Volunteer: Day of the Dead VolunteerAbout Day of the Dead Day of the Dead is one of the Des Moines Art Center’s largest annual events. This free community celebration includes art activities, performances, food, and experiences for visitors of all ages. We’re looking for volunteers to help
support the event and create a welcoming, organized experience for visitors. What Day of the Dead Volunteers Do Depending on the assignment, volunteers may: Greet and orient visitors Assist with hands-on art activities—no art experience required Support performances and community partners Help visitors navigate the building and event schedule Encourage participation and answer basic questions Assist with light setup or cleanupVolunteers always work alongside staff
and receive clear instructions and support. Time Commitment Day of the Dead takes place once a year Typical shifts range from 2–4 hours Morning, afternoon, setup, and cleanup opportunities may be available No ongoing volunteer commitment is requiredWho We’re Looking For Day of the Dead volunteers are: Friendly, dependable, and comfortable interacting with the public Interested in supporting families, children, and community members Able to work in a lively and busy environment At least 14 years old No prior museum or event experience is requiredThis role is well-suited for students,
educators, artists, retirees, families, community groups, and anyone interested
in supporting a major community event. Why Volunteer? Support a free community celebration Help visitors enjoy a busy and exciting event Gain experience in museum and event settings Meet people who care about art and communityHelp the Art Center be a place where everyone feels welcomeHow to Get Involved Volunteer assignments and event details are provided before the event. Interested? Fill out the Volunteer Application: Or contact Mia Buch at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org. Organization: Des Moines Art Center About Day of the Dead Day of the Dead is one of the Des Moines Art Center’s largest annual events. This free community celebration includes art activities, performances, food, and experiences for visitors of all ages. We’re looking for volunteers to help
support the event and create a welcoming, organized experience for visitors. What Day of the Dead Volunteers Do Depending on the assignment, volunteers may: Greet and orient visitors Assist with hands-on art activities—no art experience required Support performances and community partners Help visitors navigate the building and event schedule Encourage participation and answer basic questions Assist with light setup or cleanupVolunteers always work alongside staff
and receive clear instructions and support. Time Commitment Day of the Dead takes place once a year Typical shifts range from 2–4 hours Morning, afternoon, setup, and cleanup opportunities may be available No ongoing volunteer commitment is requiredWho We’re Looking For Day of the Dead volunteers are: Friendly, dependable, and comfortable interacting with the public Interested in supporting families, children, and community members Able to work in a lively and busy environment At least 14 years old No prior museum or event experience is requiredThis role is well-suited for students,
educators, artists, retirees, families, community groups, and anyone interested
in supporting a major community event. Why Volunteer? Support a free community celebration Help visitors enjoy a busy and exciting event Gain experience in museum and event settings Meet people who care about art and communityHelp the Art Center be a place where everyone feels welcomeHow to Get Involved Volunteer assignments and event details are provided before the event. Interested? Fill out the Volunteer Application: Or contact Mia Buch at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org. Organization: Des Moines Art Center Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On Nov 1, 2026 Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Children's Activities at New Directions ShelterVolunteers 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 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: Oakridge Holiday Assistance DriveHOLIDAY GIVING The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the community, and your gift to Oakridge Neighborhood can make a lasting impact on families and individuals. Here's how you can make a difference: GIFT CARDS & CASH DONATIONS Donations of cash or gift cards to Walmart,Hy-Vee, Dollar General, etc. provide vital assistance for families to use for food, clothing, and essentials. SHOES & WINTER GEAR Give
the gift of warmth this season with new shoes, sweatshirts, coats, underwear, and socks
for the children and families at Oakridge. All sizes welcome from youth to adults. HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS & PERSONAL CARE ITEMS Please help our low-income families have a brighter holiday season by donating household products, personal care items, diapers, and blankets. Organization: Oakridge Neighborhood Services HOLIDAY GIVING The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the community, and your gift to Oakridge Neighborhood can make a lasting impact on families and individuals. Here's how you can make a difference: GIFT CARDS & CASH DONATIONS Donations of cash or gift cards to Walmart,Hy-Vee, Dollar General, etc. provide vital assistance for families to use for food, clothing, and essentials. SHOES & WINTER GEAR Give
the gift of warmth this season with new shoes, sweatshirts, coats, underwear, and socks
for the children and families at Oakridge. All sizes welcome from youth to adults. HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS & PERSONAL CARE ITEMS Please help our low-income families have a brighter holiday season by donating household products, personal care items, diapers, and blankets. Organization: Oakridge Neighborhood Services Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50314 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Volunteers Power SafeNetRx!With the influx of medication donations and increasing need for medication assistance, we need your help. Our volunteers assist in logging incoming donations into our inventory. Learn more about how you can make a difference in our community and sign up to volunteer at SafeNetRx today! Organization: SafeNetRx With the influx of medication donations and increasing need for medication assistance, we need your help. Our volunteers assist in logging incoming donations into our inventory. Learn more about how you can make a difference in our community and sign up to volunteer at SafeNetRx today! Organization: SafeNetRx Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50111-5282 Allow Groups: Yes |