Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Purpose:

LSI's Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program serves people over the age of 60 working towards their citizenship with extra support to foster community connections, improve quality of life, and work towards the goal of US citizenship. Volunteers lead and support in classes focused on English and Citizenship to support participants towards those goals. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, participants meet at the Polk County Central Senior Center for supplemental activities like art, tai chi, and tutoring to supplement Monday/Wednesday class offerings and support socialization.

Key responsibilities

Adjust plans, techniques, and/or approaches to meet the learning styles of the students and follow the instruction of the ESL Activities Specialist with the ultimate goal of helping students become independent learners

Time commitment

Children & Families of Iowa is in need of the following items

At this time in-kind donations are accepted by appointment only. Monetary gifts can be made online or through the postal service. Please contact the Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa via email volunteer@CFIowa.org to make an appointment.

Mailing Address:
Foundation for Children & Families of Iowa
1111 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314

Amanda the Panda is looking for volunteers to help maintain our outdoor space. 

Help with mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming hedges, and other yard task that you are able to complete. Tools would be provided to complete the task.

Provide as much or as little time as you would. You can provide 1-2 hours a week, 1-2 hours every other week, 1-2 hours a month, or even provide this service once.

Help represent EveryStep in the community by being our mascot, Amanda, at schools and other functions!

Volunteer will dress up in our Amanda the Panda costume and provide support for attendees at events. The volunteer should be able to respond appropriately at events (being quiet when necessary, or excited and waving at parades), represent the personality of Amanda, and the demeanor of the organization in public.

Volunteers should be friendly, comfortable around children and grieving families, and comfortable working indoors or outdoors in a costume covering head to feet.

Training on the costume is provided. Volunteer will need to pass a background check as well.

Provide a meal to share with our Campus residents. Serve the meal and enjoy the meal with them. Our kids are 10-18 years old. Groups can be a variety of sizes, from 20- 80 teens and staff. These are special treats and can be provided a variety of ways. Catered meals are always welcomed. Special Family or cultural meals are encouraged. We try to do one each month during the week. 

We are seeking compassionate volunteers to provide support to grieving youth as School Support Group Facilitators.

Group Facilitator volunteers are required to pass our Facilitator Training prior to volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering as a Group Facilitator or would like more information, please email us at afagen@everystep.org

Amanda the Panda is looking for volunteers to help out in Childcare during our Braving Grief Support Groups.

The Childcare Helper role offers the opportunity to connect, supervise, and provide childcare in our play area or outside in our courtyard while their caregivers are in group. Kiddos are under the age of 5 and toys and activities are provided. 

Groups are held in 6-week sessions on Monday evenings, and volunteers could choose to help out with 1 or multiple weeks. Dinner is also provided each week. 

Amanda the Panda seeks Group Facilitators to help fulfill its mission of providing hope and healing to individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. With the goal of promoting peer support and connectivity, our Braving Grief support groups work to recognize how grief affects our minds and our bodies. Our Braving Grief series includes specific groups like Traumatic Loss,  Little Footprints: Perinatal and Infant Loss, and Youth groups. Each activity helps participants identify and accept grief emotions like anger and guilt, learn healthy coping skills, and create rituals to honor loved ones who have died. 

Group Facilitator volunteers are required to pass our Virtual Facilitator Training prior to volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering as a Group Facilitator or would like more information, please email us at afagen@everystep.org or follow this link to complete our online application: http://bttr.im/o2oo2 

Our team needs assistance every summer watering the enabling gardens our persons served use to plant flowers and vegetables! Ideally, we are looking for individuals to take a consistent shift one day a week (watering will take approximately an hour). Saturdays and Sundays are highest priority, but help during the week would be welcomed, too. We have all the supplies you need but recommend you bring your own gardening gloves!

We are always looking for assistance with filing, copying, placing marketing materials in folders, and other basic clerical tasks.  This can be scheduled for a set day and time of the week (Monday through Friday between the hours of 8-4:30) or we may have special projects come up that we would specifically call you to complete.  The tasks being completed would be a tremendous assistance to our staff many times being the last part of a project and enable us to take marketing materials ready to go to meetings, conferences, etc. or provide information to our persons served families, etc.

This volunteer would be able to follow simple directions, work independently, and be organized.

Youth thrive on quality time - movies, restaurants, trips to the Science Center. Outings like these provide opportunities for mentors to make a difference in a child's life. Whether discussing important life decisions or just having fun together, mentors help youth become their best. Quality time cannot be purchased, only shared, so we look to volunteers like you! 

Training for volunteers will help you learn to think like a mentor. Process includes application, background check, proof of car insurance and a valid driver's license.

The pandemic has put thousands of central Iowa families in tough financial situations. As a result, the need for prescription assistance is at an all time high. We are in need of volunteers to help support our Drug Donation Repository. We recover unused medicines across the US that go unused in health care facilities and pharmacies. The medicines are inspected by pharmacists and distributed to clinics and pharmacies across the state that care for low income, underinsured and uninsured patients. 

We provide a clean, supportive, and flexible volunteer space and strictly follow all COVID-19 protocols. Scheduling is very flexible based on availability, weather, and donation volume. 

Volunteers are needed to sort incoming donations, organize donated inventories, and assist in the preparation of outgoing orders. 

We take great care of our volunteers and will make sure your experience with us is rewarding, supportive and valued!

The pandemic has put thousands of central Iowa families in tough financial situations. As a result, the need for prescription assistance is at an all time high. We are in need of a volunteer driver to help pick-up donated medicine from participating pharmacies in Central Iowa. These unused medicines will be inspected by pharmacists and distributed to clinics and pharmacies across the state that care for low income, underinsured and uninsured patients. 

We provide a clean, supportive, and flexible volunteer space and strictly follow all COVID-19 protocols. Scheduling is very flexible based on availability, weather, and donation volume. Driver will be responsible for running one delivery route (3 – 5 hours) once a month. We take great care of our volunteers and will make sure your experience with us is rewarding, supportive and valued!

Requirements include:

Theater Attendant volunteers provide wayfinding, confirm that films are running correctly, and make sure that theaters are ready to welcome guests. This position will report to the Manager on duty. Responsibilities: -Ensure that the theater space is clean before and after a film plays. Cleaning may include tasks such as vacuuming, sweeping, and replacing the trash. -Have basic knowledge of the history of the Varsity Cinema, membership, and other frequently asked questions. -Direct guests to their seats as they arrive for their film. -Confirm that films are successfully playing. This includes making basic checks on projection, sound, lights, and temperature. -Report inappropriate guest behavior to the manager on duty during the run of the film.

Literacy Kits are used at early childhood centers and schools throughout central Iowa to help students in kindergarten through fifth grade learn and love to read.

Our Literacy Kits were designed by experts to focus on the skills young children need when learning to read while, at the same time, diving deeper into the book and its themes.

Each Literacy Kit includes:

If you would like to purchase literacy kits as an activity for your group, the first step is to contact us.

Next, we will help you decide which book title you would like to purchase and how many kits you need. The cost is $8 per kit. This covers the cost of the book and the materials needed to make a kit. On average, volunteers can make one to two kits per hour.

We have the following books available for purchase:

If you would like to see more details on these titles, please visit LITERACY KITS | United Way of Central Iowa (unitedwaydm.org)

Then, we arrange the pickup of your materials (or we can deliver). 

