Everyone is wondering what can be reported as community service hours here you go:
VFW Community Service: What Counts & What Doesn't
To ensure our service hours are reported accurately, use these guidelines to determine what qualifies as community outreach.Approved Service Categories
We focus on activities that provide direct benefit to the public and those in need.
Activities that primarily support the VFW Post or internal operations do not qualify as community service.
Report Volunteer Hours
- Aid to Others: Delivering meals, visiting patients in VA hospitals/nursing homes, and volunteering at blood drives or shelters.
- Community Improvement: Highway, park, or cemetery cleanups, disaster relief, and building wheelchair ramps for neighbors.
- Military Support: Organizing welcome home ceremonies, assembling care packages, and providing emergency funding for military families.
- Americanism & Citizenship: Teaching flag etiquette, organizing holiday parades, and educational classroom presentations.
- Youth Programs: Sponsoring sports teams, coordinating essay contests (Voice of Democracy/Patriot's Pen), and supporting local Scout troops.
- Public Safety: Hosting CPR/AED classes, fire safety seminars, and distributing drug awareness materials.
- Post Maintenance: Painting, lawn mowing, or repairs on the physical Post building.
- Internal Operations: Cooking for fundraisers, running bingo nights, or attending member meetings.
- VFW Campaigns: Distributing "Buddy"® Poppies or membership recruitment drives.
- Routine Ceremonies: Flying the flag at the Post or Honor Guard details at VFW member funerals.
- Exclusive Church Activities: Ushering or teaching Sunday school for a single congregation.
- Civic Club Meetings: Only counts if you are attending as an official representative to co-sponsor a community project (e.g., a joint food drive).
- Other VSO Events: Only counts if you are performing specific services (e.g., a VFW Service Officer assisting with VA claims).
- Coffee with Veterans: Only counts if your Post formally hosts a structured "Coffee Vitality" or peer support program for the public/homeless veterans.
