Volunteer: Dinners for Families Forward New Directions ShelterThank 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: February Saturday - 21, 28Sunday - 22March Saturday - 21, 28Sunday - 1, 15, 29Wednesday - 4, 11, 18, 25April Saturday - 18, 25Sunday - 5, 12, 19, 26Wednesday - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29This 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: February Saturday - 21, 28Sunday - 22March Saturday - 21, 28Sunday - 1, 15, 29Wednesday - 4, 11, 18, 25April Saturday - 18, 25Sunday - 5, 12, 19, 26Wednesday - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29This 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 Activities at Families Forward 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: LSI Holidays Donation DriveHappy Holidays! This season is all about giving, and together, we can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Join our Holiday Donation Drive by contributing items for families in our community. Your generosity helps ensure everyone can share in the warmth of the season. Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. We proudly serve all 99 counties in Iowa through our programs in Early Childhood, Services for People with Disabilities, Mental Health, Immigrant and Refugee Services, and Foster Care and Adoption. We would love your support during this joyous time! Please drop off donations at LSI’s office, 3200 University Avenue, Des Moines. Our clients’ biggest needs include: Hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, hand and body soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products Cleaning products: laundry detergent, trash bags, cleaning wipes, dish soap, sponges, toilet cleaner, paper towels Home items: quilts for twin XL, full, or queen beds Baby care: diapers (all sizes), baby wipes School supplies: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons, English language learning books Other: Walmart or gas station gift cards Global Greens Needs: Seeds, Gardening gloves, Hand gardening tools, Shovels,Hoes, Garden rakes, Digging forks, Buckets, Watering cans, Gas cards, Hoses One-time needs: Landscaping trailer (1) Push mower (we could take a couple) Weed trimmer (we could take a couple) Thank you for helping LSI share the spirit of the season with Iowa families! Organization: Lutheran Services In Iowa - Des Moines Happy Holidays! This season is all about giving, and together, we can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Join our Holiday Donation Drive by contributing items for families in our community. Your generosity helps ensure everyone can share in the warmth of the season. Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. We proudly serve all 99 counties in Iowa through our programs in Early Childhood, Services for People with Disabilities, Mental Health, Immigrant and Refugee Services, and Foster Care and Adoption. We would love your support during this joyous time! Please drop off donations at LSI’s office, 3200 University Avenue, Des Moines. Our clients’ biggest needs include: Hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, hand and body soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products Cleaning products: laundry detergent, trash bags, cleaning wipes, dish soap, sponges, toilet cleaner, paper towels Home items: quilts for twin XL, full, or queen beds Baby care: diapers (all sizes), baby wipes School supplies: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons, English language learning books Other: Walmart or gas station gift cards Global Greens Needs: Seeds, Gardening gloves, Hand gardening tools, Shovels,Hoes, Garden rakes, Digging forks, Buckets, Watering cans, Gas cards, Hoses One-time needs: Landscaping trailer (1) Push mower (we could take a couple) Weed trimmer (we could take a couple) Thank you for helping LSI share the spirit of the season with Iowa families! Organization: Lutheran Services In Iowa - Des Moines Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50311 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: BGCCI Embrace-A-FamilyThis holiday season, we warmly invite you to help bring happiness to club members in need through our annual Embrace-A-Family program. There are two ways to get involved: Donors will be paired with families to select gifts from club members’ wish lists. Alternatively, you can make a financial contribution, and our team will handle the shopping for you. If you’d like to shop for our club members, you can sign up with this form: BGCCI Embrace-A-Family Sign Up – Fill out form Embrace a family details: Donors are asked to spend around $80 per child. You will be paired with a family and provided with wish lists from the club member(s) shortly after signing on. Gifts must be dropped off by 12/12. Drop off at 1421 Walker St. Des Moines. (Parking across the street.) You can drop off anytime Monday-Friday from 9:00-4:00. Reach out if this doesn't work for you. We can arrange a different time or come to you. Leave gifts unwrapped. Donations of wrapping paper and tape are also welcome! If you have any questions, or would like to make a financial donation instead, reach out to Ben Elliott at belliott@bgcci.org or 515-205-8901 Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Iowa This holiday season, we warmly invite you to help bring happiness to club members in need through our annual Embrace-A-Family program. There are two ways to get involved: Donors will be paired with families to select gifts from club members’ wish lists. Alternatively, you can make a financial contribution, and our team will handle the shopping for you. If you’d like to shop for our club members, you can sign up with this form: BGCCI Embrace-A-Family Sign Up – Fill out form Embrace a family details: Donors are asked to spend around $80 per child. You will be paired with a family and provided with wish lists from the club member(s) shortly after signing on. Gifts must be dropped off by 12/12. Drop off at 1421 Walker St. Des Moines. (Parking across the street.) You can drop off anytime Monday-Friday from 9:00-4:00. Reach out if this doesn't work for you. We can arrange a different time or come to you. Leave gifts unwrapped. Donations of wrapping paper and tape are also welcome! If you