You and your volunteers then complete the Literacy Kit activity on-site at your business, home, church, school, club, etc. You can choose the timeframe for the activity, as well. We have an ongoing need for the kits. 

Next, you return the completed kits to United Way. Then we distribute them to nonprofits, child care centers, and after-school programs. 

To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, please visit LITERACY KITS | United Way of Central Iowa (unitedwaydm.org). To make the volunteer experience as easy and convenient, United Way offers an online volunteer sign-up. 

For additional questions, contact Sarah Underwood, Volunteer Engagement Manager at sarah.underwood@unitedwaydm.org or 515-246-2504.

LSI's CSA is a way for Des Moines area eaters to support former refugee farmers starting their small business. Volunteers can help by getting the food organized and ready for pickup.

CSA packing happens on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the summer. . Volunteers can also help with transporting produce to our pick up locations around the metro.

Volunteers also pack and deliver monthly food boxes year round to former refugee seniors to help alleviate food insecurity. This generally happens the third Monday and Tuesday of each month.

The Road To Recovery Volunteer Driver provides people with transportation to and from their cancer-related medical appointments. Drivers donate their time to help people with cancer get the lifesaving treatments they need.

As a Road to Recovery driver, you can serve your community and help local people, provide support and encouragement, have rewarding one to one interactions with cancer patients, build relationships and save lives. Road to Recovery offers flexible scheduling, you drive as much or as little as you want when you want.

Volunteers choose the rides that work best for their schedule. Most rides are scheduled during the weekday between 7am and 7pm. The American Cancer Society asks volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2 rides per month.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Between the ages of 18 and 84.
• Valid driver’s license and adequate automobile insurance.
• Access to a safe and reliable vehicle.
• Pass background check and motor vehicle records checks.
• Comfortable using technology with reliable internet access.
• Complete required training and follow through on ride commitments.
• Appreciation and respect for diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures of patients, caregivers, volunteers, and staff.
• Must certify completion of COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to participating in the program and agree to stay up to date with vaccination series, including all recommended vaccine boosters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Utilize mobile-friendly ride coordination tool to manage transportation requests.
• Follow safe driving procedures and disease transmission guidelines, including COVID-19 safety procedures.
• Abide by American Cancer Society privacy, confidentiality, and program guidelines.
• Participate in program evaluations and promotional opportunities, including new driver recruitment efforts, as applicable.

Volunteers are needed to assist with dinners, receptions, Terrace Hill Teas, and other special events. Volunteers assist the Terrace Hill chef with food preparation, set-up, serving, and clean-up of dinners and receptions. 

Background check required.

This volunteering opportunity works alongside the GDM Habitat for Humanity ReStore staff to ensure all tools and equipment available to borrow from the Tool Library are clean and in full working order. 

This encourages an exemplary experience for the library members by helping guarantee quality items are available for their use on a consistent & reliable basis. This in turn supports the longevity of the Tool Library program, and its goal of supporting stable housing through the availability of low or no cost tools for community homeowners to utilize in the maintenance of their homes. 

We are needing expertise or prior experience particularly in working with:

-Small engines/combustion engines:

   -lawnmowers         -chainsaws

   -tillers                   -compactors

   -weed-eaters         -aerators

   -pressure washers  -etc.

The East Euclid Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore is open from Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, and we would love to have you for 2 dedicated days for at least 3-4 hours per day, or whenever your schedule allows. Tools will be provided for you to use and there will be a dedicated area of the store for you to work in with our staff if needed. Thank you for considering this opportunity!

Hygiene Drive Guide

Every child deserves access to hygiene supplies. Hygiene poverty is defined as an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc.  While the root of hygiene poverty is the lack of access to basic toiletries, its effects are made much worse by  “hygiene shaming”. If the shame a child feels because they can’t afford to be clean is not bad enough, the shame and distress piled on top by insensitive peers can have a terrible impact, not just on their ability to learn but on their entire mental wellbeing. Hardships can include:

 There is a never-ending need for these supplies, so set a goal that seems reasonable for your team.

Contact Jen Stadler at 515-242-8394 or jennifer.stalder@dmschools.org for more information or to plan your delivery. 

Hygiene Drive Guide

Every child deserves access to hygiene supplies. Hygiene poverty is defined as an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc.  While the root of hygiene poverty is the lack of access to basic toiletries, its effects are made much worse by  “hygiene shaming”. If the shame a child feels because they can’t afford to be clean is not bad enough, the shame and distress piled on top by insensitive peers can have a terrible impact, not just on their ability to learn but on their entire mental wellbeing. Hardships can include:

 There is a never-ending need for these supplies, so set a goal that seems reasonable for your team.

Hygiene Drive Guide

Every child deserves access to hygiene supplies. Hygiene poverty is defined as an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc.  While the root of hygiene poverty is the lack of access to basic toiletries, its effects are made much worse by  “hygiene shaming”. If the shame a child feels because they can’t afford to be clean is not bad enough, the shame and distress piled on top by insensitive peers can have a terrible impact, not just on their ability to learn but on their entire mental wellbeing. Hardships can include:

 There is a never-ending need for these supplies, so set a goal that seems reasonable for your team.

Hygiene Drive Guide

Every child deserves access to hygiene supplies. Hygiene poverty is defined as an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc.  While the root of hygiene poverty is the lack of access to basic toiletries, its effects are made much worse by  “hygiene shaming”. If the shame a child feels because they can’t afford to be clean is not bad enough, the shame and distress piled on top by insensitive peers can have a terrible impact, not just on their ability to learn but on their entire mental wellbeing. Hardships can include:

 There is a never-ending need for these supplies, so set a goal that seems reasonable for your team.

The Iowa Center for Children’s Justice gives children a voice in divorce and custody conflicts by providing focused legal representation and services for kids. We strive to create stability for children of divorce, lessen the effect of family conflict on children, connect families to support systems and needed resources, and make children’s voices heard.

We do this by offering education workshops to school-age children of divorcing parents to help kids understand and cope with their parents’ separation and divorce. The workshops give children a confidential place to talk about their feelings.  The two-hour workshops are interactive using artwork, games, videos, discussions, and role play to get children comfortable and engaged in conversation. The workshops are two hours on Tuesday evenings once a month. Children are grouped by age; 6-9, 10-12, and 13-16 and placed into age appropriate settings. This is a one-time, court ordered class. 

Help to answer phone at front desk and greet visitors in a pleasant manner as they enter the building.

If you have some time and are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, please consider volunteering at EveryStep's Giving Tree Thrift Store. Volunteer tasks include; clothing steamer, fitting room attendant, clothing washer, clothing straightener, baker for fun events, holiday décor-pricer, back door greater, and washing donated dishes.

If you are interested in volunteering at The Giving Tree, please contact Megan at mjensen@everystep.org. 

Volunteers must complete orientation and pass a background check prior to volunteering. 

The Habitat ReStores raise over $400,000 in the sales of donated appliances each year, due largely in part to the effort of staff and volunteers to process and prepare materials in an efficient manner. In order to provide quality items and encourage sales to fund our programs, the ReStores are seeking dedicated volunteers to work alongside our staff to clean, test, and repair donated appliances of all types. The sale of donated appliances provides functioning appliance units to the community, keeps working items out of the landfills, and raises funds for Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing programs in the Metro area.

This position requires the willingness and ability to:

Note: Experience with appliance maintenance & repair is a plus!! 

