When the pandemic first hit, the Disabled American Veterans program lost many of its regular volunteer drivers. Now, there's a significant need for volunteers to drive veterans to and from their medical appointments at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse or elsewhere.

Officials with the DAV program said they need help in areas all across Central New York, as well as the North Country and the Southern Tier. DAV Recruiting Coordinator William Gleason said before the pandemic, the program had around 200 volunteer drivers, but that number has ultimately been cut in half.

Drivers are needed to pick up veterans at their homes and either bring them to the VA Medical Center or to other medical offices for appointments. Many of the volunteers are retired and decided to take a break at the onset of the pandemic. Now that things with COVID have improved, Gleason says there's hope more drivers will come forward.

Gleason says that by giving up as little as a few hours once day a week can make a big difference for veterans in need.

"We've got to take care of our people that fought, too. So, that is an ongoing thing. We've got people from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, you know. We need to help those people that can't help themselves," said Gleason.

Volunteer drivers must be at least 21-years-old and have a clean driving record. Gleason says that if you'd rather not drive, you can still aid DAV's efforts by answering phones and doing office work.

In addition to the Syracuse area, help is needed in specific areas of the North Country like Massena, Ogdensburg and Potsdam. Volunteers are also needed in areas south of Syracuse, like Auburn, Binghamton, Ithaca and Norwich.

The DAV program has about 40 vans in areas across Central and Northern New York, as well as the Southern Tier. There are both morning and afternoon shifts available.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer driver or desk clerk, you're encouraged to contact the Syracuse recruiter office at 315-425-4343.