Volunteer

Volunteering as Santa
All guest programs at the VA Pittsburgh Fisher House are provided by the donations of time, treasure and talent from community partners. Volunteers provide thousands of hours of service each year. There are 4 categories of volunteers for the house:

1. Volunteers who help at the Fisher House on a regular basis. These volunteers check in guests, assist with daily operations to include helping in the kitchen, accepting and organizing donations, returning calls, providing tours and spending time with guests. We are currently looking for regular volunteers for the specific roles listed below.

Volunteers interested in making a regular commitment will need to contact VA Pittsburgh Voluntary Services at 412-360-3990 for more information.
  • ​Baker: Our guests love delicious baked goods. Bake in our beautiful kitchen at Fisher House or in the comfort of your own home.
  • Kitchen/Laundry Room Organizer: We could always use help with tidying up the kitchen and laundry room, cleaning the area and refrigerators and making sure expired goods are quickly removed. This person would also assist in advising the house manager as to what items need to be purchased to keep our kitchen well stocked.
  • Inside Social Event Coordinator: We are looking for someone who can plan and coordinate special events for our guests at the house. All funding for the events will be provided. This person would use provided gift cards to purchase any needed supplies for the events. Events could include celebrations of wacky holidays (i.e. Donut Day, Chocolate Day, Peanut Butter Fudge Day…) or a popcorn/movie night at the house. All ideas are welcome!
  • Outside Social Event Coordinator: We are looking for someone who can coordinate events outside of the house for our guests, this would involve coordinating meal reservations or spa trips for mani/pedis, or a movie outing. Funding for these special outings will be provided by Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, a local 501c3 which supports our house and guests.
  • Meal Donation Coordinator: We would love to have someone on board who could visit/call some of the amazing, local restaurants near our home and coordinate with them a possible meal donation for our guests. 
2. Volunteers/ Groups who help on a one-time or “as needed” basis. Please contact the Fisher House Manager at 412-360-2030 if you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities or if you have an idea that will benefit our guests. We have ten guest suites at the Fisher House and stay full for the most part. We usually have between 10 – 15 guests staying here with us at any given time.
  • Pamper Party: Host a party with hand massages and nail painting. Professionals can provide families with chair massages or manicures. Guests truly love these events.
  • Snack Bags: Put together bags with various snacks for quests to “grab-n-go”. Snacks and bags can be provided for your group to assemble at the house or donations of the bags and items are greatly appreciated.
  • Host a Meal: Our guests are always grateful when organizations or groups host a meal at the house. We welcome 2 to 3 hosted meals per week, during weekday evenings or mornings, which is when the most guests are available to sit down and enjoy.
  • Sponsor a holiday: You, your family or organization can sponsor a home cooked holiday meal at the Fisher House or provide a meal from a restaurant for the Holiday. Choose a holiday and arrive with your team and food items to cook up a meal they will not soon forget.
  • Social Hour: Bring snacks or desserts and plan activities for the guests to do together. These events help alleviate stress, give guests the opportunity to spend time together and can provide positive, hopeful feelings.
  • Craft Kits: Put together approximately 12 craft kits and host a crafting party of your choosing. Supplies can be provided or donations are greatly appreciated. Guests can also take these to their room to put together and enjoy during their free time.
3. Volunteers/Groups who would like to entertain our guests at a movie, ballgame, restaurant or hair salon. Call the Fisher House Manager at 412-360-2030 if you are interested in scheduling one of the following events or you have an idea of your own.
  • Movie Night: Everyone loves a good movie! Sponsor a movie night and attend the movie with the guests at a local theatre. This is a great way to meet the guests and enjoy some time away.
  • Ballgame night: You or your group can sponsor a ballgame at PNC Park for the guests. Accompany them for the event and show off the city’s beautiful stadium.
  • Night out: Sponsor a night out for our guests to enjoy a meal away from the Fisher House. Choose a venue and accompany the guests for a dinner at a location of your choice.
4. Volunteering for the Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House
  • ​Capital Campaign Committee Members: Support the Board, staff and fellow members of the Campaign Committee to raise funds to build the 2nd Pittsburgh Fisher House with groundbreaking expected in 2023. We're seeking motivated and influential volunteers to serve on the Committee to help bring this exciting project to fruition! Completion of the 2nd Fisher House will more than double our capacity to serve more veterans and their families traveling to the Pittsburgh area for healthcare services. Contact Mr. CJ Johnston at [email protected] with letter of interest and qualifications.
  • Event volunteers: Support our fundraisers. Registration assistance, help with set-up and clean-up are all needed to make sure the events run smoothly. Please follow the link to Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House for Information on how to contact Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House regarding our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.