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 - 3:00pm
- Wednesdays from 9:00am - 11:00am or 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- Fridays from 9:00am - 12:00pm
How 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 email
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.
