Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Volunteer: HORSES, HUMANS, HOPE, HEALING - Start with ORIENTATION

We offer a one-hour ORIENTATION for all interested in learning more about Rhythms of Grace, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that partners with special horses to offer healing and hope to children and adults with special needs. During ORIENTATION, you'll discover the benefits of volunteering and how you can be a part of the success of our participants. After attending ORIENTATION, individuals may sign up for TRAINING and find the volunteer opportunity that suits their interests.

After training, voluntees may walk beside riders with disabilities, groom, take and lead horses and help care for the horses outside. There are more than 130 volunteer hour shifts available each week. 

Organization: Rhythms of Grace

We offer a one-hour ORIENTATION for all interested in learning more about Rhythms of Grace, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that partners with special horses to offer healing and hope to children and adults with special needs. During ORIENTATION, you'll discover the benefits of volunteering and how you can be a part of the success of our participants. After attending ORIENTATION, individuals may sign up for TRAINING and find the volunteer opportunity that suits their interests.

After training, voluntees may walk beside riders with disabilities, groom, take and lead horses and help care for the horses outside. There are more than 130 volunteer hour shifts available each week. 

Organization: Rhythms of Grace

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 8, 2025

Zip Code: 50063

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Organizing Donations at our Shelter

Volunteers are needed to organize our donation area and do light cleaning in our shared living spaces (living room, dining room, and kitchen). ​Volunteers would be organizing clothing, personals/toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cleaning products, school supplies, food items, and much more. We provide basic necessities every month for up to the 77 families staying in New Directions Shelter, The Home Connection, and our other housing programs.​

​This is a great project for a single person to work on, or you can sign up to bring a group (up to 10 people at a time). Volunteers should be 10 and older. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. 

Questions? Sign up to receive more information or 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 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. 

Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service, but our food pantry does. 

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 organize our donation area and do light cleaning in our shared living spaces (living room, dining room, and kitchen). ​Volunteers would be organizing clothing, personals/toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cleaning products, school supplies, food items, and much more. We provide basic necessities every month for up to the 77 families staying in New Directions Shelter, The Home Connection, and our other housing programs.​

​This is a great project for a single person to work on, or you can sign up to bring a group (up to 10 people at a time). Volunteers should be 10 and older. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. 

Questions? Sign up to receive more information or 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 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. 

Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service, but our food pantry does. 

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: Sept. 9 Adult Literacy Volunteer Literacy Tutor Orientation


Volunteer Literacy Tutor (Coach) Orientation

DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th St, Des Moines

Tuesday, September 9

10:30 AM to Noon


To attend the orientation, volunteers complete a literacy coach application:

Volunteer Literacy Coach Application

This orientation is open to anyone who has a desire
to learn and guide an adult whose goal is
to improve his or her life through literacy. 

Volunteer literacy coaches make a huge difference in a struggling reader's life.

You meet one-to-one with an assigned adult from the community or with a new Iowan who needs
to improve his or her English reading, writing, and/or speaking skills.

Email Vickie Merrifield, vlmerrifield@dmacc.edu, or stop by Room 110, Building 1,
Des Moines Urban Campus for information or to obtain an application.


Organization: Adult Literacy Center at DMACC


Volunteer Literacy Tutor (Coach) Orientation

DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th St, Des Moines

Tuesday, September 9

10:30 AM to Noon


To attend the orientation, volunteers complete a literacy coach application:

Volunteer Literacy Coach Application

This orientation is open to anyone who has a desire
to learn and guide an adult whose goal is
to improve his or her life through literacy. 

Volunteer literacy coaches make a huge difference in a struggling reader's life.

You meet one-to-one with an assigned adult from the community or with a new Iowan who needs
to improve his or her English reading, writing, and/or speaking skills.

Email Vickie Merrifield, vlmerrifield@dmacc.edu, or stop by Room 110, Building 1,
Des Moines Urban Campus for information or to obtain an application.


Organization: Adult Literacy Center at DMACC

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 9, 2025

Zip Code: 50314

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Produce Table Volunteer

In Partnership with Lutheran Services of Iowa, we are looking for a volunteer every Tuesday from 3:30-5:30pm to supervise the produce table. Members of the community would come into the vestibule and pick up their produce, and the volunteer's job would be to sit at the table provide support for those coming in to pick up produce, and help unpack produce upon delivery.

Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Iowa

In Partnership with Lutheran Services of Iowa, we are looking for a volunteer every Tuesday from 3:30-5:30pm to supervise the produce table. Members of the community would come into the vestibule and pick up their produce, and the volunteer's job would be to sit at the table provide support for those coming in to pick up produce, and help unpack produce upon delivery.

Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Iowa

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 50320

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm - Team Building for Volunteer Groups

Are you looking for a great team-building volunteer opportunity for your work group/department, school team or group, church group, social club, or friend group? If so, we invite you to learn, work and have some fun together in the Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm! We currently have several dates available in October, with the greatest need on Mondays and Fridays.

The hydroponic farm is a 3,000 square foot indoor farm capable of producing 20,000 pounds of leafy greens a year. Our farm provides some of our most at risk populations in the metro a source of fresh, healthy greens year-round. We also provide greens to other WesleyLife and local communities.

Training will be provided for every task. We do not require a background in gardening or farming and only ask that you have an open mind and drive to help feed others. We can accommodate groups up to 15 people per 2-hour shift, and we offer three shifts daily, Monday through Friday (10 a.m. - Noon; Noon to 2 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Come help us grow nutrition for those who need it most!

The tasks on our farm include:

Seeding: This task is what it sounds like, seeding all of our baby plants! This task is good for someone who likes to sit and enjoy the peace that comes with putting a seed in a hole. This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Harvesting: This is when our plants begin to become salad! This will include removing rafts from the system and cutting the heads from the roots. There will also be plenty of cleaning and working alongside the packing team as needed. This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Packing: The packing process is when our lettuce heads get washed, dried, and packed into bags. Often done in tandem with harvesting, this is the step that prepares our food to go! This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Cleaning: The most important of all tasks! Cleaning ensures our facility is both healthy for our plants and those we serve. This includes cleaning hydroponic systems, kitchen ware, floors, walls, etc. This task is done daily and anyone who comes to the farm should be ready to clean.

Once you express interest in volunteering at the farm from this listing, you will receive separate communication from Claire Smith, Assistant Grower. You can also reach out to her directly at csmith6@wesleylife.org.

Volunteering at the Meals on Wheels hydroponic farm only takes place Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

Organization: WesleyLife

Are you looking for a great team-building volunteer opportunity for your work group/department, school team or group, church group, social club, or friend group? If so, we invite you to learn, work and have some fun together in the Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm! We currently have several dates available in October, with the greatest need on Mondays and Fridays.

The hydroponic farm is a 3,000 square foot indoor farm capable of producing 20,000 pounds of leafy greens a year. Our farm provides some of our most at risk populations in the metro a source of fresh, healthy greens year-round. We also provide greens to other WesleyLife and local communities.

Training will be provided for every task. We do not require a background in gardening or farming and only ask that you have an open mind and drive to help feed others. We can accommodate groups up to 15 people per 2-hour shift, and we offer three shifts daily, Monday through Friday (10 a.m. - Noon; Noon to 2 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Come help us grow nutrition for those who need it most!

The tasks on our farm include:

Seeding: This task is what it sounds like, seeding all of our baby plants! This task is good for someone who likes to sit and enjoy the peace that comes with putting a seed in a hole. This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Harvesting: This is when our plants begin to become salad! This will include removing rafts from the system and cutting the heads from the roots. There will also be plenty of cleaning and working alongside the packing team as needed. This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Packing: The packing process is when our lettuce heads get washed, dried, and packed into bags. Often done in tandem with harvesting, this is the step that prepares our food to go! This is done over 1 to 2 days during the week. Cleaning: The most important of all tasks! Cleaning ensures our facility is both healthy for our plants and those we serve. This includes cleaning hydroponic systems, kitchen ware, floors, walls, etc. This task is done daily and anyone who comes to the farm should be ready to clean.

Once you express interest in volunteering at the farm from this listing, you will receive separate communication from Claire Smith, Assistant Grower. You can also reach out to her directly at csmith6@wesleylife.org.

Volunteering at the Meals on Wheels hydroponic farm only takes place Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

Organization: WesleyLife

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 50311

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Children's Activities at the Shelter

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 at a time.    

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 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. 

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

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 at a time.    

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 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. 

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: Light The Night Iowa

At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night we gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by cancers. Friends, families, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors join together to bring light to the darkness of cancer. The funds raised by this community fund lifesaving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Join us in the fight to cure cancer! This is a family-friendly event with a Kids Glow Zone area, great local food vendors, fireworks show and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Volunteer at our event to help fight blood cancer!

Organization: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night we gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by cancers. Friends, families, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors join together to bring light to the darkness of cancer. The funds raised by this community fund lifesaving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Join us in the fight to cure cancer! This is a family-friendly event with a Kids Glow Zone area, great local food vendors, fireworks show and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Volunteer at our event to help fight blood cancer!

Organization: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Sep 10, 2025

Zip Code: 50023

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Girls on the Run Coach - Fall 2025

Warm-up your spirit fingers, lace up your sneakers and inspire a group of girls to be strong and healthy. Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate our easy to follow curriculum with small groups of girls over the course of 8 weeks. Amidst the conversation, laughter, hugs and energy awards, you will witness transformational change in the girls and don’t be surprised if you realize that you are positively changing as well! Ready to make a difference and encourage girls to realize their full potential? The first step is signing up. Ready, Set, Coach!

Organization: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Warm-up your spirit fingers, lace up your sneakers and inspire a group of girls to be strong and healthy. Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate our easy to follow curriculum with small groups of girls over the course of 8 weeks. Amidst the conversation, laughter, hugs and energy awards, you will witness transformational change in the girls and don’t be surprised if you realize that you are positively changing as well! Ready to make a difference and encourage girls to realize their full potential? The first step is signing up. Ready, Set, Coach!

Organization: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Sep 15, 2025 through Nov 9, 2025

Zip Code: 50265

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Camp Volunteer Day

Camp Hantesa is a local summer camp for youth in grades K-12. With more than 150 acres, it takes a lot of extra hands to maintain our facilities and grounds. Join us for a day of service dedicated to closing our seasonal facilities, making minor maintenance improvements, and beautifying camp for our campers!

Organization: Camp Fire Heart Of Iowa

Camp Hantesa is a local summer camp for youth in grades K-12. With more than 150 acres, it takes a lot of extra hands to maintain our facilities and grounds. Join us for a day of service dedicated to closing our seasonal facilities, making minor maintenance improvements, and beautifying camp for our campers!

Organization: Camp Fire Heart Of Iowa

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 18, 2025

Zip Code: 50036

Allow Groups: Yes


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: Family BBQ and Game Night

We are hosting a BBQ dinner and game night.  Dinner will be open and free to the public. Our goal is to serve 200 meals in one night.

Organization: Community Hand Up

We are hosting a BBQ dinner and game night.  Dinner will be open and free to the public. Our goal is to serve 200 meals in one night.

Organization: Community Hand Up

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 7, 2025

Zip Code: 50266

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Night Eyes - Iowa's Merry Not Scary Halloween Event

Night Eyes 
Help us celebrate Night Eyes, October 16 - 19 & 23 - 26
We are looking for volunteers who want to have fun and celebrate Halloween at the Zoo!
Volunteer Age Requirement:  13 & Up!
 Volunteer opportunities include:
           Candy Runners
           Treat Stations
           Specialized costume characters
           Zone Captains
           Fun Zone Attendants
 The following shifts are available during Night Eyes: 4:30 – 9:00pm
 To sign up:  https://signup.com/go/XzjTBMJ

