Information about donating to VVA

How can I donate to VVA?

VVA accepts donations of household goods and clothing in 30 states in the continental United States. To make a donation, please refer to the state map. Identify your area and call the phone number referenced.

VVA also accepts monetary donations through its foundation, which can be made by sending check or money order to:

Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund
8605 Cameron Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910

You can also visit them on-line at: www.vvafund.org.

What information will I need to give to the call center operator?

1. You will need to provide your name, address and phone number. Also include distinguishable landmarks to help the driver find your house.
   

2. Specify how much you will be donating. Please be as specific as possible when describing the amount being donated.
   

3. Refer to the list of acceptable items located on the back of the flyer.

Do I have to wait until VVA notifies me to make a donation?

No, VVA is usually in your area every week so donations can be arranged by calling the phone number referenced for your area.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, however there are guidelines to how the donations must be claimed. The General Donation Guidelines will provide you with a brief overview, however, please contact a tax accountant for professional advice.

How can I get a receipt for the goods I donated?

The drivers picking up your donation are required to leave a receipt for the goods that are picked up.  However, if you do not get a receipt one can be issued to you by VVA’s national office.  To request a receipt, please email: hgsp@vva.org.

Do my donations go directly to veterans?

No, the donations are sold to thrift stores and the money received from the sale of the goods is used to fund our programs.  However, VVA sponsors a program that provides vouchers to veterans in need of household items and clothing that can be used at the thrift stores we contract with.

Where should I place donated items?

When making a request for a pickup you may specify where the donated items will be left. Please remember that VVA is unable to enter apartments, houses or garages. Therefore all donations must be left in an area that is easily accessible.

Are there special pickups if you live in an apartment?

VVA is not allowed to enter buildings, so find out from your building manager or community representative about the rules for leaving donations out. Some towns and neighborhoods have strict rules about curb-side pickup.

What if I want to give more to VVA than I told the call center?

Pickups are scheduled based on the carrying capacity of trucks. If pickups are significantly larger than expected, this could result in delays or postponement of the following pickups.  Please let us know as soon as you identify the difference by calling the phone number you called to schedule the pickup.

Clothing of all types and sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s), clothing accessories, shoes (all kinds), baby items, house and glasswares, books, toys, bikes, stereos, radios, portable TVs, all bedding, draperies, curtains, kitchenware, usable small furniture and rugs, small appliances, tools (all kinds), jewelry and cosmetics, ALMOST ANYTHING!

Why doesn't VVA accept furniture and large items?

Most VVA contracting thrift stores do not sell furniture and large items, therefore VVA does not accept these kinds of donations.

Why doesn't VVA accept broken appliances?

VVA does not employ technicians and therefore is unable to fix broken items. 

Can I drop off a donation?

Yes! Contact VVA by email at hgsp@vva.org to find the nearest VVA contracting thrift store in your area.

Why don't you service my area?

VVA’s Household Goods Donation Program, contracts with privately-owned thrift stores. If there is no VVA contracting thrift store in your area then unfortunately VVA is unable to do a pickup in your area. For a list of areas that VVA services, please click here.

What if there is no VVA contracting thrift store in my area?

Any thrift store wanting to contract with VVA's donation program can contact VVA directly at:

Vietnam Veterans of America
Attn: Household Goods Donation Program
8605 Cameron Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Or, send an e-mail to hgsp@vva.org.

How can I get off of the VVA mailing list?

To request to be taken off the VVA mailing list please return the solicitation form you received, with a note explaining that you would like to be taken off the mailing list, to Vietnam Veterans of America at 8605 Cameron Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email hgsp@vva.org and include your name and address in the text of the email.

How can I get off of the VVA calling list?

Call your local VVA calling center explaining that you would like to be taken off the call list or email hgsp@vva.org and include your name and address in the text of the email and "take me off the call list" as the subject of the email.

About VVA

How do I join VVA?

What percentage of money goes into veterans programs?

For the 2005 fiscal year, ending on February 28, 2005, 68% of VVA's money was spent on programs; 23% was spent on general administrative costs; and 9% percent was spent on fundraising.

What other programs do you offer for Vietnam veterans?

VVA offers programs that address the concerns and needs of Vietnam veterans. To learn about VVA programs or become a member of VVA, please log on to the VVA web site or you may browse a brief description of our programs by clicking here.

How can I verify that the VVA is an official charitable organization?

To verify the authenticity of the VVA Household Goods Donation Program (HGSP), contact your state Attorney General's office. The charities bureau of the Attorney General’s office will have VVA’s current registration on file. If you would like a copy of any of VVA’s tax filings or financial reports, please email: hgsp@vva.org.