Habitat will provide:

Time commitment:

Want to help the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, but building just isn’t your thing? Come help us out at the ReStores, discount home improvement stores selling new and gently used home improvement materials, with all proceeds going directly back into GDM Habitat. The ReStores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., with two convenient locations in the metro at 2200 E Euclid and 4033 NW Urbandale Dr. Volunteers in the ReStores load and unload donations, sort and price items, stock shelves, and assist with other exciting, indoor activities. ReStore volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless completing school based service hours, and must bring a waiver with parent or guardian signature. School based service hour volunteers must be approved through our ReStore Volunteer Coordinator, Zach Frank zfrank@gdmhabitat.org before signing up. 

Shifts are typically from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., but are somewhat flexible. Volunteer group sizes are limited to 10 volunteers per site. All volunteers must wear designated PPE including face masks. 

Sign-up for a ReStore shift on our website that will work for you:  https://gdmhabitat.org/restore/restore-volunteer/

Do you want to make a difference in a young person's life while you learn about another culture, create and build friendships, and make ever-lasting memories? Do you have a caring heart and extra space in your home? AnB Education is looking for you! Make a difference today and host an international exchange student! Our students will be arriving around August 2019 for the next school year, and will stay in the US for 10 months. Most of our students are from China, South Korea, and Vietnam and aged 15-18.

All our students need is:

Please contact us at: hostfamily@anbeducation.com to learn more! 

In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Fundraising Committee oversees development efforts and fundraising.

Duties and Accountabilities

Responsible for the overall fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate tactics such as special events, direct mail, sponsorships, etc. Special events may be in partnership with the Community Engagement Committee.

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking for volunteers who can drive our van to pick up Genesis Youth Foundation kids from their homes, and bring them to either practice and/or programming. A license is required to fulfill this role and experience driving a van is desired, but not required.

Programming and practice run Monday through Friday from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Please provide Genesis with what days of the week work best for you to drive, and we will try to coordinate with you! If you cannot make a day during the week, Genesis Youth Foundation also has soccer games (during Spring and Fall seasons) on the weekend that you can help out with!

The van driver receives a list of Genesis kids' homes that are attending soccer or programming before heading onto their route, and those same children will be on the list to drop off after programming/soccer. The van driver should leave around 4:00pm to pick up all the kids, and make it to the center/field for 5:20pm at the latest. Practice or programming ends at 7:30pm - so the van driver would need to arrive at the center/field at 7:30pm to bring the kids home. 

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking for volunteers who are interested in coaching or helping to coach our youth soccer teams! The coaching position involves showing up and running 1 practice a week, and leading the team in a game(s) on the weekend. You will be a leader for the players, and are expected to endorse sportsmanship, fair play, and full participation in the sport. As a coach you will need to plan and supervise games and practices - and if you are working with another coach, keep constant communication with them about the team.

An understanding of soccer as a sport is desired. Practices are usually held from 5:30pm-7:30pm on various days of the week (depending on the team), and games vary on the weekend due to schedules provided by ISL. If you cannot commit to a full time coach, please reach out and ask about an assistant coach! 

Genesis Youth Foundation is searching for a volunteer who is able to help manage and coordinate the ins-and-outs of our youth soccer team(s). The team manager position is essentially the link between the coach, players, parents and Genesis FC. A manager needs to be competent in handling communication between multiple groups of people - the families, players, coaches, Genesis FC and Iowa Soccer League. Communication skills are very important for a manager! This role also helps maintain all information/records relating to each player/family - this can include player cards, roster information, registration information, phone numbers, etc. Managers will also need to help with team registrations for events and help with distribution of uniforms/equipment to players.

The team manager role is the second most time consuming position on the soccer team, right after the coach. It is understandable that this position requires a lot of time and organization. If you want to help Genesis with some of these tasks, but cannot complete all of them - please reach out and we can try to work together for a task list that best suits your needs. Also please note that you would be the team manager of just one team, not all of them.

At Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity volunteers work with our staff members in the community to help people stay safe and comfortable in their homes through our Rock the Block home repair program. Rock the Block is in need of volunteers Wednesday - Fridays from 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. with lunch on your own from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Rock the Block is a housing outreach program that assists low-income residents with:

No experience is needed, our construction managers teach you all the skills you need to get the job done. This program allows residents in the Greater Des Moines area to stay in their homes, age in place, have safe accessibility and to have great pride in their homes. 

Volunteer group sizes are limited to 7-8 volunteers per site. All volunteers must wear designated PPE including face masks. Volunteers must be 16 and up to participate. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (age 21 +) and must bring a waiver with parent or guardian signature. To sign up for Rock the Block, please visit our website http://gdmhabitat.org/rtb-volunteers/ 

Genesis Youth Foundation is looking to add volunteers to the Ubuntu Technology Program. In Ubuntu Tech., our students are engaged in STEM topics through specific programs including Project Lead the Way: Medical Detectives, FIRST LEGO League: Explore & Challenge teams, and Digital Arts program.

We are looking for volunteers willing to each of the individual programs. Medical Detectives is on Monday & Thursday, FIRST LEGO League Explore is on Tuesday & Challenge is on Thursday, and our digital arts program runs on Tuesday & Thursday.

Our programs typically operate on a weekly basis from 1 - 3 hours, depending on the program. Our standard hours are Monday - Friday from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

If you are willing to help to level the playing field, there is a place for you at GYF. 

The Guest Service Representative role at the Science Center of Iowa is a vital role to the first impression a participant gets.  The Guest Service Representative will be stationed near the front doors to welcome participants to SCI, hand out a daily programs schedule, and direct participants to where they need to go. 

Duties:

Qualifications:

Expectations:

At EveryStep, volunteers play an important role in the organization's ability to live out its mission. Simply put, without our dedicated volunteers, EveryStep would not be able to provide care and support to thousands of patients, clients, families, and our own staff every year. EveryStep Hospice and our volunteers help those living with a serious illness make the best out of every day. 

Hospice volunteer opportunities include:

Are you interested in becoming a Hospice volunteer or learning more? Please follow this link to complete our online application and be connected with our Volunteer Coordinator. 

EveryStep Hospice Application - http://bttr.im/xsdfr 

We are looking for your help to spread the word on the benefits of getting vaccinated by helping our team distribute flyers for upcoming vaccine clinics, yard signs, educational materials, and more to the wider community. If you are passionate about helping others, are interested in reaching underserved populations, and want to play a part in keeping our community well, contact us!

We can work with your schedule- every little bit helps!

We need your help delivering interoffice mail across our offices in Des Moines! Volunteers are needed each weekday for about 2 hours, and will drive from one location to the next (for a total of 5 offices) dropping off and picking up interoffice mail. 

Keep the FreeStore free by helping us restock and arrange household items in our warehouse. You can give your time just once or make it a weekly event Tuesday and/or Friday mornings from 9 am to noon. We need volunteers each shift to unpack and sort donations, restock shelves, and support our goal of recycling cardboard and items that may be usable by other agencies.

We have the truck if you have the time. The FreeStore needs individuals like you to pick up donated furniture, which will be given to women and children who have escaped abusive situations. Pickup volunteers will confirm the pickup with the donor the day before, perform a vehicle maintenance check before departing the warehouse, and assure the donated items meet the FreeStore quality standards before loading the furniture on the truck.

Furniture pickup volunteers will need access to email in order to communicate schedules and assignments as well as a personal cell phone for truck to store and truck to donor calls.