Organization: Blank Park Zoo

Night Eyes 
Help us celebrate Night Eyes, October 16 - 19 & 23 - 26
We are looking for volunteers who want to have fun and celebrate Halloween at the Zoo!
Volunteer Age Requirement:  13 & Up!
 Volunteer opportunities include:
           Candy Runners
           Treat Stations
           Specialized costume characters
           Zone Captains
           Fun Zone Attendants
 The following shifts are available during Night Eyes: 4:30 – 9:00pm
 To sign up:  https://signup.com/go/XzjTBMJ

Organization: Blank Park Zoo

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Oct 16, 2025 through Oct 26, 2025

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Help Us Plan our Perennial Flower Beds

Families Forward New Directions Shelter has several flower beds in front our family shelter (giant, 3-story red brick house) and several behind. We are looking for a volunteer (or a small group) that is interested in helping us plan perennials into these flower beds to make maintenance and support of these flower beds easier. The family shelter is located at 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315. 

We have numerous perennials at our other location where our child development center and pantry are located. Volunteers have done a wonderful job over the last ten years of donating and planting numerous perennials. The plants could potentially be split and planted at the family shelter. 

We have many volunteers that love to help us with our projects. We are just looking for some plant-savvy volunteers to help us create a diagram, or plan, of which plants should go into which flower beds. We want to allow these plants to thrive and create a beautiful yard for the children to play in and their families to enjoy. 

Timing for this project is flexible, and we can meet with you during the week, evenings or weekends. Volunteers can be involved in the planting, but not required. We also would welcome the donation of perennial plants. 

Questions? Contact Missy Reams.Email: missy@familiesforward.org Phone: 515-989-8404Text:  515-346-8895

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

Families Forward New Directions Shelter has several flower beds in front our family shelter (giant, 3-story red brick house) and several behind. We are looking for a volunteer (or a small group) that is interested in helping us plan perennials into these flower beds to make maintenance and support of these flower beds easier. The family shelter is located at 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315. 

We have numerous perennials at our other location where our child development center and pantry are located. Volunteers have done a wonderful job over the last ten years of donating and planting numerous perennials. The plants could potentially be split and planted at the family shelter. 

We have many volunteers that love to help us with our projects. We are just looking for some plant-savvy volunteers to help us create a diagram, or plan, of which plants should go into which flower beds. We want to allow these plants to thrive and create a beautiful yard for the children to play in and their families to enjoy. 

Timing for this project is flexible, and we can meet with you during the week, evenings or weekends. Volunteers can be involved in the planting, but not required. We also would welcome the donation of perennial plants. 

Questions? Contact Missy Reams.Email: missy@familiesforward.org Phone: 515-989-8404Text:  515-346-8895

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 Oct 18, 2025

Zip Code: 50312

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Fence Build for a Family of 8 (PM Shift)

Salomon and his family of eight have been working hard with our Housing Counseling team in our pre-purchase counseling program to be able to get to the point where they would qualify for a home. They have been working to raise their credit and bring down their debt. Salomon even took up another job and hasn’t been able to see his kids for three months in order to be able to purchase a home.

On top of that, Salomon has been trying to figure out how to secure the yard for his 6 children because of loitering near the yard due to a nearby restaurant. We are so happy to announce that thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo, we will be able to provide the family with a fence for free! They are overjoyed at the news! Now we just need a great group of volunteers to come out and help us get the job done!

What to Expect: Join us for a day of hard work and teamwork as we construct and paint a fence that will not only protect their property but also provide a sense of safety for the children. No prior construction experience is needed.

After you register here, Jayson Shaffer from HOME, Inc. will reach out to you about how to get fully registered. Please keep an eye out for that email! 

What to Bring

Please wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes (crocs, birkenstocks, and similar shoes are not considered close toed shoes.) Water / A reuseable water bottle Sunscreen A willingness to help!

What We Provide: 

All necessary supplies, tools, and PPE Water fill up station SnacksA warm sense of community and the chance to positively impact someone's life.

