Help feed families at our emergency shelter — one dinner at a time.
Volunteer meal donors prepare or purchase a child-friendly dinner for up to 20-25 people and drop it off at the shelter between 4:00–4:30 pm. No serving involved — just drop and go.
- Meals can be dropped off ahead of time and staff can heat them up.
- Meals are most needed on: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
A few things to know:
- Plan for up to 20 people, mostly children.
- Meals should be well-balanced and kid-friendly.
- Preferred drop-off is between 4:00–4:30 pm on your chosen day (sign up below), but you can drop off ahead of time.
- We can heat or reheat as needed.
- Drinks and dessert are welcome but not required.
- Food should come in containers that do not need to be returned.
- Note: This could be a virtual volunteer opportunity if you wanted to order food to be delivered.
Full details are sent after sign-up. Reach out anytime with questions — we're happy to help you plan.
Easy meal ideas:
(These are not required; they are just ideas.)
- Taco bar — seasoned ground beef or chicken, tortillas, toppings
- Baked potato bar — potatoes and toppings
- Mac and cheese bar — big pan of mac, with mix-ins like bacon bits, broccoli, hot dogs
- Sandwiches — bread, deli meat, cheese, condiments, chips, fresh fruit
- Casseroles
- Hot dogs and tater tots
- Mini corn dogs, side, fresh fruit
- Sloppy joes and side(s)
- Pasta with marinara
- Chili with cornbread or rolls
- Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with side(s)
Questions? Contact Melanie Wright at melanie@familiesforward.org or 515-244-9748.
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.