Start your Saturday off right by helping families start a new life away from an abusive situation. Working with the FreeStore, you'll deliver furniture and other household items to clients' new apartments on Saturday mornings and feel great about yourself the rest of the weekend. Volunteers will meet at the FreeStore warehouse to help load the items to be delivered, and then follow the FreeStore truck to the client's house where we will unload and re-assemble the furniture.

No prior experience is needed, just the desire to help others.

Be the connection between those with an extra bed and those without. Join the FreeStore in their mission to provide furniture to families who are starting over. Use your ability to communicate and get folks organized as you receive calls from potential donors and coordinate pick-up of items.

Our pick-up teams rely on someone like you to create an efficient schedule so we can fill our warehouse and help more people. Working from home, volunteers receive calls for two weeks followed by six weeks off, and so the rotation continues. By fielding these important phone calls, you will help women who are leaving domestic violence shelters and other difficult circumstances.

United Way of Central Iowa is committed to supporting those in our community who have been impacted by COVID-19 and those who may be impacted by unforeseen economic conditions. Show people in central Iowa how much you care and how much they matter by writing a note — or more — of encouragement. 

United Way will share your messages with our nonprofit partners who are serving the individual people and families in the categories you have to choose from in the form to the right, including healthcare, nonprofit frontline workers providing food and basic needs, seniors in care facilities who can't see family, and kids whose school and out-of-school programming are new and different. These people need the time and positivity you have to give. They need your encouragement right now.

Write a quick note to thank and encourage people in your community — your neighbors, friends or maybe even your co-workers — who are helping to keep our community safe during this time, or to someone vulnerable in the community who may have fallen on hard times, or is feeling isolated and lonely. You can submit a note online using our virtual note form on this page.

Here are a sample messages to help get you started:

House of Mercy Child Care Center is in need of:

If you have items to donate please email Andy Smith at ASmith2@mercydesmoines.org or call 515-643-6545.

Thank you for your support!

About House of Mercy Child Development Center:

John R. Grubb/House of Mercy Child Development Center is a licensed and nationally accredited (NAEYC) childcare facility, serving the children of House of Mercy’s residential clients. The Center serves children age six-weeks old through school age. 

AlRazi Academy is in need for help in starting meals at our program following the child and adult food program standards and regulation . 75% of the families we serve are low income, refugees and immigrants. AlRazi Academy is in the process of starting food program to help serve Children and families who are in need. 

Organize, sort books on shelves, perform routine circulation desk tasks,assist students and staff with locating materials using the available software system, shelve books, and help with light cleaning, checks in or renews materials and shelves returned items. Check out books once the children have made their selections.

T-Shirt Tote Bags are needed to serve families with a pre-packed sack of food at our mobile pantries. We need your help to turn donated T-Shirts into Tote Bags using our provided instructions (link below). 

Instructions: https://www.foodbankiowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DIY-TShirt-Tote.pdf

NASW Iowa is seeking a volunteer(s) who can help us with creating videos for our annual awardees.  We like to do a 5 minute video of the awardee answering questions about their passion and their careers.  We try very hard to prep our awardees so they answer their questions succinctly, to minimize editing, but we generally need some editing done. 

The Nutrition Team meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00 to sort perishable food and distribute it into coolers for Outreach on Sunday afternoons.  Volunteers serve one Sunday a month.

You don't have to be Vince Lombardi to make a huge impact in the Special Olympic sports world. Help adults and youth with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities discover their athletic potential by coaching, supervising, and supporting them in a variety of sports and events. We have coaching opportunities for people who are passionate about people and sports, including basketball, weightlifting, track and field, swimming, soccer, bocce ball, softball, golf, volleyball, and bowling.

No formal skills are needed, just a positive attitude and the ability to support and encourage participants in their efforts. Link Associates will provide required training in First Aid, CPR, universal precautions, introduction to ID/DD and mandatory reporter. Volunteers must also complete an application, including a background and abuse check.

Be the life of the party as a Special Events Support Volunteer for Link Associates. While the typical “life of the party” may be the one who grabs the most attention, you’ll provide the real life blood to our events by setting up, decorating, serving refreshments, cleaning up, and socializing with participants of dances, parties, and other special programs. Contact us today to learn more about our upcoming events, and look forward to your next volunteer gig.

Going to the movies, shopping at the mall, eating out. These aren’t exactly activities you would chalk up as charitable, but when you’re a residential volunteer that’s exactly what they are. Link Associates needs patient and friendly volunteers to assist our Residential Counselors as they provide support for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities on community outings. Have some fun out in the community while enriching the lives the adults we serve.

Volunteers need to complete a Link Associates Volunteer Application, which includes a background check. You will also need to complete the required agency trainings offered by Link Associates to make sure you’re ready and able to provide the most good possible.

Help others find their calling! Join our team in providing quality vocational day programs to those with intellectual disabilities. Whether you read to clients, assist with work tasks or crafts, or go along on community outings, you will bring a sense of purpose and joy to others! Getting started is simple! Process includes the Link Associates Volunteer Application form, background checks, and agency trainings.

Love to read? Or is gardening more your thing? How about cooking? Link Associates has all sorts of fun ways for volunteers to get involved. We offer activities such as book club, cooking club, gardening group, games, music, swimming, field trips, and more, and we need fun-loving volunteers to help make these activities run smoothly. Join us between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and have some fun while giving back.

To get started, volunteers need to complete an application with background checks and participate in a volunteer orientation. Any necessary training will be provided.

Introduce others to the world of art! As a volunteer for Community Art Connection, you’ll have the opportunity to present your artwork to a group of 25 adults with intellectual disabilities and lead a hands-on, art-related activity. Anything from painting to flower arranging, sing-a-longs to drama-your talents will truly be appreciated. Join us just one evening or sign-up to come every month or two - you decide. The artists at Link Associates are waiting for you!

Hope Ministries Thrift Store is great for small group’s 5-10 people.

Revenue from Hope Ministries Thrift supports Hope Ministries’ programs and services for men, women and children who are homeless, hungry, abused or addicted. Therefore, whether you are shopping at our stores, donating items that can be sold, or volunteering your time, you are helping support our food, shelter and recovery services!

We have two locations:

4640 Merle Hay Rd

500 E Army Post Rd

We invite you and your group of 5-10 people to volunteer for 3-4 hours at a time on our Corporate Friday’s of the month (every Friday is a Corporate Friday ;)

Possible duties include:

- Receiving and receipting donated items

-Sorting donated items into categories

-Tagging items into categories such as clothing, housewares, accessories, jewelry, etc.

-Testing electric items

-Preparing items for sale and putting items out on the sales floor purging unsold items from the sales floor

We would love to have you, thank you for your consideration.

If you’d like to schedule a Corporate Friday Volunteer shift please contact me, Leslie Green lgreen@hopeiowa.org or 515-265-7272

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease.  There is no cure and no medicine.  Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. It can also attack internal organs. 

Do you know someone with this disease?   Do you have an interest in helping the Scleroderma community, increasing awareness and education regarding Scleroderma, and supporting research to find a cure?  If yes, then consider joining the Board of Directors of the Scleroderma Foundation Heartland Chapter!

Responsibilities

By joining the Board of Directors (BOD), you will be asked to attend BOD meetings every other month (6 times per year) remotely via Zoom. 

Board members help provide the following:

Qualifications

No specific knowledge of Scleroderma is required.  Business experience with planning, budgets, financial oversite is preferred but not required.  Any previous board experience is a plus.  Information you need to perform your role as a Board Member will be provided.  A desire and passion to assist the Heartland Chapter Scleroderma community is strongly desired. 

Compensation

The Board of Directors is a volunteer position.  As a thank you for your service, Board members may have the opportunity to attend the National Scleroderma Foundation Conference, with expenses paid for by the Heartland Chapter.

Our Three-Fold Mission of Support, Education and Research

Free-Response Question:

How may we contact you?  Please provide your preferred email and/or phone number.

HeartlandChapter@scleroderma.org

Join our volunteer team! An integral piece of our interdisciplinary team, volunteers provide patient care and support services according to his/her experience and training and in compliance with organization policies. We are looking for volunteers willing to meet our patients where they are to cut their hair! 

We provide our patients with in-home care so that they can remain wherever they are most comfortable (nursing home, assisted living, memory care, etc.) so we are looking for volunteers in the communities that we serve. Our current service area includes Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Story, and Warren Counties. Share your talents with our patients! Our volunteers report consistently that they find their experiences very gratifying.

Our Volunteer Coordinator and skilled staff members will orient volunteers to work confidently with our patients ensuring a positive volunteer environment. Contact us to see how you can put your skills to use, further enriching the lives of our patients! You may share your gifts in a very flexible timeframe but are typically requested by the patient to occur once each week for at least one hour. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss this unique opportunity.

Join our volunteer team! An integral piece of our interdisciplinary team, volunteers provide patient care and support services according to his/her experience and training and in compliance with organization policies. Volunteer areas may include companionship, respite, homemaking duties, running errands, veteran-to-veteran programming, music, community outreach, etc.

We provide our patients with in-home care so that they can remain wherever they are most comfortable (nursing home, assisted living, memory care, etc.) so we are looking for volunteers in the communities that we serve. Our current service area includes Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Story, and Warren Counties. Share your talents with our patients! Our volunteers report consistently that they find their experiences very gratifying.

Our Volunteer Coordinator and skilled staff members will orient volunteers to work confidently with our patients ensuring a positive volunteer environment. Contact us to see how you can put your skills to use, further enriching the lives of our patients! You may share your gifts in a very flexible timeframe but are typically requested by the patient to occur once each week for at least one hour. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss this unique opportunity. 

We are looking for someone that speaks Greman! 

Join our volunteer team! An integral piece of our interdisciplinary team, volunteers provide patient care and support services according to his/her experience and training and in compliance with organization policies. Volunteer areas may include companionship, respite, homemaking duties, running errands, veteran-to-veteran programming, music, community outreach, etc.

We provide our patients with in-home care so that they can remain wherever they are most comfortable (nursing home, assisted living, memory care, etc.) so we are looking for volunteers in the communities that we serve. Our current service area includes Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Story, and Warren Counties. Share your talents with our patients! Our volunteers report consistently that they find their experiences very gratifying.

Our Volunteer Coordinator and skilled staff members will orient volunteers to work confidently with our patients ensuring a positive volunteer environment. Contact us to see how you can put your skills to use, further enriching the lives of our patients! You may share your gifts in a very flexible timeframe but are typically requested by the patient to occur once each week for at least one hour. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss this unique opportunity.

We are looking for a few new board members with experience on non-profit boards. Particular strengths would be: passion for addressing homelessness, strategic planning, fundraising, finance. We could particularly use someone with bookkeeping and/or treasurer experience.

The Terrace Hill grounds contain historic gardens, which include both vegetable and flower gardens. Planting is done once per year in May, and volunteers are needed throughout the season to weed, deadhead and maintain the gardens. Times and hours vary. Special events may require expanded volunteer help. Volunteers come in for any length shift between 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and must be able to do physical work in the sun.

Background check required.

Stowe Heights Challenge Course (SHCC) is a program of Community Youth Concepts on the East Side of Des Moines open from annually from May to October in 2020. Volunteer projects can be completed as individuals, family groups or other groups beginning in April and including months of operation. Due to the large amount of space and outdoor nature of the projects social distancing can be practiced while volunteering.  There are a variety of projects including landscaping, invasive species removal, general cleanup, painting, building projects at a variety of skill levels and trail creation.  For more information about Stowe Heights and volunteer projects, please contact jane@cyconcepts.org or 515-243-4292.  Please visit the Stowe Heights website to learn more about programming. 

Stowe Heights is a brand new program and as such interested supporters can volunteer in a number of ways including support with technology, website, social media and simply spreading the word about this hidden east side gem. 

Contact our volunteer coordinator to discuss your own talents and we can find a job that will support one or all of our 3 public performances each year. Work an audition check-in table, write a grant, clean up after rehearsals, host a party, make or shop for a prop, there are so many ways you can "Dance behind the scenes" to support the 200 or so volunteer dancers ages 8-adult bring a beautiful production to the stage! 

One acre of land is set aside at the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center each year to grow sweet potatoes and donate them to area food agencies such as the Food Bank of Iowa and DMARC. In addition, apples that would otherwise go to waste can be gleaned from the orchard and donated to Iowans in need. Volunteers are needed to plant, tend and harvest the sweet potatoes and pick and sort apples for donation.

The Wallace House has a small kitchen garden with a mix of perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables. We're looking for a volunteer to maintain the garden periodically during the spring, summer and fall. This might include planting a few annuals, weeding, watering and deadheading. You set your own schedule.

Without a computer at home, many children enter preschool unfamiliar with the world of technology. As a computer pal volunteer, you can make sure children in Head Start classrooms have a safe and fun introduction to the computer. Teachers will look to you to engage the children in educational games and to make sure that everyone gets their turn! One-on-one and small group work helps children gain the confidence and skills they'll need for a successful start in school. Pre-schoolers will be looking forward to your arrival! Computer Pals should enjoy working with young children 3-4 years old. A Computer Pal should be familiar with basic knowledge of computers. Orientation and individual training is provided.

Everybody’s gotta eat. Why not give back while you eat as a Mealtime Partner with the Drake University Head Start Program. Pick a meal that works best for you, breakfast, lunch, or snack, to eat and socialize with children ages 2-4. Mealtime Partners are energetic, caring volunteers who encourage children to try new foods, while teaching them skills such as pouring, setting the table, and serving food. Eating with a group of three-year-olds is the most fun you’ll have at mealtime without playing with your food.

Who says volunteering has to be a chore? Why not play instead? As a playtime partner, you’ll participate in fun activities while encouraging children ages 2-5 to actively explore the world around them. You’ll help them solve problems, encourage kids to ask questions, and provoke them to use words to describe their ideas and feelings as they play. On top of having a blast, you’ll help our students develop creativity, communication and socialization skills. Playtime Partners can participate at various Head Start and Early Head Start centers throughout the metro area, including Norwalk, Indianola, Ankeny, and Mitchellville. This volunteer should enjoy working with young children and having lots of fun.

When you volunteer, the more you give, the more you get back. As a Graphics Art Assistant for the Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, this doesn’t just mean a warm, fuzzy feeling. By helping design posters, brochures, and educational information, you’ll develop new material to bolster your portfolio while giving back to an organization that helps youngsters succeed. Lend us your creativity and graphic arts expertise, and we’ll widely circulate your work. So in a very real way, you get what you give-if not more. All you need to get started is a computer, some Graphic Art or design experience, and access to email. Contact us today, and give your creativity a Head Start.

Where else can you shake up the future of the world with a little finger paint? Where else can story time inspire a Pulitzer Prize winner? And how else can you solve the next generation’s biggest problems by helping to put together a jigsaw puzzle? As a classroom volunteer with the Drake University Head Start program, you’ll assist teachers with daily activities in the classroom, but your overall impact could be much more profound. Working with 3-4 year old children on art activities, reading, puzzles, and more is a great way to gain experience in early education, while making a real difference in a child’s life. The Classroom Volunteer should have an interest in working with young children and Head Start staff. Head Start classrooms meet federal performance standards and state licensing standards.

Head Start gives every child an opportunity to succeed, but they can only do so with a strong board of directors. As a Community Representative on the Policy Council, you will work with parents of currently enrolled children to make decisions that will influence program outcomes and activities. Not only will you help shape programming at Drake University Head Start, but you will also provide mentoring and support to these families.

Time Commitment: Monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Includes light dinner.

Staff Partner: Claudia Murphy

The Community Support Advocates Board of Directors is seeking candidates for our volunteer Board Director position. Board Directors are elected to a 3 year term. The Board is responsible for

Expectations of Individual Board Members

Each individual Board member is expected to

We are looking for volunteers to work with the District Court Mediation program in the Small Claims Court system. You will assist landlords and tenants as well as litigants with money claims  to resolve  their issues or differences.

We operate (5) five days a week with morning and afternoon sessions of up to 3.5 hours each. We can be flexible to accommodate your preferences for days and times. 

We  will provide you training with experienced mediators. This is an opportunity to continuously learn and provide a valuable service to the Court, litigating parties and the community. Please contact jseidlin@pcbaonline.org to get started in the most worthwhile opportunity.

Help our future workforce figure out their path so their educational path is one that leads to positive outcomes. The Mentor Advantage Program (MAP), a state certified mentoring program, builds relationships between middle and high school youth and professionals. Mentors and mentees are matched based on personality, gender, and the mentee’s career interest. MAP's intent is to introduce youth to the mentor’s career and expose them to a “behind-the-scenes” look at how educational concepts are applied in a real-world setting. Matches are encouraged to spend time at the mentor’s place of employment, giving the mentee an apprenticeship-like experience, and explore what other opportunities might be in their areas of interest.

To find out how to get involved as a student or mentor, contact our Mentoring Coordinator, John Preston, at 515-243-4292 or john@cyconcepts.org . 

The Beacon of Life transitional housing facility requires 24-hour staffing to support our clients. The Resident Assistant is the first and primary point of contact for meeting many of our clients' needs throughout their stay. RA shifts run from 12am - 8am, 8am - 4pm, and 4pm - 12am. We are always seeking volunteers to help out during these times or even to split shifts. 

RA duties include:

Respond to resident needs
Greet visitors and answer phone
Call residents on "pass" to verify whereabouts
Random drug and alcohol testing
Handle medications: dispensing, counting, checking in new medications and refills
Check indoor household chores
Light cleaning
Special projects as designated by Case Manager

AlRazi Academy is in need for volunteers to help students with reading and/or math skills. More than 75% of our students are either low income, refugees and or immigrants and they cant afford extra help in reading or math skills. Most of the younger kids are English learners and having volunteers help with more reading time can be a great help for them and their teachers  to develop their reading and communication skills. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health conditions. We are currently recruiting presenters for our Ending the Silence program. Ending the Silence is a 50-minute presentation on signs and symptoms of mental illness designed to change misconceptions and “end the silence” surrounding mental health. It gives participants information and first-hand accounts from two presenters.

NAMI IOWA is seeking individuals over the age of 18 who are comfortable with public speaking and have a connection to mental illness (through yourself or a friend/family member) to fill two different types of presenter roles – 1) lead presenter (over 18 to lead the PowerPoint presentation using personal experience) and 2) young adult (between the ages of 18-35 to speak about their story after the PowerPoint). Given the novel coronavirus, presentations may occur either virtually or in-person. Incentives are offered for presenters. 

Please fill out this google form if you are interested: https://forms.gle/righoG9HbfvcYMDR6

You may also reach out to Nina Richtman at Nina@namiiowa.org directly.

We are a Lutheran congregation on the east side of Des Moines. Across from Stowe School near the Fairgrounds. We are willing to pay the $60 to sponsor Pr. James and Nyandit.

We have a Sudanese American married couple who are in need of whom we are sponsoring. Their names are Pastor James and Nyandit Puotyal. He is a Lutheran pastor who is undergoing Dialysis three times a week at Methodist Hospital. They live in the Basement of Nyandit's cousin. They only own a bed to sleep on. Nyandit works at Hormel in Nevada. Pastor James began working at Mosaic Ministries and can no longer work. Nyandit's cousin's wife wants them to move out as soon as possible. We have a possible apartment in Altonna, a income restricted one. They need furniture, etc.

Click Respond to get more information.

* In Order to Volunteer please sign up on the Food Bank of Iowa's Website*

Description:

Volunteers will pack food supplies for families in boxes or bags to be distributed at mobile pantry sites to accommodate the need for drive-thru and pick up models. This is an emergency response for the effects of COVID19.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Support/Training: Instructions will be provided on-site at the beginning of the shift.

Age Requirement: Minimum age of 10

Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes are required; no exceptions. Dress comfortably. Gloves will be provided.

Location(s): Food Bank of Iowa has two volunteer centers

For more information contact Michaela Devaney at MDevaney@foodbankiowa.org or click Respond.

* In Order to Volunteer please sign up on the Food Bank of Iowa's Website*

Food/care packages for youth:

Due to Covid-19, we are unable to hold weekly groups where youth were provided at least one meal and at times food to take home. More concerning is the fact youth aren’t attending school where they were getting the majority of their nutrition. Many of the youth we serve are at risk of not having their daily food needs met and this is an especially challenging time for them. Our goal is to drop off bi-weekly food baskets/care packages for the most needy youth in our programs. 

Specific needs: The Program is seeking food donations that would consist of items that could be refrigerated, frozen, or that have preservatives. Ensuring that youth have food for several days. Overall, anything will help and is appreciated.

Note: In order to follow government safety protocols for Covid-19, we will work with each donor on a drop off site that they will be able to safely drop the donation without having any contact with anyone. Once they leave; we will have a team member get the food and distribute it accordingly. 

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Director of the ManUp Iowa Mentoring Program, Zach Smith @ zachsmith@manupiowa.com or by cell @ 515-988-9358 (text or call) 

Ankeny Dollars for Scholars is an all-volunteer organization that provides scholarships to graduating students of Ankeny Community School District.  The 2020 - 2021 school year marks the organization's 38th year!  ADFS is a clearing house for donations from generous individuals, businesses, organizations; all donations are used to fund scholarships -- 100% of every donation goes to scholarships.  With over $1 million in scholarships awarded to date, volunteers fundraise to cover all administrative costs, facilitate the application and matching process, work with donors and potential donors, fundraise to add to scholarship donation monies, promote post-secondary training and education, and more.  

The organization welcomes potential volunteers to consider attending a meeting to learn more about the committees that make ADFS successful.  Committees include Fundraising/Finance, Marketing/Communications, and Scholarships.  Each committee meets either monthly or bi-monthly for approximately one hour at a time; at certain times of the year, depending on activities, more or less time is helpful.

Professionals in areas of marketing, accounting, fundraising who would like to volunteer yet utilize their skills are welcome; no professional experience or prior experience in volunteering in these areas, though, are required.   

Hello Friends of Mosaic! 

We are hunkered down and working diligently to keep everyone, safe and happy! You can help us!  The need for fabric face masks is great across the Mosaic network. If you are able to support us in this way, we are urgently requesting your help! Please share this need with your congregation, circle of friends, virtual networks or maybe you have been looking for a new hobby - now is a great time to learn how to sew... :)  

Here are a couple easy patterns to follow from Craft Passion (http://ow.ly/ceyr30qrEen) and Sweet Red Poppy (http://ow.ly/zSQp30qrEeq). 

We are able to arrange pick up or items can be dropped off at our Urbandale office. Please contact Katie Flippen if you need further information! Katie's contact info is 515-868-0602, katie.flippen@mosaicinfo.org. 

Thank you for your support!

Mosaic in Central Iowa Office

11141 Aurora Avenue - Bldg. #3

Urbandale, IA  50322

Contact us now to be included in our Summer, 2020 training! We are taking applications!

The safety of our volunteers is a high priority for UnityPoint Hospice. Due to COVID-19, we have decided to pause on providing volunteer services in patient homes and hospice houses. We are hopeful for the day when our lives return to some sense of normalcy and the excellent support volunteers provide to our patients and teams can resume. We will be ready to on-board new volunteers!

Volunteers support patients through companionship and friendly visits. Volunteering is your opportunity to find a connection with a patient – perhaps you’ve both been fly fishing in Alaska? Or maybe you share a love of quilting or crafting? Sometimes our patients want a volunteer to read to them or play card games. Other times a family care giver wants a respite or a few hours to get groceries or lunch with a friend and they are comforted knowing that a volunteer is able to be with their loved one.

Hospice volunteers are needed to provide care and comfort to patients in their homes in our community. Volunteers must

Hospice does not prolong life nor does it hasten death, but instead focuses on creating a life full of comfort, dignity and peace for people in the final stages of life. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of every patient while also providing support for the entire family. The sooner a patient receives hospice care, the sooner these comforting benefits begin.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make an impact to a patient in your neighborhood.

The safety of our volunteers is a high priority for UnityPoint Hospice. Due to COVID-19, we have decided to pause on providing volunteer services in patient homes and hospice houses. We are hopeful for the day when our lives return to some sense of normalcy and the excellent support volunteers provide to our patients and teams can resume. We will be ready to on-board new volunteers!

Through this partnership, we strive to match veteran patients with volunteers who were also veterans. This allows veteran patients to be paired with a hospice volunteer who is also a veteran who may have a better understanding of what the patient has experienced. Veteran volunteers may help with:

We offer the opportunity for our veteran patients to be honored for their service through a pinning ceremony done by hospice staff. The veteran is encouraged to invite their friends and family to participate and share memories. We enjoy involving our volunteers who are veterans with pinning ceremonies for our patients and in our communities.

For all hospice volunteers:

Volunteers support patients through companionship and friendly visits. Volunteering is your opportunity to find a connection with a patient – perhaps you’ve both been fly fishing in Alaska? Or maybe you share a love of quilting or crafting? Sometimes our patients want a volunteer to read to them or play card games. Other times a family care giver wants a respite or a few hours to get groceries or lunch with a friend and they are comforted knowing that a volunteer is able to be with their loved one.

Hospice volunteers are needed to provide care and comfort to patients in their homes in our community. Volunteers must

Hospice does not prolong life nor does it hasten death, but instead focuses on creating a life full of comfort, dignity and peace for people in the final stages of life. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of every patient while also providing support for the entire family. The sooner a patient receives hospice care, the sooner these comforting benefits begin.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make an impact to a patient in your neighborhood.

During our garden season (April through October), we are in need of volunteers to help us with upkeep and maintenance of our 1.5 acre community garden. Activities may include watering, planting, weeding, etc. All are welcome!

Email Allison Kane, program manager, at akane@phcinc.net if you are interested in setting up a time to come and volunteer.

We are recruiting members for our new organizational structure. We are identifying prospective Board members to meet 6-8 times a year. If you have a passion in helping children and families, please consider volunteering your time for a worthy case.

Food Sorting: Food Bank of Iowa receives donations of food items that need labeled, counted and boxed. We need volunteers to make this possible and opportunities are scheduled in advance before we know what the food items may be when they arrive. Help us accept more food and feed the 175,000 Iowans we serve!

Examples: Packing BackPack sacks, checking dates and food safety of food drive items, bagging bulk produce, putting bulk rice or pasta into family sized bags, boxing up like items into equally weighted boxes, and more!

GREAT FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES & GROUPS (up to 20)!

Key Responsibilities:

Support/Training:  Volunteers will be given instructions upon arrival, and will have staff support throughout their shift.

Qualifications:

Age Requirement:  For safety reasons, all volunteers in the warehouse must be 10 or older.

Dress Code:  Closed-toe shoes are required in the warehouse.  Also, please dress comfortably and in layers.  The temperature in the warehouse can vary.

Volunteers will assist with the day-to-day operation of the museum, tasks will include things like welcoming visitors, sanitizing toys, and keeping exhibits tidy.

The West Des Moines Historical Society is seeking energetic and detail oriented volunteers to help with a new project- a master inventory of the Jordan House and Bennett School Museums. Both museums house collections of artifacts dating back to the early days of the State, and we are launching a huge project to ensure the protection and preservation of all the items. 

The volunteer opportunity would require you to take an inventory of each room and compare this inventory to existing paper records. Each object in the room will be cataloged, inspected and a detailed form filled out for the purpose of entering into a computerized database. Each item will be photographed for identification purposes. 

Volunteer requirements: 

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members. No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

Community-Based Mentoring allows individuals who are 18 or older to visit with a child twice a month for a minimum of four hours a month. Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities throughout the community- whether it's going to the zoo, playing catch or just taking a walk, the possibilities are endless. The great part is, with every activity, a friendship grows. We also provide options for individuals to be Community-Based Mentors in pairs--Big Duos or Big Families. Note: A year commitment is required to be a Community-Based mentor.

Currently, there are over 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today. Please include your phone number in your response.  Mentors must be at least 18 years of age and be committed to spending only four hours a month with a child in need, for a minimum of one year.

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members.

No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

School-Based Mentoring allows individuals, high school age or older, to meet one-to-one with a child at the Little's elementary or middle school for 30-60 minutes each week during or after school. Matches spend time playing games, doing homework or just talking-all while building a relationship to increase the child's self-confidence and academic performance.

School-Based Plus is an extension of our School-Based Mentoring Program. The only difference is Bigs and Littles have the opportunity to meet once a month outside of the school setting. Mentors must be at least 18 years old, and the match must be together for three or more months.

Currently, there are over 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today to get involved! Please include your phone number in your response. Mentors must be high school age or older and spend four hours a month helping to make a difference in the life of a child.

Flexible hours. Long-term benefits. No experience necessary.

It's a fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's one-to-one youth mentoring has a real and positive impact on children and their futures by defending their potential. Children enrolled in our programs show consistent improvements in self-confidence, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family members. No experience is necessary, you just have to know how to have fun and want to make a positive lasting impact on the life of a child.

Community-Based Mentoring allows individuals who are 18 or older to visit with a child twice a month for a minimum of four hours a month. Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities throughout the community- whether it's going to the zoo, playing catch or just taking a walk, the possibilities are endless. The great part is, with every activity, a friendship grows. We also provide options for individuals to be Community-Based Mentors in pairs--Big Duos or Big Families. Note: A year commitment is required to be a Community-Based mentor.