have any questions, or would like to make a financial donation instead, reach out to Ben Elliott at belliott@bgcci.org or 515-205-8901 Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Iowa Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50316 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: Snacks for ProgramsThe Young Women’s Resource Center offers in-school and after-school groups where students can connect, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive space. Many of our participants face food insecurity, and snacks make a real difference in helping them stay nourished and focused. We’re collecting individually packaged grab-and-go snacks for our groups. Suggested snack items include: · Uncrustables · Granola or Fruit Bars · Cheese Sticks · Beef Jerky · Applesauce Pouches or Cups · Juice Boxes · Chips · Crackers · Cookies Organization: Young Women's Resource Center The Young Women’s Resource Center offers in-school and after-school groups where students can connect, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive space. Many of our participants face food insecurity, and snacks make a real difference in helping them stay nourished and focused. We’re collecting individually packaged grab-and-go snacks for our groups. Suggested snack items include: · Uncrustables · Granola or Fruit Bars · Cheese Sticks · Beef Jerky · Applesauce Pouches or Cups · Juice Boxes · Chips · Crackers · Cookies Organization: Young Women's Resource Center Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Grocery gift cardsPurchase grocery store coupons for clients served across our program areas to alleviate the growing burden of food insecurity. Gift cards will be distributed at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry and through the Community Resource Coordination Program, which serves a broad range of clients. Gift cards can be purchased as a virtual or physical gift card. Physical gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Catholic Charities attn: Rebecca Kannegiesser 601 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50309 Stores to purchase from: Fareway: https://www.fareway.com/ HyVee: https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/search?search=gift+card Aldi: giftcards can bepurchased in person. Recipient email for gift card purchases: charities@catholichcharitiesdm.org Organization: Catholic Charities of Des Moines Purchase grocery store coupons for clients served across our program areas to alleviate the growing burden of food insecurity. Gift cards will be distributed at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry and through the Community Resource Coordination Program, which serves a broad range of clients. Gift cards can be purchased as a virtual or physical gift card. Physical gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Catholic Charities attn: Rebecca Kannegiesser 601 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50309 Stores to purchase from: Fareway: https://www.fareway.com/ HyVee: https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/search?search=gift+card Aldi: giftcards can bepurchased in person. Recipient email for gift card purchases: charities@catholichcharitiesdm.org Organization: Catholic Charities of Des Moines Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Clothing and Essential Items gift cardsPurchase gift cards for clothing and other essential household items to help out clients prepare for job interviews, upcoming life events, or moving into more permanent housing. Gift cards will be distributed across our program areas in Central Iowa. Gift cards can be purchased virtually or in-person. Physical gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Catholic Charities attn: Rebecca Kannegiesser 601 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50309 Stores to purchase from: Kohls: e-gift cards JCPennys: e-gift cards WalMart: e-gift cards Target: e-gift cards Recipient email: charities@catholiccharitiesdm.org Organization: Catholic Charities of Des Moines Purchase gift cards for clothing and other essential household items to help out clients prepare for job interviews, upcoming life events, or moving into more permanent housing. Gift cards will be distributed across our program areas in Central Iowa. Gift cards can be purchased virtually or in-person. Physical gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Catholic Charities attn: Rebecca Kannegiesser 601 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50309 Stores to purchase from: Kohls: e-gift cards JCPennys: e-gift cards WalMart: e-gift cards Target: e-gift cards Recipient email: charities@catholiccharitiesdm.org Organization: Catholic Charities of Des Moines Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50309 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Donate Essentials to Fill the Bins for People in Need!We get a lot of foot traffic in our office and are working to create and supply a free, take what you need essentials bin for people in need. We are looking for donations of the following items: warm hats and glovesnew sockshand warmers (ie HotHands)feminine hygiene projectsgranola bars and other non-perishable snackshard candies bottled watertoothbrushes and tooth pasteShampoo (travel size)Soap (bar or travel size)deodorant hand sanitizer (travel size)nail clipperscombs or hairbrushesquart sized ziploc bagsDonations can be brought to our office at 1618 6th Ave Des Moines, IA 50314 Thank you!! Organization: HOME, Inc. We get a lot of foot traffic in our office and are working to create and supply a free, take what you need essentials bin for people in need. We are looking for donations of the following items: warm hats and glovesnew sockshand warmers (ie HotHands)feminine hygiene projectsgranola bars and other non-perishable snackshard candies bottled watertoothbrushes and tooth pasteShampoo (travel size)Soap (bar or travel size)deodorant hand sanitizer (travel size)nail clipperscombs or hairbrushesquart sized ziploc bagsDonations can be brought to our office at 1618 6th Ave Des Moines, IA 50314 Thank you!! Organization: HOME, Inc. Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50314 Allow Groups: No |
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 |