To the Journal editor:

April 20-26 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. At Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti, we salute all of our volunteers past and present. Our volunteers play a vital role, allowing allow us to do more for the veteran members who live here.

MVHDJJ is incredibly fortunate to be located in this community. Whenever we put out a call, our dedicated volunteers and supporters respond wholeheartedly. In 2025, we are grateful to have a vibrant in-person volunteer program.

Volunteers assist with activities like bingo, music, and crafts. They provide friendly visits, support members at end-of-life through our “No Member Dies Alone” program, pet therapy visits, assist with outings, and much more.

Local service organizations and businesses regularly host our veteran members for lunches and sponsor special events such as an on-site fishpond, ice cream socials and grounds clean ups. Our veteran members’ lives are greatly enriched because of volunteer support.

Our volunteers serve on behalf of veterans service organizations, service clubs, local businesses, schools and churches. Many supporters have no special affiliation beyond their commitment to serving veterans. Our registered volunteers have donated a collective 77,000+ lifetime hours to our Home.

It is simply incredible how our community supports our veterans! Whether it is ongoing volunteering or a one-time partnership, we encourage you to consider serving our veterans too. H. Jackson Browne, Jr. said it well: “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

On behalf of our veterans and staff. we salute all volunteers – and especially the volunteers of MVH D.J. Jacobetti during 2025’s Volunteer Appreciation Week!

With gratitude,