college veterans centers, such as the Veteran & Military Resource Center (VMRC) at the University of Washington Tacoma, offers continuity in educational and life-transition support. When community members commit to helping veterans serve, train, live, and learn, the impact grows stronger with every interaction and every season.

Volunteering Within Social and Mental-Health Support Networks

Veterans often face unique challenges related to mental health, rehabilitation, reintegration into civilian roles, and peer connection. Local organizations such as NAMI Pierce County offer dedicated outreach to veterans and active-duty personnel, providing pathways for volunteers to contribute to mental health education and crisis intervention.

Volunteers with empathy and a willingness to learn may assist in hearing groups, social-activity coordination, wellness workshops, transportation services for clinic visits, or veteran-peer-led events. Communities that engage in these support networks help reduce isolation and build stronger social connections for veterans who may otherwise go unseen.

Serving those who have served our country goes well beyond a single day of observance. For residents of Tacoma, you have options—from joining veteran-service nonprofits, donating items and resources, volunteering hands-on in clinics or homes, to supporting year-round mentorship and social-health networks. When community members make a sustained commitment, veterans receive more than gratitude—they receive practical support, meaningful connection, and ongoing presence.

By reaching out to organizations based in Tacoma and the surrounding area, you become part of a movement that honors service with action. Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice, the effort you invest helps veterans reclaim connection, dignity, and opportunity in civilian life. A strong, informed community stands with its veterans every day.

Sources: davtacoma.org, amvetswa.org, trm.org, pugetsoundveterans.org, va.gov, tacoma.uw.edu
Header Image Source: pexels.com