Volunteers play a crucial role in Western State Hospital programs and Volunteer Services ability to improve the lives of those suffering from mental illness. Volunteers embody hope, empowerment, self-responsibility and life fulfillment. If you are looking at a way to make a lasting difference in a person’s life, become a WSH volunteer today!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Volunteer Services Director, Tina Kincaid at 540-332-8595 or tina.kincaid@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering

Volunteer Services relies on supportive friends in the community to bridge the gap between government funding and the hospital’s desire to make our patients’ stay more enjoyable. All donations are used solely for the purpose of comfort and welfare of our patients. You can help by making a contribution in one or more of the following ways:

Cash Donations
Monetary contributions give Volunteer Services the flexibility to use funds where the need is greatest. You are always welcome to designate your gift in honor of a friend or in memory of a loved one. To submit a donation "in honor or memoriam," please include the name of the person you wish to honor/memoriam and the name and address of a family member so that we can acknowledge the gift. Checks should be payable to �Volunteer Services for Western State Hospital� and sent to:

Volunteer Services
Western State Hospital
PO Box 2500
Staunton, VA 24479

Be sure to include the name of individual(s) being honored or remembered and the mailing address of those you wish to be notified.

Non-Cash Donations
Non-cash donations are used solely for the comfort and welfare of our patients. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby and placed in the black donation bin anytime between 8AM-8PM daily. For large donations, please call Volunteer Services in advance to make an appointment for dropping off items. Our current non-cash needs include:

• Shoes (Tennis and shower shoes)
• Men�s jeans
• Belts/suspenders
• Journals and composition books
• Snacks and drinks (plastic bottles only)
• Items for BINGO:
• watches
• wallets
• sunglasses
• headphones
• MP3 players
• AM/FM radios
• Items for patients being discharged:
• hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, razors, shaving cream)
• silverware
• cooking utensils
• pots and pans
• laundry baskets
• laundry cleaning supplies
• cleaning supplies
• linens
• bath towels
• dish towels

Frequently asked questions about donations