Why Volunteer? This project is more than just building a fence; it’s about giving this family and their kids a safe place to play and grow and create memories! By volunteering your time and skills, you will help create a space for these children to thrive.

Location: Address will be given after you have registered to maintain homeowner privacy.

Organization: HOME, Inc.

Salomon and his family of eight have been working hard with our Housing Counseling team in our pre-purchase counseling program to be able to get to the point where they would qualify for a home. They have been working to raise their credit and bring down their debt. Salomon even took up another job and hasn’t been able to see his kids for three months in order to be able to purchase a home.

On top of that, Salomon has been trying to figure out how to secure the yard for his 6 children because of loitering near the yard due to a nearby restaurant. We are so happy to announce that thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo, we will be able to provide the family with a fence for free! They are overjoyed at the news! Now we just need a great group of volunteers to come out and help us get the job done!

What to Expect: Join us for a day of hard work and teamwork as we construct and paint a fence that will not only protect their property but also provide a sense of safety for the children. No prior construction experience is needed.

After you register here, Jayson Shaffer from HOME, Inc. will reach out to you about how to get fully registered. Please keep an eye out for that email! 

What to Bring

Please wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes (crocs, birkenstocks, and similar shoes are not considered close toed shoes.) Water / A reuseable water bottle Sunscreen A willingness to help!

What We Provide: 

All necessary supplies, tools, and PPE Water fill up station SnacksA warm sense of community and the chance to positively impact someone's life.

Why Volunteer? This project is more than just building a fence; it’s about giving this family and their kids a safe place to play and grow and create memories! By volunteering your time and skills, you will help create a space for these children to thrive.

Location: Address will be given after you have registered to maintain homeowner privacy.

Organization: HOME, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 23, 2025

Zip Code: 50314

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Celebrate the Harvest

Join other volunteers from throughout our community in helping bring in the harvest! Enjoy the weather and help your neighbors in need.

Organization: Faith and Grace Garden

Join other volunteers from throughout our community in helping bring in the harvest! Enjoy the weather and help your neighbors in need.

Organization: Faith and Grace Garden

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Oct 30, 2025

Zip Code: 50266

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Group Tree Planting Opportunity

Are you looking for a fun way for your corporate team or service group to give back while spending time outdoors? We have a great opportunity for you!

We're looking for groups of 10+ volunteers to help us increase the tree canopy in low equity neighborhoods around Des Moines. Adding trees to a community has a ton of benefits, including an increase in physical and mental health!

We're currently scheduling tree planting shifts for this fall, with opportunities in October on Wednesdays and Fridays. We're already filling out our schedule, so reach out soon if you'd like to help in our mission. Email bcook@treesforever.org to get more information!

Organization: Trees Forever

Are you looking for a fun way for your corporate team or service group to give back while spending time outdoors? We have a great opportunity for you!

We're looking for groups of 10+ volunteers to help us increase the tree canopy in low equity neighborhoods around Des Moines. Adding trees to a community has a ton of benefits, including an increase in physical and mental health!

We're currently scheduling tree planting shifts for this fall, with opportunities in October on Wednesdays and Fridays. We're already filling out our schedule, so reach out soon if you'd like to help in our mission. Email bcook@treesforever.org to get more information!

Organization: Trees Forever

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Oct 31, 2025

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Girls on the Run 5K presented by EMC Insurance

Do you love to give back? Support our big day as a volunteer. There are roles for every skill, interest, and ability level! Volunteer tasks include packet pick-up, merchandise, water station and welcome committee.

Sign-up here: https://www.pinwheel.us/r/8ZP1oYe

Organization: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Do you love to give back? Support our big day as a volunteer. There are roles for every skill, interest, and ability level! Volunteer tasks include packet pick-up, merchandise, water station and welcome committee.

Sign-up here: https://www.pinwheel.us/r/8ZP1oYe

Organization: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Nov 9, 2025

Zip Code: 50309

Allow Groups: No