Currently, there are 100 children waiting to be matched with a mentor. Become a Defender of Potential and change a child's life. Contact us today. Please include your phone number in your response. Mentors must be at least 18 years of age and be committed to spending only four hours a month with a child in need, for a minimum of one year.

Are you passionate about the value of a music education? 

Are you looking for an opportunity to help underserved and low-income children in our community be exposed to our choral program which sciene has proved helps a child brain develope faster?

We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic, and motivated community members to join our board.

We are looking for people with different talents and skills including, but not limited to, marketing, volunteer management, fundraising, legal, graphic design, business leadership, etc.

In this role you will advise, govern, and oversee policy and direction for the organization as well as assist with the promotion of Iowa Youth Chorus and support the organization’s mission and needs.

About Iowa Youth Chorus:
The Iowa Youth Chorus (IYC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the highest level of artistic training to the youth of central Iowa. IYC provides world-class choral education where young singers can develop skills in choral singing, music theory, and artistic expression. For more information, please see the IYC website at http://www.iowayouthchorus.org

Our Vision
The individuals we serve will flourish as part of an internationally acclaimed organization that inspires personal development, celebrates diversity and fosters international goodwill. As advocates for the performing arts, we are partners with our community and with the world.

Our Mission
We will nurture the human spirit by enriching the lives of youth through musical excellence, helping them reach their fullest potential and live enriched lives through vocal music.

Major Responsibilities:
• Serve as an IYC ambassador and assist with IYC visibility and marketing.
• Promote the organization’s mission, values, and programs
• Long-term planning for Iowa Youth Chorus growth and development
• Fundraising and outreach
• Financial management including reviewing and approving the annual budget
• Policy development for IYC programs and procedures
• Attend board meetings on a regular basis
• Actively participate in committee work
• Staff development and oversight of personnel
• Adhere to the Board's Give or Get Policy in order to demonstrate our IYC internal commitment to the broader community and funders.

Term length:
Iowa Youth Chorus Board Members serve a three-year term and are eligible for one additional consecutive term.

Meeting Times and Commitment:
• The Board of Directors meets monthly for at least 10 months of the year at a time agreeable to the majority
• Board Members actively participate and support at least one committee based on interest/area of expertise
• Board Members are asked to attend Iowa Youth Chorus fundraising events and performances as often as possible

Qualifications:
• Commitment to supporting Iowa Youth Chorus mission and programs
• Desire to support choral education opportunities for central Iowa youth
• Results-oriented individual dedicated to achieving defined objectives
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work with others
• Professional experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: music, business management, finance, accounting, real-estate, technology, law

To Apply:
Please email director@iowayouthchorus.org with your name, phone number, and a couple sentences about yourself and why you are interested.

Thank you!

Are you interested in getting out in the community to volunteer? Volunteer with EveryStep Grief and Loss Services: Home of Amanda the Panda. We'd love to have you!

One of the many opportunities for volunteering with EveryStep includes being a community educator. The volunteer will serve as a representative of EveryStep at community events, volunteer fairs, and similar functions. The aim is to spread awareness about our services, engage with the community, and/or recruit volunteers. Training for this opportunity is required.

Qualifications/Desired Attributes:

AnB Education is a non-profit organization pairing exchange students with host families and public/private high schools across the US for one semester or one academic year programs. Each year, students from all over the world come to the United States to learn English and experience our unique culture.

We are looking for volunteers across the US to join our mission as Local Coordinators. LCs are our "on the ground" assets during the program year for our exchange students. LCs are tasked with recruiting volunteer families to host our J-1 international students, and then supervising the exchange student(s) throughout the school year. Our Local Coordinators are paid a modest stipend for their efforts, based on their number of placed students, and have the opportunity to work with international students from around the world and help our students' dreams come true! It is also fulfilling to share your small part of America with the world, and bring the world to your area!

Successful Local Coordinators are typically:

-Self motivated

-Independent

-Open-minded

-Interested in different cultures

-Enjoy working with youth

-Strong at public speaking/recruiting

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Local Coordinator with us, please reach out and we will be happy to answer any questions you have, and help get you started placing international students in your area!

Spend some quality time outside with your group or organization beautifying a park, wildlife area or trail. As an Adopt-A-Park sponsor, your group will help the Polk County Conservation Board manage its more than 18,000 acres of public land. We are always in need of volunteers, and especially teams of volunteers, willing to give their time to improve our parks through trash removal, painting, seed collection, plantings, woodland and prairie restoration, trail maintenance and more. With the Adopt -a-Park program your group gets to pick its favorite park or trail, so choose one near your business, church or school and help keep Polk County beautiful. Volunteers groups are required to sign up for a one-year commitment. Responsibilities vary based on age, interest, and need, and we’ll do our best to find the opportunity that best matches the volunteer. Training will be provided as needed on the job.

We are seeking community leaders to serve as members of our Board of Directors.  Directors have special knowledge, abilities and experiences that can contribute to the growth of Camp Fire in Central Iowa.  The board of directors consists of 16 to 18 members of the community and meets six times per year.  Many board members serve on committees that may meet more often. Camp Fire is very respectful of your time, by making meetings efficient and purposeful.

In this role, you will make three commitments; a commitment of time, a commitment of belief, and a commitment of financial support.

A COMMITMENT OF TIME

Conducting the business of Camp Fire Heart of Iowa means meeting as a board, in committees and with community groups. Meetings take time. Plus, time has to be given between one meeting and the next to complete assignments and make preparations. As a board member, you will also have opportunities to participate in council program activities, fundraising events, community forums and trainings. These are important ways to learn about your council and community and to stay in touch with the concerns of the members. Some board members over commit themselves. This leads to burnout and poor decisions. It is not good for the agency or for you. It is up to you to decide your personal limits. Good board members assume responsibility for only what they can complete efficiently and effectively.

A COMMITMENT OF TIME

Conducting the business of Camp Fire Heart of Iowa means meeting as a board, in committees and with community groups. Meetings take time. Plus, time has to be given between one meeting and the next to complete assignments and make preparations. As a board member, you will also have opportunities to participate in council program activities, fundraising events, community forums and trainings. These are important ways to learn about your council and community and to stay in touch with the concerns of the members. Some board members over commit themselves. This leads to burnout and poor decisions. It is not good for the agency or for you. It is up to you to decide your personal limits. Good board members assume responsibility for only what they can complete efficiently and effectively.

A COMMITMENT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The board is responsible for obtaining financial support from the communities it serves. This may be done in many ways, but the individual commitment of each board member is essential. Each board member contributes to the financial stability of the council in three ways.

If you feel you have skills in marketing, finances, law, programming or planning, and you want to make a difference for young people in an outdoor setting, Camp Fire is the opportunity for you to give back to the community. Terms for this next board calendar start in March and extend for two years.

Camp Fire Heart of Iowa, a nonprofit with over 100 years of serving Central Iowa seeks enthusiastic marketing and digital communication professionals to serve on our marketing committee. 

Working with staff and other volunteers, the marketing committee will help shape the marketing efforts of our agency as we move toward 2020, and help us respond to this ever changing environment.  Responsibilities will include print, web and social media outreach as well as press releases and events.

If you want to make a difference for young people in an active, outdoor organization, Camp Fire is the opportunity for you.