Every Thursday, volunteer Jill Sperling rolls into the West LA VA with hot drinks and snacks—plus warmth and laughter. Inspired by her military family, Jill’s coffee cart has grown into a gathering place, reminding Veterans they’re cared for, honored and never forgotten. (Photos courtesy of Jill Sperling).
By Marc Coronel/American Red Cross
This November, in honor of Veterans Month, the American Red Cross celebrates not only the women and men who served their country but also our Service to the Armed Forces volunteers who support them every day. Through hospital programs, community events and countless acts of kindness, these volunteers bring comfort, care and unwavering support to veterans.
Jill Sperling is one such volunteer. When she first joined the Red Cross, she wasn’t sure where she would fit in. But one program immediately captured her heart: running the coffee cart at the Veteran’s Administration hospital (VA) in West Los Angeles, offering small gestures that make a big difference for those who served.
As the daughter, daughter-in-law and niece of retired service members, Jill was deeply drawn to the idea of showing up for Veterans in a small but meaningful way.
“I wanted to bring joy to the military members who gather in the lobby, waiting for their appointments,” Jill shared. “I had started studying our past wars and after hearing stories from my family, I realized this was my chance to learn directly from our brave soldiers.”
Nearly every Thursday morning, Jill wheels the Red Cross coffee cart into the lobby with steaming pots of coffee, hot chocolate, tea and an array of snacks. It’s become her favorite morning of the week.
“On Thursdays, I turn to my husband and say, ‘What’s today?’ And he smiles and says, ‘Your favorite morning of the week.’”
The Veterans look forward to it too. The cart has grown from serving 40 cups of coffee to more than 100, plus hot water for tea and cocoa. Jill brings special touches, like citrus from her garden, moon pies, or tangerines from a roadside stand. For some unhoused Veterans, those pieces of fruit are a rare treat and an important source of vitamin C. “They love it,” she said. “It’s more than a snack; it’s a reminder that someone cares.”
One story stands out for Jill: her friendship with Bill, a Veteran in a wheelchair. The first time she saw him, he was struggling to wheel himself up the steep driveway at the VA. Jill joked, “Bill, next time I’m bringing a rope and towing you up this hill behind me!” It became the beginning of a close bond. Over time, Jill shared her own struggles and stories with him, from her health challenges to the funny antics of her rescue animals. When family obligations kept her away from the VA for several weeks, Bill grew concerned. He asked a Direct Support Professional at the VA; someone Jill works closely with at the hospital where she was. That extra step of checking in touched Jill deeply. “He cared enough to ask about me,” she said. “It reminded me that the relationships we’re building are real.”
For Jill, moments like these capture the true spirit of the Red Cross mission. Something as simple as a cup of coffee creates space for connection, dignity, and community.
“Most of the Veterans remember the Red Cross from their service days,” Jill explained. “Some even ask about the Donut Dollies. When they see the coffee cart, they’re reminded that the Red Cross is still here, still showing up.”
Diana Boyd (left), the Red Cross LA Region Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director, awards Jill Serling (right) as Volunteer of the Quarter for being the sole VA Coffee Cart volunteer over an eight month period.
The lobby itself has changed because of the cart. What used to be a place of waiting has become a place of gathering. Veterans meet, share stories and laugh together over a hot drink. Jill has even advocated for a round table to give them space to play cards or puzzles while they wait. Though she has volunteered in many different roles with the Red Cross from disaster response to community programs, the coffee cart has a special place in Jill’s heart.
“Being part of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program allows me to honor my family, my friends and all who have served. It’s my way of giving back and saying thank you.” When asked why she keeps coming back week after week, Jill didn’t hesitate: “It’s the people. Making them laugh, letting them know they’re not forgotten. That’s what keeps me rolling the cart through those doors every Thursday morning.”
For Jill, every cup of coffee is more than a drink, it’s a reminder that no Veteran ever mustface life’s challenges alone, thanks to the Red Cross.
Follow this link to learn more about becoming a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer!
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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