Volunteer: Help Families "Shop" for Gifts in our Free Holiday Gift RoomBe part of something special: assist families in our housing programs as they "shop" our free Holiday Gift Room and choose meaningful presents for their loved ones. Then, help them wrap their selections so every gift is ready to place under the tree. Your role will make a real difference - you'll provide a warm, welcoming presence as parents pick out toys and essentials for their children, restoring a sense of normalcy and joy during a challenging time. When: December 9th - 18th (various shifts available) Group size: Perfect for individuals or small groups of 2-4 people (4 volunteers per shift) Why it matters: Our Holiday Gift Room offers something different: a welcoming, pressure-free space where they can browse, ask questions, and get help wrapping—creating a joyful experience during a stressful season. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. About Families Forward Home Connection: The Families Forward Home Connection program provides supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Home Connection’s goal is to move families from homelessness to permanent housing with an emphasis on financial independence.Organization: Families Forward Be part of something special: assist families in our housing programs as they "shop" our free Holiday Gift Room and choose meaningful presents for their loved ones. Then, help them wrap their selections so every gift is ready to place under the tree. Your role will make a real difference - you'll provide a warm, welcoming presence as parents pick out toys and essentials for their children, restoring a sense of normalcy and joy during a challenging time. When: December 9th - 18th (various shifts available) Group size: Perfect for individuals or small groups of 2-4 people (4 volunteers per shift) Why it matters: Our Holiday Gift Room offers something different: a welcoming, pressure-free space where they can browse, ask questions, and get help wrapping—creating a joyful experience during a stressful season. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. About Families Forward Home Connection: The Families Forward Home Connection program provides supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Home Connection’s goal is to move families from homelessness to permanent housing with an emphasis on financial independence.Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Holiday Children's Activities at Families Forward New Directions ShelterWon't you help make a child's holiday season special? Volunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance. Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information: Volunteers are needed between 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.) Volunteers will interact with the children and help them participate in the activity. Children come and go during the event. Volunteers will do 2-3 sessions of the activity to allow all children to participate as they arrive home to the shelter for the evening. If you would like to plan or bring a craft or activity, please just let us know. We'd love your help in planning.Volunteers: All ages are welcome to volunteer. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Child volunteers should be signed up, too.Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. Large Group Volunteering for Children's Events: If you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy@familiesforward.org. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Won't you help make a child's holiday season special? Volunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance. Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information: Volunteers are needed between 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.) Volunteers will interact with the children and help them participate in the activity. Children come and go during the event. Volunteers will do 2-3 sessions of the activity to allow all children to participate as they arrive home to the shelter for the evening. If you would like to plan or bring a craft or activity, please just let us know. We'd love your help in planning.Volunteers: All ages are welcome to volunteer. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Child volunteers should be signed up, too.Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. Large Group Volunteering for Children's Events: If you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy@familiesforward.org. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Help Give Holiday Meals AwayYou can make a difference and impact food insecurity right here in our community. No family should be hungry. Be a welcoming face to a family in need. Help us get food home with those that are struggling for the December holidays. How volunteers will help -- Food Pantry Grocery Guides: Volunteers will "guide" families through the building, showing them all of the food options available. Then, volunteers push the grocery cart out to the families car in the parking lot and bring the grocery cart back inside. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward You can make a difference and impact food insecurity right here in our community. No family should be hungry. Be a welcoming face to a family in need. Help us get food home with those that are struggling for the December holidays. How volunteers will help -- Food Pantry Grocery Guides: Volunteers will "guide" families through the building, showing them all of the food options available. Then, volunteers push the grocery cart out to the families car in the parking lot and bring the grocery cart back inside. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Be a Holiday Hero at Families Forward New Directions ShelterJoin us in creating a memorable holiday season for families at the Families Forward New Directions Shelter! We need caring volunteers to help transform our shelter into a warm, festive home for the holidays. Help is needed: Mondays from 1:00pm - 3:00pmWednesdays from 9:00am - 11:00am or 5:30pm - 7:30pmFridays from 9:00am - 12:00pmHow you will help: Transform Our Shelter for the Holidays Help us create a warm, festive home for families this holiday season. Volunteers will organize and prepare our space so that children and parents can experience the joy and comfort they deserve. Curate Holiday Magic Sort and organize donated gifts and essential items for our Holiday Gift Room, where families can choose presents at no cost. Your work ensures every child has something special to open and every family has what they need. Prepare for the Season Ahead As the holidays wind down, help us thoughtfully pack away decorations and organize items for next year, setting us up for success in serving families year-round. Please note: Depending on our needs each day, you may help with one or more of these activities during your shift. Questions: Contact Missy Reams by email at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. Volunteer Information: Volunteers should be 10 years of age or older. Volunteers ages 10 - 14 must have an adult on site with them.We welcome 4 volunteers at time. Other dates and times: If you would like to bring a bigger group or come at a different time, please emailmissy@familiesforward.org. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Join us in creating a memorable holiday season for families at the Families Forward New Directions Shelter! We need caring volunteers to help transform our shelter into a warm, festive home for the holidays. Help is needed: Mondays from 1:00pm - 3:00pmWednesdays from 9:00am - 11:00am or 5:30pm - 7:30pmFridays from 9:00am - 12:00pmHow you will help: Transform Our Shelter for the Holidays Help us create a warm, festive home for families this holiday season. Volunteers will organize and prepare our space so that children and parents can experience the joy and comfort they deserve. Curate Holiday Magic Sort and organize donated gifts and essential items for our Holiday Gift Room, where families can choose presents at no cost. Your work ensures every child has something special to open and every family has what they need. Prepare for the Season Ahead As the holidays wind down, help us thoughtfully pack away decorations and organize items for next year, setting us up for success in serving families year-round. Please note: Depending on our needs each day, you may help with one or more of these activities during your shift. Questions: Contact Missy Reams by email at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. Volunteer Information: Volunteers should be 10 years of age or older. Volunteers ages 10 - 14 must have an adult on site with them.We welcome 4 volunteers at time. Other dates and times: If you would like to bring a bigger group or come at a different time, please emailmissy@familiesforward.org. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Help Give Toys Away at Families Forward Bidwell Toy PantryVolunteers are needed to help families shop for toys and stocking stuffers for each of their children. Click here to sign up. Help us make sure that every child's Christmas is special by volunteering in Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry! Helping over 1,000 children last year, we are so excited to get brand new toys out to children in need. Parents will "shop" through the free toy pantry to get a new toy, stocking-stuffer, book, and a stuffed animal for each child. Volunteers are needed to welcome families and help them shop! Why it matters: For many families, this may be their only opportunity to give their children gifts this holiday season. our support helps preserve the dignity and magic of gift-giving. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. About Families Forward: Families Forward has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help families shop for toys and stocking stuffers for each of their children. Click here to sign up. Help us make sure that every child's Christmas is special by volunteering in Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry! Helping over 1,000 children last year, we are so excited to get brand new toys out to children in need. Parents will "shop" through the free toy pantry to get a new toy, stocking-stuffer, book, and a stuffed animal for each child. Volunteers are needed to welcome families and help them shop! Why it matters: For many families, this may be their only opportunity to give their children gifts this holiday season. our support helps preserve the dignity and magic of gift-giving. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. About Families Forward: Families Forward has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 19, 2025 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Create a Fresh Start: Home Painting Volunteers NeededVolunteers are needed to put a fresh coat of paint on the inside of one of The Home Connection houses so that we can welcome in a new family. We are hoping to have 6-7 volunteers paint inside and 3-4 volunteers do some outside yardwork (fall clean up if the weather permits). Note: We will email you location / address of the home after you sign up.The Families Forward Home Connection program provides supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Home Connection’s goal is to move families from homelessness to permanent housing with an emphasis on financial independence. How you would be helping out: Painting interior walls of a home. Yard clean up (weather permitting)All supplies will be provided, but bring your favorite paint brush (if you'd like).Requirements: Volunteers should be 16 years of age or older to volunteer. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to put a fresh coat of paint on the inside of one of The Home Connection houses so that we can welcome in a new family. We are hoping to have 6-7 volunteers paint inside and 3-4 volunteers do some outside yardwork (fall clean up if the weather permits). Note: We will email you location / address of the home after you sign up.The Families Forward Home Connection program provides supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Home Connection’s goal is to move families from homelessness to permanent housing with an emphasis on financial independence. How you would be helping out: Painting interior walls of a home. Yard clean up (weather permitting)All supplies will be provided, but bring your favorite paint brush (if you'd like).Requirements: Volunteers should be 16 years of age or older to volunteer. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Stock the Food Pantry (evenings & weekends)Volunteers are needed to help stock the pantry on Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways: Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. Grocery Aisles: Stocking and facing grocery items.Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Note: Tuesday nights will be weekly again starting 10/14/25. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Bidwell Pantry: At the Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Serving up to 6,700 individuals per month, the Bidwell Pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help stock the pantry on Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways: Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. Grocery Aisles: Stocking and facing grocery items.Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Note: Tuesday nights will be weekly again starting 10/14/25. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Bidwell Pantry: At the Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Serving up to 6,700 individuals per month, the Bidwell Pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dinners for the Shelter during the HolidaysThank you for your interest in preparing dinner(s) for the families staying at New Directions Shelter. Dinners are primarily needed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dates Dinners Are Currently Needed: November December Wednesdays - 3, 31 (NY's Eve)Saturdays - 20, 27Thursdays - 25 (Xmas Day)January Thursday - 1st (NY's Day)Wednesdays - 7, 14, 21, 28Saturdays - 10, 17, 24, 31Sundays - 4, 11, 28, 25This opportunity involves preparing (or buying) and donating a well-balanced, child-friendly dinner. The meal needs to feed up to 20 people (mostly children). Food needs to be dropped off by 4:00 - 4:30 pm on the designated day. Meals are just dropped off; there is no serving involved. We do have the ability to heat/re-heat as needed. Drinks and/or desserts are not required but are appreciated.More information will be provided to you after sign up, or contact Melanie Wright if you have any questions. Office Phone 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Thank you for your interest in preparing dinner(s) for the families staying at New Directions Shelter. Dinners are primarily needed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dates Dinners Are Currently Needed: November December Wednesdays - 3, 31 (NY's Eve)Saturdays - 20, 27Thursdays - 25 (Xmas Day)January Thursday - 1st (NY's Day)Wednesdays - 7, 14, 21, 28Saturdays - 10, 17, 24, 31Sundays - 4, 11, 28, 25This opportunity involves preparing (or buying) and donating a well-balanced, child-friendly dinner. The meal needs to feed up to 20 people (mostly children). Food needs to be dropped off by 4:00 - 4:30 pm on the designated day. Meals are just dropped off; there is no serving involved. We do have the ability to heat/re-heat as needed. Drinks and/or desserts are not required but are appreciated.More information will be provided to you after sign up, or contact Melanie Wright if you have any questions. Office Phone 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Children's Hat and Glove Donation DriveEvery year, at our Holiday Toy Pantry, we provide hats and gloves for the 1,000 children receiving gifts at our event. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet. We need your help to make sure that these children have the warm essentials that they need for the cold winter days ahead. The hats and gloves are also used for the children at our child development center and our family shelter. Items are needed by Friday, December 12th. Drop Off Location: Families Forward Child Development Center 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315 Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue: Pull up by the back door of the yellow Child Development Center. Open the gate behind the Child Development Center and go to the very last door. The door is up 5 steps, and the glass window says “Administrative Office”. Ring the doorbell and someone will accept your donations. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Every year, at our Holiday Toy Pantry, we provide hats and gloves for the 1,000 children receiving gifts at our event. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet. We need your help to make sure that these children have the warm essentials that they need for the cold winter days ahead. The hats and gloves are also used for the children at our child development center and our family shelter. Items are needed by Friday, December 12th. Drop Off Location: Families Forward Child Development Center 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315 Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue: Pull up by the back door of the yellow Child Development Center. Open the gate behind the Child Development Center and go to the very last door. The door is up 5 steps, and the glass window says “Administrative Office”. Ring the doorbell and someone will accept your donations. Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 30, 2025 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Food Pantry VolunteersVolunteers are needed to help families get food, clothing and other basic necessities at the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Training is provided when a volunteer first arrives. Individual Signup: To sign up individually or up to 3 people, click here.Volunteers help in the following way each day: Food Pantry Guide: Guiding families through their grocery “shopping” experience. Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. If we are caught up with helping families get groceries, volunteers will help stock the grocery aisles.Volunteers needed Monday through Friday (day time and evening shifts) and some Saturdays. Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. About Families Forward Bidwell Pantry: At the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Help families “shop” through our free building for food, personal care items, clothing, and household items. Serving 6,000 - 9,000 individuals per month, our pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help families get food, clothing and other basic necessities at the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Training is provided when a volunteer first arrives. Individual Signup: To sign up individually or up to 3 people, click here.Volunteers help in the following way each day: Food Pantry Guide: Guiding families through their grocery “shopping” experience. Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. If we are caught up with helping families get groceries, volunteers will help stock the grocery aisles.Volunteers needed Monday through Friday (day time and evening shifts) and some Saturdays. Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. About Families Forward Bidwell Pantry: At the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Help families “shop” through our free building for food, personal care items, clothing, and household items. Serving 6,000 - 9,000 individuals per month, our pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Holiday Wish List for Families Forward New Directions Shelter & Home ConnectionThank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season! To sign up to help, click here! We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness: General Wish List Items – A variety of gifts to choose from to purchase for families in both New Directions Shelter and The Home Connection. These items need to be dropped off at New Directions Shelter by Friday, December 5th. To view the Wish List shopping list, click here. Essential Needs Baskets for The Home Connection – Donors would provide each family in The Home Connection with an essential needs basket. The estimated cost for each of these completed baskets is $250-$300. Donors are provided with a checklist of items that should be purchased & delivered to Families Forward by Friday, December 5th. To view the Essential Needs Basket shopping list, click here. You may choose to support both programs. We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones. Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Thank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season! To sign up to help, click here! We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness: General Wish List Items – A variety of gifts to choose from to purchase for families in both New Directions Shelter and The Home Connection. These items need to be dropped off at New Directions Shelter by Friday, December 5th. To view the Wish List shopping list, click here. Essential Needs Baskets for The Home Connection – Donors would provide each family in The Home Connection with an essential needs basket. The estimated cost for each of these completed baskets is $250-$300. Donors are provided with a checklist of items that should be purchased & delivered to Families Forward by Friday, December 5th. To view the Essential Needs Basket shopping list, click here. You may choose to support both programs. We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones. Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 8, 2025 Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Holiday Essential Needs Baskets for Families Forward Home ConnectionThank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season! To sign up to help, click here! We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness: General Wish List Items – A variety of gifts to choose from to purchase for families in both New Directions Shelter and The Home Connection. These items need to be dropped off at New Directions Shelter by Friday, December 5th. To view the Wish List shopping list, click here. Essential Needs Baskets for The Home Connection – Donors would provide each family in The Home Connection with an essential needs basket. The estimated cost for each of these completed baskets is $250-$300. Donors are provided with a checklist of items that should be purchased & delivered to Families Forward by Friday, December 5th. To view the Essential Needs Basket shopping list, click here. You may choose to support both programs. We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones. Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Thank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season! To sign up to help, click here! We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness: General Wish List Items – A variety of gifts to choose from to purchase for families in both New Directions Shelter and The Home Connection. These items need to be dropped off at New Directions Shelter by Friday, December 5th. To view the Wish List shopping list, click here. Essential Needs Baskets for The Home Connection – Donors would provide each family in The Home Connection with an essential needs basket. The estimated cost for each of these completed baskets is $250-$300. Donors are provided with a checklist of items that should be purchased & delivered to Families Forward by Friday, December 5th. To view the Essential Needs Basket shopping list, click here. You may choose to support both programs. We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones. Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 30, 2025 Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Make Tie Blankets (for Holiday Toy Pantry)You can make the difference in a child's life by coordinating an event to make tie (no-sew) blankets for our Holiday Toy Pantry. We'd love for each child to receive a warm blankie with their new toy. Last year, we served over 1,000 children at our event. Blankets are needed by Friday December 12th, but we can accept them later than this. This a great opportunity for groups, organizations, and employees that can't leave the office to volunteer or would like to do a service project. A team of two volunteers should be able to complete one blanket in an hour. For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please note: Companies/Volunteers will need to purchase the materials to make the blankets. You will need 2 pieces of fleece fabric per blanket 2 yards of fabric for each piece Sharp Scissors Ruler or tape measure optionalAbout Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward You can make the difference in a child's life by coordinating an event to make tie (no-sew) blankets for our Holiday Toy Pantry. We'd love for each child to receive a warm blankie with their new toy. Last year, we served over 1,000 children at our event. Blankets are needed by Friday December 12th, but we can accept them later than this. This a great opportunity for groups, organizations, and employees that can't leave the office to volunteer or would like to do a service project. A team of two volunteers should be able to complete one blanket in an hour. For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please note: Companies/Volunteers will need to purchase the materials to make the blankets. You will need 2 pieces of fleece fabric per blanket 2 yards of fabric for each piece Sharp Scissors Ruler or tape measure optionalAbout Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 18, 2025 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Host a Toy Drive! (for Families Forward Toy Pantry)Toys, toys, toys! Every year, the Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves up to 1,000 children in the Des Moines Metro. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet, and the toys they receive at the Toy Pantry may be the only gifts that they receive. Won't you help make a child's Christmas bright? Toys are needed by Friday, December 12, 2025. Click here to see our entire shopping list. The Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves all children ages 0 to 18. Most Needed Items: Teenager Gifts Toys and Age-appropriate Gifts for ages 0-18 Stocking Stuffers Books (new or gently-used) Hats & Gloves Stuffed Animals (new or "looks-like" new) Blankets & Quilts Gift Cards to Walmart, Target, & Amazon ($20) All items should be brand new.Drop Off Location & Hours: Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue: Questions or To Schedule a Drop Off: For questions or to schedule evening and weekend drop offs, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Toys, toys, toys! Every year, the Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves up to 1,000 children in the Des Moines Metro. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet, and the toys they receive at the Toy Pantry may be the only gifts that they receive. Won't you help make a child's Christmas bright? Toys are needed by Friday, December 12, 2025. Click here to see our entire shopping list. The Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves all children ages 0 to 18. Most Needed Items: Teenager Gifts Toys and Age-appropriate Gifts for ages 0-18 Stocking Stuffers Books (new or gently-used) Hats & Gloves Stuffed Animals (new or "looks-like" new) Blankets & Quilts Gift Cards to Walmart, Target, & Amazon ($20) All items should be brand new.Drop Off Location & Hours: Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue: Questions or To Schedule a Drop Off: For questions or to schedule evening and weekend drop offs, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Dec 18, 2025 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Coat Drives (& Warm Winter-Wear)Help us provide warm coats and winter-wear for those struggling financially in our community. We believe everyone has the right to be warm and be protected from the cold Iowa winter weather. The following new and gently-used items are needed: Warm hats and gloves Scarves Thermal underwear Socks / thermal socks Coats Snow pants Snow bootsDrop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 48 hours for scheduling. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Help us provide warm coats and winter-wear for those struggling financially in our community. We believe everyone has the right to be warm and be protected from the cold Iowa winter weather. The following new and gently-used items are needed: Warm hats and gloves Scarves Thermal underwear Socks / thermal socks Coats Snow pants Snow bootsDrop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 48 hours for scheduling. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Jan 31, 2026 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Make No-Sew T-shirt BagsNeed a project to do at home? We need bags for the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Recycle your old t-shirts into no-sew t-shirt bags. We can use over 120 t-shirt bags per day, so we welcome large donations of these bags. (We are now serving 6,000 to 9,000 people per month.) Please let us know if you would like someone from Families Forward to come share the impact that this project provides to our organization and those we serve.Making no-sew t-shirt bags is a great project that you can do from home and allows you to re-purposes an old t-shirt. No-sew t-shirt bags are sturdier than plastic bags, can hold more food items, and be re-used. This project is also kid-friendly and environmentally friendly. We also need used plastic grocery bags, paper grocery bags and cloth bags. Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 For Instructions: Click here to view the instructions to make the bags. Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Need a project to do at home? We need bags for the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Recycle your old t-shirts into no-sew t-shirt bags. We can use over 120 t-shirt bags per day, so we welcome large donations of these bags. (We are now serving 6,000 to 9,000 people per month.) Please let us know if you would like someone from Families Forward to come share the impact that this project provides to our organization and those we serve.Making no-sew t-shirt bags is a great project that you can do from home and allows you to re-purposes an old t-shirt. No-sew t-shirt bags are sturdier than plastic bags, can hold more food items, and be re-used. This project is also kid-friendly and environmentally friendly. We also need used plastic grocery bags, paper grocery bags and cloth bags. Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 For Instructions: Click here to view the instructions to make the bags. Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Collect Used Plastic Grocery Bags for PantryThe Bidwell Pantry needs used plastic grocery bags to help bag up the pantry guests’ groceries. The Bidwell Pantry serves 6,000 to 9,000 individuals per month. With the rising costs of food and supplies, you can help make a difference more than ever. We also accept used paper grocery bags and cloth bags. We are currently serving between 100 to 150 families per day and need 2-3 bags for each person's groceries. Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward The Bidwell Pantry needs used plastic grocery bags to help bag up the pantry guests’ groceries. The Bidwell Pantry serves 6,000 to 9,000 individuals per month. With the rising costs of food and supplies, you can help make a difference more than ever. We also accept used paper grocery bags and cloth bags. We are currently serving between 100 to 150 families per day and need 2-3 bags for each person's groceries. Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315 Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Clothing Donation DrivesHost a Clothing Donation Drive to help provide clothing and needed items to those struggling financially in our community. The Families Forward Bidwell Pantry serves between 6,000 to 9,000 people each month, so all sizes and ages of clothing are welcome. (All items are free to those that come to our pantry.) Scheduling a Drop Off Donations that are more than 5 garbage bags or boxes must be scheduled 2-3 days in advance. To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 2-3 business days for scheduling.Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315
About Families Forward: Families Forward has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Host a Clothing Donation Drive to help provide clothing and needed items to those struggling financially in our community. The Families Forward Bidwell Pantry serves between 6,000 to 9,000 people each month, so all sizes and ages of clothing are welcome. (All items are free to those that come to our pantry.) Scheduling a Drop Off Donations that are more than 5 garbage bags or boxes must be scheduled 2-3 days in advance. To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 2-3 business days for scheduling.Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315
About Families Forward: Families Forward has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |