Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Babysitters will sit with infants and family members in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).  Activities include cuddling, reading, singing, and other duties as directed by staff.

Responsibilities:

Experience:

How can I teach an adult to read? Come to the Literacy Tutor Orientation and learn how you can help. This 1 1/2 hour orientation will introduce you to who we are as the DMACC Adult Literacy Center and to the adults we serve. Discover how online computer assisted learning is accelerating adults' literacy skill acquisition and how your personal interactions with an adult learner contributes to their learning.

The Adult Literacy Center has an ongoing and crucial need for volunteers to tutor adults who live in and around Des Moines. The act of helping another person learn to read, write, speak and spell is very rewarding!  Come learn how you can make a difference in someone's life and in their family's life.

Help us put on our Family Fall Festival at our Burt Club!This will be a fun, carnival style event with games, crafts, and fun for the whole family! We need help with setup, tear down, and most importantly, running the game and craft stations. We hope to have your help, it’s set to be a great time! 

Volunteers are needed to help families "shop" for gifts provided through our Wish List. (Everything is free for the families.) Then, help the families wrap their presents. Volunteers are needed between December 9th through December 18th. Shifts vary. 

This is a great project for individuals or a small group.

Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

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.​

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:

November

December

January

This 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.​

You can make a difference and impact food insecurity right here in our community. Be a welcoming face to a family in need. Help us get food home with those that are struggling for the Thanksgiving holiday.     

How volunteers will help -- Food Pantry Grocery Guides:  Volunteers will "guide" families through the building, showing them all of the food options available. Then, volunteers push the grocery cart out to the families car in the parking lot and bring the grocery cart back inside.   

Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. 

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.​

Volunteers are needed to help families shop for toys and stocking stuffers for each of their children.

Click here to sign up.

Help us make sure that every child's Christmas is special by volunteering in Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry! Helping over 1,000 children last year, we are so excited to get brand new toys out to children in need. Parents will "shop" through the free toy pantry to get a new toy, stocking-stuffer, book, and a stuffed animal for each child. Volunteers are needed to welcome families and help them shop!

Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help. 

About Families Forward:  Families Forward 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.​

Volunteers are needed to organize our donation area and do light cleaning in our shared living spaces (living room, dining room, and kitchen). ​Volunteers would be organizing clothing, personals/toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cleaning products, school supplies, food items, and much more. We provide basic necessities every month for up to the 77 families staying in New Directions Shelter, The Home Connection, and our other housing programs.​

​This is a great project for a single person to work on, or you can sign up to bring a group (up to 10 people at a time). Volunteers should be 10 and older. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. 

Questions? Sign up to receive more information or 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 to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience. 

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, but our food pantry does. 

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.​

Volunteers are needed to help fill the shelter with holiday spirit. Sign up individually or come as a group.  

Volunteers will help in the following ways: 

Questions: Contact Missy Reams by email at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help.

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.

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.

Won't you help make a child's holiday season special? 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:

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.

Every year, at our Holiday Toy Pantry, we provide hats and gloves for the 1,000 children receiving gifts at our event. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet. We need your help to make sure that these children have the warm essentials that they need for the cold winter days ahead. The hats and gloves are also used for the children at our child development center and our family shelter. Items are needed by Friday, December 12th. 

Drop Off Location:

Families Forward Child Development Center

1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315

Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm

Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue:

Pull up by the back door of the yellow Child Development Center. Open the gate behind the Child Development Center and go to the very last door. The door is up 5 steps, and the glass window says “Administrative Office”. Ring the doorbell and someone will accept your donations.

Questions: For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

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.​

Volunteers are needed to help families get food, clothing and other basic necessities at the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Training is provided when a volunteer first arrives.       

Volunteers help in the following way each day:   

Volunteers needed Monday through Friday (day time and evening shifts) and some Saturdays.  

Volunteers should be 5 years of age or older to volunteer. Youth 12 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. 

Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895.

About Families Forward Bidwell Pantry: At the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Help families “shop” through our free building for food, personal care items, clothing, and household items. Serving 6,000 - 9,000 individuals per month, our pantry provides hope to families and helps them bridge the gap, so that they can spend their hard earned money on other necessities besides food and clothing.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including an overview about poverty in the Des Moines metro. We provide a unique cultural and economically diverse volunteer experience.

Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. 

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.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season!         

To sign up to help, click here!

We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness:

You may choose to support both programs.

We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones.

Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions.
Office: 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.​

Thank you for your interest in supporting the families at Families Forward this holiday season!

To sign up to help, click here!

We have two ways you can support Iowa's most vulnerable children & families experiencing homelessness:

You may choose to support both programs.

We ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so families can experience the joy in picking items out and wrapping them for their loved ones.

Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions.
Office: 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.​

You can make the difference in a child's life by coordinating an event to make tie (no-sew) blankets for our Holiday Toy Pantry. We'd love for each child to receive a warm blankie with their new toy. Last year, we served over 1,000 children at our event.  Blankets are needed by Friday December 12th, but we can accept them later than this. 

This a great opportunity for groups, organizations, and employees that can't leave the office to volunteer or would like to do a service project. A team of two volunteers should be able to complete one blanket in an hour.

For questions, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

Please note: Companies/Volunteers will need to purchase the materials to make the blankets.  

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.​

In preparation for our HOPE for the Holiday event in early December, United Way of Central Iowa is collecting cleaning products and gift cards for HOPE for Stable Families. This United Way of Central Iowa program works with families to set goals, remove barriers, and use available community resources to create long-term financial stability for them and their children. 

Click here to sign-up to donate household cleaning supplies.

Click here to purchase household items from Amazon that can be shipped directly to United Way.

You can drop donations off at United Way of Central Iowa, 1111 9th St, Ste 100, Des Moines, IA 50314 on the following dates between 8am and 5pm: 

If these dates do not work for you, please contact Sarah Underwood, Volunteer Engagement Manager, to arrange a time to drop off your donations to United Way of Central Iowa. Contact Sarah Underwood at sarah.underwood@unitedwaydm.org or 515-246-2504.

Hope Ministries wants to bless you this Thanksgiving! On Thursday, November 27, Hope Ministries will be delivering Thanksgiving Meals to families and individuals in need around the Des Moines area. Volunteer registration opens on October 6 and meal order reservations open on November 3.  

Volunteer Need

To make Thanksgiving meal deliveries possible, we are in need of on-site meal assembly volunteers and driver delivery teams to deliver meals in and around the Des Moines Metro. We do ask that all on-site volunteers are above age 13 and recommend driver delivery teams for groups with younger children.

Volunteer opportunities will open on Monday, October 6. To register visit our website at https://www.hopeiowa.org/get-involved/holiday-volunteer-opportunities/

Meal Reservation

Thanksgiving meal reservations will open on Monday, November 4. Meal reservations may be made online at www.hopeiowa.org or by calling 515-265-4277 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Meals must be reserved by Wednesday, November 19 at 4:00PM.

Hope Ministries will also be providing free meals at Hope Café (1310 6th Ave, Des Moines) on Thursday, November 27, between noon and 1:00 p.m. No reservation needed.

Make this Christmas special for the men, women, and children at Hope Ministries!

Help us bless the individuals staying in our shelter and recovery centers with practical and personal gifts. When you register to be a part of Mission: Christmas, we can ensure that the guests in our care receive a gift on Christmas day.  

Registration to fill Mission: Christmas gift bags will open on Monday, October 7. To fill one or more bags, register online before Wednesday, November 27, at hopeiowa.org/events/mission-christmas/

This Thanksgiving we will be serving and delivering over 3,000 meals. To make this possible, we will be hosting a Food Donation Day on Wednesday, November 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Food Donations will be accepted at Hope Café (1310 6th Ave, Des Moines). Donations can be dropped off inside the facility and individuals are invited to tour Bethel Mission.

Needed food donation items include:

Case of bottled water

Ground beef, pork loin, bacon, ham

Milk, cheese, eggs, butter

#10 cans of green beans or mixed veggies

Condiments and salad dressing, ketchup, mustard

Hope Ministries wants to bless you this Christmas! On Thursday, December 25, Hope Ministries will be delivering Christmas Meals to families and individuals in need around the Des Moines area. Volunteer registration will open on Monday, November 3 and meal order reservations will be available on Monday, December 1.

Volunteer Needs

To make Christmas meal deliveries possible, we are in need of on-site meal assembly volunteers and driver delivery teams to deliver meals in and around the Des Moines Metro. We do ask that all on-site volunteers are above age 13 and recommend driver delivery teams for groups with younger children.

Volunteer registration opens on Monday, November 3. To register visit our website at https://www.hopeiowa.org/get-involved/holiday-volunteer-opportunities/

Meal Reservation

Christmas meal reservations will be open on Monday, December 2. Meal reservations may be made online at www.hopeiowa.org or by calling 515-265-4277 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Meals must be reserved by Wednesday, December 17, at 4:00 p.m.

Hope Ministries will also be providing free meals at Hope Café (1310 6th Ave, Des Moines) on Thursday, December 25, between noon and 1:00 p.m. No reservation needed.

Dorothy's House is looking for a venue (and/or sponsor) for our 20 person staff to celebrate during the holiday season. Last year we had a pizza party with games and white elephant gift exchange. Do you have a venue and/or group that would like to celebrate the season with us?

We are looking for donations of Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers in groups of 4, 8 or 12. These gifts are for participants in our programs - survivors of trafficking at Recovery House, Pathways and Front Porch. 

For more information, please email our volunteer coordinator, Kathy Bernreuter at kathy@dorothyshouse.org. Thank you so much for making the holidays happy for our participants! 

Following are a list of suggested items compiled by our staff:

Stocking (3 groups of 4)

Fuzzy socks (stocking) x 4

Face mask (stocking) x 4

Gloves (stocking) x 4

Scarf (stocking) x 4

Set of pens/markers (stocking) x 4

Eye shadow palette (stocking) x 4

Mascara (stocking) x 4

Motivational books/posters/desk top calendars (stocking) x 4

Sunglasses (stocking) x 4

Gifts (3 groups of 4)

Positive/affirming books (gift) x 4

K Cups (gift) x 4

Journal - no spiral (gift) x 4

Essential oil kit (gift) x 4

Diamond dots (gift) x 4

Activity Kit i.e. jewelry making (gift) x 4

Blanket (gift) x 4

Robe (gift) x 4

Organizing/Storage baskets (gift) x 4

Makeup brush sets (gift) x 4

The Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm is a 3,000 square foot indoor farm capable of producing 20,000 pounds of leafy greens a year. Our farm provides some of our most at risk populations in the metro a source of fresh, healthy greens year-round. We also provide greens to other WesleyLife and local communities.

Training will be provided for every task. We do not require a background in gardening or farming, and only ask that you have an open mind and drive to help feed others. Come help us grow nutrition for those who need it most.

The tasks on our farm include:

Once you express interest in volunteering at the farm from this listing, you will receive separate communication from Claire Smith, Assistant Grower. You can also reach out to her directly at csmith6@wesleylife.org.

Volunteering at the Meals on Wheels hydroponic farm only takes place Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

Gift joy to families in need through our Johnston Gives program. The Johnston Partnership, in cooperation with the Johnston Community School District, provides a gift card for households with school-aged kids who see more hardship than joy at the holiday season. Last year, we helped over 500 students, and we anticipate this year will be the much more. $50 helps sponsor 1 child, but any dollar amount is helpful. 

PERFECT SCHEDULE for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers! Serve Monday - Saturday during store hours for as long or as little fits into your schedule.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling...flexible hours! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving.

Our goal at Many Hands is to be good stewards of the items we are given.  We try to repurpose, reuse, or recycle as much as possible.  This volunteer opportunity would be at our Merle Hay store sorting metal into categories to be recycled.   

This opportunity could be 5-10 hours a week, at your convenience to help us process metal items from our thrift stores.   

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift stores.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups. Hours of service can qualify for store discount or towards mission trips!

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement. 

NO SHIFT SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Schedule an orientation then serve at your convenience during store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. 

We are looking for volunteers to serve in our linen department. This is a great little department that handles all of the fabric, sheets, curtains, etc. You would work with other volunteers and staff to sort, measure, price and hang linens. No scheduling, flexible time commitments and a great community. 

 Online Registration

All for a GREAT cause! All proceeds go to local and global missions. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations.

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement.

NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Sign up for an orientation then serve at your convenience within store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions.

Perfect for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers! Monday - Saturday whenever the store is open for as long or as little fits into your schedule.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling...flexible hours! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving.

Come test and help price electronics. We've got TVs, Radios, Video Games, You name it! 

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

We have individual opportunities as well as opportunities for small groups.

At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want to find the best fit for you. Find community and encouragement. 

NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. Schedule an orientation in the location you want to serve then serve at your convenience within store hours. At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

100% of our proceeds go back towards local and global missions. 

Toys, toys, toys! Every year, the Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves up to 1,000 children in the Des Moines Metro. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet, and the toys they receive at the Toy Pantry may be the only gifts that they receive. Won't you help make a child's Christmas bright? Toys are needed by Friday, December 12, 2025.

Click here to see our entire shopping list. 

The Families Forward Holiday Toy Pantry serves all children ages 0 to 18.

Most Needed Items:

Drop Off Location & Hours:
Families Forward Child Development Center
1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm

Donation Drop Off at Hartford Avenue:
Pull up by the back door of the yellow Child Development Center. Open the gate
behind the Child Development Center and go to the very last door. The door is up 5
steps, and the glass window says “Administrative Office”. Ring the doorbell and
someone will accept your donations. Please have gift card(s) in an envelope and hand
directly to our staff.

Questions or To Schedule a Drop Off: For questions or to schedule evening and weekend drop offs, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

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.​

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Become a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Tax Preparer with Iowa Center for Economic Success.

We are looking for volunteers who want to have significant impact in the lives of people in their own community. You can become an IRS trained and certified volunteer tax preparer prior to the beginning of the tax season and then assist taxpayers by accurately preparing their taxes for free. In-person and online training available.

If you enjoy working with numbers and people, this would be a great opportunity for you!

Locations in Des Moines (Evelyn K. Davis Center, United Way, Polk County River Place, LSI and The Iowa Center), West Des Moines and Ankeny.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Become a Greeter for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program with Iowa Center for Economic Success.

We are looking for volunteers who want to have significant impact in the lives of people in their own community. If you are a friendly person, this could be the role for you!

You would be the first person to interact with taxpayers coming to have their tax returns prepared free of charge. Your responsibility would be to greet the clients, make sure they have some basic tax documents, and add them to the list for tax preparation.

We have opportunities at our Iowa Center, United Way, Polk County River Place, Evelyn K. Davis Center, Ankeny and West Des Moines locations.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to get involved but may not be able to commit on a weekly or monthly basis. The Young Women's Resource Center offers three essential resource closets to support participants: the Baby Hub, the Food Pantry, and the Care Closet.

Tasks include:

If you’re interested in volunteering with YWRC, please complete a volunteer application online at https://ywrc.org/volunteer-application/ or contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

As a Childcare Volunteer, you’ll provide our Young Mom’s children with a safe space to play while their mom is learning parenting skills, financial literacy, what to expect in pregnancy and more. We currently have openings for childcare volunteers on two evenings: every Monday from 5:45 – 7:30 p.m. and some Tuesdays. Scheduling is flexible, a long-term commitment is preferred. An interview, background check, and childcare-focused orientation are required for this volunteer role.

If you’re interested in volunteering with YWRC, please complete a volunteer application online at https://ywrc.org/volunteer-application/ or contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

Meals play a critical role in supporting our participants who are facing food insecurity. You can either prepare a homemade meal or arrange for a meal to be delivered or catered. This is a great opportunity for individuals or groups! Please note that we do not have on-site kitchen facilities for meal preparation. If you choose to prepare meals at home, we do require a brief Food Safety training, which can be completed online from the comfort of your home.

Family style meals for 20-25 people should include a main dish, two sides, and a gallon of milk. Dessert is optional. Meals can be dropped off in re-heatable containers such as a foil tray or crockpot.

If you’re interested in volunteering with YWRC, please complete a volunteer application online at https://ywrc.org/volunteer-application/ or contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

To learn more, visit our website and submit an inquiry form: https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/emt

Our EMT is currently made up of 70 volunteers who work closely with Festival staff leading up to the Festival and then manages specific areas on-site including load in, load out, general volunteers, troubleshooting, etc. Essentially, the EMT is the eyes and ears of the Festival ensuring everything runs smoothly and our guests and participants are having their best experience. Volunteer areas of focus include:

Artist Relations
Food Vendor Relations
Interrobang Film Festival
Tech/POS Support
Merchandise Sales
On-Site Office Management
Festival Production
DMAF Programs
Sponsor Relations
Stage Management 
Sustainability
VIP Club
Volunteer Relations

High School Students - if you're looking for silver cord hours, we recommend signing up for General Volunteer shifts! Shifts will be live April 7, 2026.

Fundraising Committee Volunteer
Commitment: 1-year term
Meetings: Second Tuesday of every month, 1–2 PM

Fundraising is about so much more than asking for money — it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to support our mission. We’re looking for a diverse team of volunteers to help organize, strategize, and energize our fundraising efforts.

Whether you’re great at planning and prepping materials, researching potential donors, writing heartfelt thank-you notes, or inviting others into our work — there’s a place for you here.

We’re especially seeking volunteers who bring strengths in the following areas:

Connector / Networker – You know people and love connecting them. You attend events, enjoy expanding your network, and are comfortable talking about what we do in a way that inspires others to get involved.

Brainstormer – You’re full of ideas and not afraid to share them. You can help reimagine our capital campaign, provide honest and constructive feedback on materials, and help refine our messaging and approach.

Researcher – You’re curious and strategic. You enjoy digging into data, identifying potential donors and funding sources, and helping us prioritize opportunities that will have the greatest impact.

Event Planner – You’re organized, creative, and connected. You bring experience (or enthusiasm!) for planning meaningful experiences and can help elevate our Living Library event concept through partnerships, logistics, and innovation.

If you’re passionate about helping others see the power and purpose behind our mission, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we can create lasting impact — one relationship at a time.

Gather your fellow elves and join us at Momentum Art Studio for a merry day of making magic behind the scenes. With holiday tunes playing, you’ll help tidy the studio, organize supplies, and prep canvases with gesso, ensuring they're as white as the freshly fallen snow. Perfect for groups of 3–5 who love teamwork, laughter, and spreading cheer while making a real impact in the arts community.

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

Are you an artist who loves to share your gifts? This season, sprinkle a little holiday magic at Momentum Art Studio by leading a festive, hands-on workshop or art demonstration. Whether it’s painting winter wonderlands, crafting ornaments, or exploring cozy creative themes, your time and talent can bring joy and inspiration to artists living with disabilities and mental health conditions. Workshops can be one-time or recurring, typically lasting 2–3 hours—just enough time to spread some creative cheer and make spirits bright!

Momentum Arts, a program of Community Support Advocates, was created in 2004 to support artists who identify as having a disability. In addition to an annual art showcase, the program offers free workshops, studio space, supplies, mentorship, and professional development. You can visit Momentum Arts in studio #109 at Mainframe Studios or online at: momentumartistcollective.org/

The Greater Des Moines Soap Box Derby will be hosting its 3rd Annual Turkey Run Race on November 1st and 2nd. We are in need of volunteers to help lift the race cars onto the trailer for the kids to they can be sent back up to the top of the race track. The cars can be a bit heavy, especially for our younger racers so we do recommend having a strong/healthy back. The more volunteers we have the more the workload can be spread out. Our kids enjoy racing down the track to see who will be the champion. Volunteers will be provided lunch ,if applicable, and may race down the track in one of our adult cars as well, time permitting. 

Help us provide warm coats and winter-wear for those struggling financially in our community.  We believe everyone has the right to be warm and be protected from the cold Iowa winter weather. The following new and gently-used items are needed: 

Drop Off Location:  1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315

To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 48 hours for scheduling.

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.​

Join us to volunteer for our newest 21+ event - Spirits of the Wild
Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Bar Captains 

Friday, October 31: Eagle, Event Center

Saturday, November 1: Africa, Eagle, Event Center, GoGo

Bartenders 

Friday, October 31: Africa (2), Eagle (3), Event Center (3)

Saturday, November 1:Eagle (4), Event Center (2), Africa Bar (3)

Quest Guides: - Assist guests with puzzles and questions about the cryptid quest/hunt. Each quest guide will be stationed in a designated spot around the Zoo.  Every guide will have a full puzzle/answer packet to fully be able to assist guests

Saturday November 1: 4 volunteer spots

Convergence Zone: Direct guests to their next location depending on the answer they give you.

Saturday, November 1: 1 volunteer spot

Event Times: 5:30 - 10:00pm

5:30 - Early Access - Bars, Food, Samples

6:00 - General Admissions

9:30 - Last Call
9:45 - Bars Close - some may close earlier based on how busy the event is

10:00 - Event Ends

Sign Up Today: https://signup.com/go/UTqiTuh

As we want Elf Day, our Holiday themed Community Event, to be a highlight of our residents year, we we need volunteer support. Let us know if one stands out to you; or, if you have any other ideas! These could either be done on or off site. We just ask that you provide the supplies as we do not have a budget to do so. (Must be 18 years or older to volunteer on site)

- Creating 150 Christmas cards for resident’s to receive on Christmas morning – filled with uplifting notes and well wishes
- Baked goods (150 servings) – who doesn’t love cookies and sugar loaded items during the holidays?!
- 150 Stocking stuffer kindness bags – along with a gift, we would love to extend the Christmas spirit with small goodie bags
- 150 Hot cocoa kits – a hot chocolate packet with mini marshmallows and a candy cane taped to the outside (feel free to add a handwritten note).

If interested please register for a task below. Donations can be dropped off before December 19th anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Learn more and take a virtual tour of our campus here: youtube.com/watch?v=YTshFDMScsM&t

Toilet paper is one of our most commonly requested items in our on-site hygiene pantry. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic we can all relate to the fear of running out of this essential need item. Many of our women still face this fear daily due to transportation and/or financial barriers that prevent them from being able to purchase this item from the store. Will you help put TP under our Christmas tree to support our residents through the holidays and beyond? Any amount will make an important and positive impact! 

Donations can be dropped off at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, located at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Or, send TP directly to our door using our Amazon wish list here:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PP32L4CYOWD3?ref_=wl_share 

Please contact nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org with questions!

This Holiday season, we would like to help our participants who attend the Wesley on Grand Adult Day Center to be able to have a present that is given during our yearly Christmas party. We are primarily looking for every day, personal essentials like socks, lotions, soaps, lip balm, and hair accessories (like barrettes and headbands.) Contact Hannah for more specifics. Please drop off items before December 2nd. 

The holiday season is quickly approaching and everyone involved with Mentor Iowa is excited about our upcoming adopt-a-family program.  Our adopt-a-family program may be the only opportunity for our children to receive any gifts this holiday season, so it is important that we do everything possible to make them feel special during this festive time. 

At this time, Mentor Iowa asks you to consider becoming a sponsor for a family that is involved in our program.  Adopt a family sponsor’s work with the Mentor Iowa office to purchase needed items for the family.  Mentor Iowa distributes a wish list to mentors, and then the mentor discusses with their mentee’s family what they need and want for the holiday season.  Items needed typically include:  clothing, household items, shoes, books, games and whatever else is on the child’s wish list.  The average amount spent on each child is approximately $100, but you can choose the amount you want to spend on the child(ren).

This opportunity is looking for SPONSORS only at this time.  The adopt-a-family program is designed to help the children referred to Mentor Iowa and partnering agencies.  Last year we were able to support 453 children and foresee that number rising this year.  Due to limited adopt-a-family sponsors, children outside of our referral sources are not being accepted at this time.   

Mentor Iowa is a non-profit, volunteer organization that was started in 1974 by citizens of the community, a Juvenile Court Judge, and court personnel, all of whom were concerned about the growing number of children served by the court.  The mission of the organization is to provide trained volunteer mentors to at-risk children in need of a positive adult role model.  We do this by working in partnership with the children, their families, and the community.  Community volunteers present a solution by providing the mentor services to the ever-increasing number of Children in Need of Assistance and delinquent youth in central Iowa. 

Our creed is “Every Child Deserves a Future.”  By fulfilling this request, we can continue to achieve our mission and better the community.  Please contact the Mentor Iowa office by Friday, November 21st if you are interested in becoming an adopt a family sponsor and how many children you would like to purchase gifts for.  If you do participate, we will have your needs list sent to you by the latest Wednesday, November 26th.  We would like the gifts back to our offices by Monday, December 8th so we can start the distribution process to our mentors and partnering agencies.  This year, we are asking our sponsors to wrap their purchased gifts.  If you can create a list that has the items purchased, we will present to the parent so they know what their child(ren) are receiving.

We hope this information assists you in making a decision to become a part of Mentor Iowa’s adopt-a-family program this holiday season.  THANK YOU for your time to consider being a sponsor in our adopt-a-family program.  If you have any questions regarding Mentor Iowa's adopt-a-family program, please feel free to contact Marty Lester at 515-277-9797. 

One of our greatest needs at Ronald McDonald House is for home-cooked meals for our families. After a long day at the hospital, families are truly grateful for a hot meal waiting for them. This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for groups of family, friends, corporate teams, or teens looking to fulfill community service or Silver Cord hours. We have two Houses where you can volunteer: our House near Blank Children’s Hospital and our House within MercyOne (located on the North Side, 4th Floor).

To choose a date, please visit http://www.rmhdesmoines.org, scroll down to click on "Meal Providers," then select "Sign Up Here" to access our meal provider schedule.

FAQ

How many people can participate in our group?
We limit groups to 10 people due to kitchen size. For groups larger than 10, we suggest splitting up: 10 people can cook, and the rest can assist with housekeeping.

What do we need to bring?
We provide all cooking tools and utensils. You’ll just need to bring the ingredients. You’re also welcome to use any canned or dry goods we have available. Feel free to call us to check what’s on hand. *Please keep in mind, Per RMH Global Guidelines, we cannot accept homemade food prepared outside a licensed kitchen.

How much food should we make?
Please prepare a meal for 35 people for each House. If you sign up to make a meal for both Houses we ask you make a meal for 70 people.
To keep a consistent schedule, we ask that meals be ready by 6 p.m.

What time should we arrive?
The volunteer kitchen is reserved from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you’d like to come earlier, please call ahead to confirm kitchen availability.

Can we stay and visit with families?
You’re welcome to stay and visit with families during the meal. However, many families return later in the evening, so we leave the meal out for an hour and then store it as leftovers.

What should we make?
Feel free to be creative and have fun with your meal! There’s no need to worry about dietary restrictions.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, please reach out to Caroline at volunteer@rmhdesmoines.org or call 515-243-2111.

Thank you for helping us support families in need!

At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, we proudly serve families from Iowa, across the U.S., and around the world. Our pantry provides meals, sweet treats, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials for these families during their stay-and we would greatly appreciate your support!

If you’re interested in organizing a Pantry Wish List Drive or setting up a donation drive, please reach out. We can share details about the pantry and toiletry items currently needed.

If you’d prefer to donate directly from our wish list, please visit our website at www.rmhdesmoines.org. Our wish list covers items needed for both of our Ronald McDonald Houses. For donated items, we kindly ask that they be shipped to:

1441 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50314

This helps ensure the right items reach the correct House location.

For questions or to arrange a drop-off time, please contact volunteer@rmhdesmoines.org or call us at 515-243-2111.

Thank you for helping us make a difference for families in need!

On November 14th All of our Many Hands locations are going to be closing early to set up for our Christmas open house (on November 15th.)   We are in need of volunteers to help us set up the Christmas Wonderland at our stores from 2:00 to 6:00 on the 14th.  I am looking to recruit about 20 - 25 volunteers per store!  Please let me know if you, or a group that would be willing to lend their hands and become elves for the night.

The DMARC Food Pantry at West Des Moines Human Services is in need of volunteers to assist clients with food orders, stock shelves, rotate inventory, package personal care items, and accept donations. Volunteers will help families shop to meet their food and personal care needs. Some lifting is required. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, Monday through Friday as well as Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Shifts are in two to three hour increments. Volunteers may either commit to one shift per week, or volunteer intermittently as a sub. Please note, we are seeking volunteers who can help on an ongoing basis either by committing to a regular weekly shift OR by subbing on an intermittent basis - we do not offer one-time volunteer opportunities in the food pantry due to the training involved.  In addition, we are not able to accomodate those in need of court-ordered community service hours.  The food pantry is located in the Valley Junction neighborhood of West Des Moines.  Please call 515-222-3663 for additional information or email: HSvolunteer@wdm.iowa.gov

The Clothing Closet at West Des Moines Human Services is in need of volunteers to accept, sort and straighten donations of clothing, shoes, toys, towels, linens, blankets, home decor and housewares. Volunteers will also assist clients as needed and keep the room neat and organized. Morning and afternoon shifts available, Monday through Friday. Shifts are in two to three hour increments. Volunteers may commit to a regular weekly shift, or volunteer on an intermittent basis on Tuesday evenings from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Some lifting is required. Please note, we do not offer one-time volunteer opportunities in the Clothing Closet and we are not able to accomodate those in need of court-ordered community service hours.  The Clothing Closet provides free goods to qualifying low-income households.  Please call 515-222-3663 for more information or email: HSvolunteer@wdm.iowa.gov

West Des Moines Human Services is seeking volunteers for its Anytime Food Program which distributes donated and rescued food items.  This opportunity is available weekdays from 7:45 am to 9:00 am at West Des Moines Human Services.  Volunteers help with food set-up, organization and distribution of the food items.  Distribution takes place outside, rain or shine, however volunteers are not expected to assist in inclement weather. Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per week.  Some lifting involved (up to 25 lbs). Please note, we are not able to accomodate those in need of court-ordered community service hours.  Prior to volunteering, you must make an appointment to visit our office for an interview/tour and to complete volunteer forms.  A background check is also required prior to volunteering.  Please call 515-222-3663 for additional information or email HSvolunteer@wdm.iowa.gov. 

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa has an exciting, short-term, mission-focused volunteer opportunity for you to work with elementary-aged girls to help them build courage, confidence, and character in Girl Scout Club!

This short-term after-school program is for girls in grades K-5 and takes place one hour each week, for five weeks. Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa partners with schools and community partners around the Central Iowa area to make these Girl Scout Clubs possible! Several after school Girl Scout Clubs are starting soon and we need your help as a club facilitator!

Club size, dates, and times vary by location. We’ll provide you with training, resources, lesson plans and supplies for each session, as well as ongoing support to deliver a positive learning environment for girls! Each week, you’ll lead participants in hands-on activities—encouraging them as they learn and try new things.

While participating in a traditional Girl Scout troop experience is the heart of Girl Scouting, some girls and their families have barriers and challenges that prevent them from having access to a Girl Scout troop. That’s where Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Mission Outreach programs come in! The goal of Mission Outreach is to meet girls where they are, in an effort to reduce barriers and expand access to Girl Scout programming, providing opportunities for leadership, adventure, and success. We work with youth-serving community partners in our council to bring high-quality, short-term Girl Scout experiences to girls. A part of the Mission Outreach program is Girl Scout Club! Club sessions are designed based off the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, providing girls an onsite and hands-on learning environment to explore the areas of STEAM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship to build courage, confidence, and character. All activities are girl-led and guided by a trained Girl Scout Club Volunteer! Our activity plans include: Self-expression and empowerment, Social relationship development, STEAM, Teamwork and leadership, Financial literacy and money management, Engaged citizenship. 

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!

We are happy to announce that the Young Women’s Resource Center and Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale have teamed up to host the YWRC Book Sale (previously known as the Planned Parenthood Booksale)! We are thrilled to usher this 60-year community book sale legacy into its next chapter with the YWRC.

Sign up to volunteer during the sale Nov 6th through Nov 9th. Click Here to Volunteer

All volunteers who work at least one 3-hour shift are invited to Volunteer Night on November 9th from 6:30 pm-9:00 pm, where volunteers can take any books/items that remain after the sale for free!

Our annual Trunk or Treat is coming up at our Levitt Club, and we need your help to make it a festive night! 

We’re looking for volunteers to deck out their trunks in spooky themes and bring candy to hand out to our awesome club members.  

This is a fantastic opportunity for corporate teams to give back and show off their creative side at the same time! 

Our annual Trunk or Treat is coming up at our Ross Club, and we need your help to make it a festive night! 

We’re looking for volunteers to deck out their trunks in spooky themes and bring candy to hand out to our awesome club members.  

This is a fantastic opportunity for corporate teams to give back and show off their creative side at the same time! 

Families Forward Child Development Center is having a Fall Party for kids on Friday, October 31st. Our child development center welcomes 58 children ages newborn through 5.

Donations are needed for the event. Donations should be dropped off by Wednesday, October 29th. 

If you have any difficulties getting signed up to bring items, please email: missy@familiesforward.org

The following items are needed: 

Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. We can provide suggested retailers or online links to purchases supplies. 

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.

Ever wished you had a backstage pass to see everything that goes into a production? This is it! As a volunteer working backstage at The Des Moines Playhouse, you'll do much more than observe the action. If ladders, lights, and hand tools intrigue you, consider joining the Light Hanging Crew which carefully positions each light prior to a show. Volunteers are also needed to run the light board, followspots, and sound board during shows. And for a true backstage experience during the show, consider joining the shift/fly Crew. Crew volunteers stay busy changing the set during scene breaks and intermission - including scenery that is flown in from above! Staff will provide hands-on training for all roles so you'll be confident when the house lights go down. Join the team and let the fun begin!         

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage  

Come make a scene as a member of The Des Moines Playhouse set crew. We have a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy building and painting to assist the technical director in constructing the different sets and large prop pieces that star in our plays. We have jobs for the skilled carpenter and for the novice handyman trying to buff up some basic carpentry skills. On the same note, accomplished painters are welcomed and will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, but we welcome volunteers without any experience as an artist. We have a great team with a variety of experience levels, which creates an ideal environment for working together, learning new techniques, and sharing ideas. Volunteers will be trained on.  the detail set work.       

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage/

Want to be a part of the theatre without the stage fright? The Des Moines Playhouse needs welcoming individuals to greet patrons, help them find their seats, hand out programs, and help late arrivals be seated at an appropriate time and as quietly as possible. This team creates a memorable experience for our guests. In return, you'll get to see the show for yourself. Other responsibilities include making sure the theater is presentable for the next performance. You can volunteer individually, or bring some friends and family to fill the house positions needed for each show. This volunteer commitment begins one hour prior to curtain time and continues until the end of the performance. You can volunteer just once or for as many performances as you like. Come be a part of the theater and ensure that the show does go on.

CLICK HERE to sign up!

Have you ever pictured yourself on stage? Whether you are new to the stage or a seasoned actor, we have a spot for you! Beginning with auditions and ending with the final curtain call, staff and support volunteers are there to help. Many novices are concerned about learning lines or being nervous on stage - don't let this stop you! During the many weeks of rehearsal your role and character will become second nature. In fact, 50% of the actors who appear on our stages each year are new to the Playhouse! The stage awaits - contact us to learn more about upcoming shows!   

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/audition/

The next time you go to a play, you could lean over to your friends and say, "I made that." As a stitcher for The Des Moines Playhouse, you'll help build our costumes and put the finishing touches on projects. If you can sew, from simple alterations to full-scale construction, come spend some time in our costume shop and help bring our plays to life. If sewing's not your thing, you can jump in behind the scenes as a dresser or hair and makeup volunteer. Dressers are the extra pair of hands our actors need to make fast costume changes during performances.       

Learn more: https://www.dmplayhouse.com/volunteer/back-stage/

As a CASA volunteer, you will be empowered by the courts to help make a child’s dream of a forever home a reality. You will be the one consistent adult in these children’s lives, fighting for and protecting their right to be treated with the dignity and respect that every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life.  No special experience is required. At CASA we offer comprehensive pre-service training, coaching and monthly opportunities to meet with other CASAs. We promise you will have the support you need to feel confident in this role.

The following video captures the role and duties of the CASA in less than 4 minutes.

What is a CASA?

https://youtu.be/F5xth-p-9LE

Location: Near Blank Park Zoo. Address will be given after you have registered to maintain homeowner privacy.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference? Join us as we come together to build a shed for a deserving member of our community who is in need of storage at their home!

What to Expect: Hands-on work with a team to set up the platform, raise and assemble the walls, hang the door, put up the trusses, shingle, and then paint. Working with power tools. No prior construction experience is necessary! Our team will provide guidance and training throughout the project.

What to Bring:

What We Provide: 

The IRC in Iowa is currently in need of donations of "lunch kits" for our newly employed refugees! 

These kits would include:

Your company, organization/club, family, or you as an individual can make a difference by purchasing these items for those new to our state and workforce. These items will continue to provide for them longer than the holiday season!

For more information please contact IRC in Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator, Kate Brockmeyer at 641-200-1985 or email Iowa@rescue.org

Our food pantry is very busy all year but especially during the holidays as families struggle to provide basic necessities along with holiday gifts. 

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is a home away from home for cancer patients and a caregiver when their cancer treatment takes them far from home. There are over 30 lodges nationwide with the closest lodges to Central Iowa located in Iowa City, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska and Rochester, Minnesota.  Our lodges provide lodging to patients who have to travel over 40 miles for treatment and come fully furnished thanks to the support of many generous donors. We are always looking for additional support through financial donations, or supplies including non-perishable items, paper products, and many other items that help to provide comfortable and clean home away from home.  If you or your company is interested in supporting our Hope Lodges, please reach out to us for our current "wish list" or supply needs.

There are also other opportunities to volunteer including doing activities with the guests, preparing meals or general housekeeping.  We would be happy to talk to you on how you and your team can give back and make an impact in the fight against cancer.

We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help!

Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please contact Mildred Chihak, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029. 

If you are ready to apply, please go create a profile on our website HIRTAHelps.org. 

We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members who need help gaining access to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Volunteers use their personal vehicles.

Trips are based on your availability and comfort level. If you are only available certain days of the week or have a changing schedule, we will work with your schedule. Do you only want to provide transportation in your town? We have community members who could use your help! Are you willing to drive to Des Moines? We have community members who could use your help!


Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please contact Mildred Chihak, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@ridehirta.com or 1.877.686.0029.

If you're ready to apply, please create a profile on our website HIRTAHelps.org.

Community Youth Concepts (CYC) hosts a Community Fridge at our building at 1446 MLK Jr. Parkway (Corner of MLK and Clark) to provide food and toiletries for those in need and to reduce food waste in our community.  With the refrigerator and freezer we are able to accept both fresh and shelf stable items.   In addition, prepared food can also be left as long as it is in either individual or family size containers (could be zip lock bags, sealable takout containers, etc. (please, no large buffet or other serving size containers)) and labled with what it is and the date prepared. 

Food can be left directly in the fridge or shelves as appropriate and there is access 24/7.  Fridge shed is located in parking lot behind building - entrance to parking lot is off of Clark St.  For large deliveries, please contact CYC during regular business hours  for staff support.  (515 -243 4292).   Popular items that move quickly are: 

To drop off items please contact CYC during business hours at 515-243-4292 or email julie@cyconcepts.org. 

Volunteers will take the Food Bank of Iowa's van and drop off boxes, signs and/or bins for the collection of food in the Des Moines metro. Addresses and training provided on site. Valid driver's license required.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

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

Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18

Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes are required; no exceptions. Dress comfortably.

GiGi's Kitchen is seeking a lead volunteer, co-lead volunteers, and volunteer assistants to assist our participants grow their skills in the kitchen!

Come and support the Des Moines Art Center's largest annual community event - now celebrating it's 25th year! Volunteers are crucial in this celebration, serving as greeters, aiding in hands-on art activities, and helping keep spaces tidy. 

As we step into an exciting new chapter at Dorothy's House, we're creating innovative ways to raise awareness and foster lasting support for our mission. One of our key initiatives is forming an Event Planning Committee - we're looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join us!

If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, we would love to have you on our team:

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills toward events that directly support and uplift the mission of Dorothy's House. Whether you're a seasoned event planner or just eager to get involved, there's a place for you here.

Help us make a difference - join this incredible team today!

To get involved or learn more, please complete a volunteer application at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/491571407 or email volunteer@dorothyshouse.org.

The DMARC Food Pantry at West Des Moines Human Services is in need of volunteers to stock shelves, rotate inventory, package personal care items, assist with food rescue, unload donations and drive the van. Lifting or moving of up to 50 lbs is required. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, Monday through Friday. In general, shifts are two to three hours, but this is flexible. Please note, this position is open to volunteers who can help on an ongoing basis by committing to a regular weekly shift. The food pantry is located in the Valley Junction neighborhood of West Des Moines.  Please call 515-222-3663 for additional information or email: HSvolunteer@wdm.iowa.gov. PLEASE NOTE: as of June 2025, we do not have a need for additional restocking volunteers at this time. Please check back at a later date.

Volunteer Job Title: Grant Writer

Purpose: We are looking for two volunteers who will work as a team to research and apply for grants that ultimately help to keep the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow financially secure.

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities:

·       Identify and research grants to apply for from various government, private foundations, and corporate sponsors.

·       Prepare and submit grant applications.

·       Keep track of grant deadlines and ensure the requirements of grants are met.

·       Build relationships with funding organizations, ensuring follow-up on the progress made in our organization due to a grant being awarded.

·       Attend monthly White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee meetings either virtually or in-person.

Reports to: Director of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Length of Assignment: A commitment of at least one year on the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Qualifications & Skills:

·       Passion for the values of our Pow Wow: multiculturalism, intercultural dialogue, friendship, education, and celebration

·       Previous professional or volunteer experience in grant writing preferred

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Organizational and time management skills

·       Able to work well in a team as well as independently

·       Must be willing to undergo a background check

Training & Support:

·       General volunteer onboarding

·       Ongoing guidance and communication with the Director as well as the whole of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age.

Volunteer Job Title: Public Relations & Social Media Volunteer

Purpose: The position of Public Relations & Social Media Volunteer is the lead in managing our social media as well as our media contacts. This volunteer acts as the “face” of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow.

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities:

·       Take the lead in managing our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.

·       Create a content calendar for all of our social media channels.

·       Build new relationships and maintain our current relationships with media contacts.

·       Meet in-person, over the phone, and/or virtually with our media contacts.

·       Craft news stories to pitch to media outlets.

·       Create and distribute press releases.

·       Act as the “face” of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow, ensuring that the Pow Wow is protected from harm and/or misinformation.

·       Attend monthly White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee meetings either virtually or in-person.

Reports to: Director of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Length of Assignment: A commitment of at least one year on the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Qualifications & Skills:

·       Passion for the values of our Pow Wow: multiculturalism, intercultural dialogue, friendship, education, and celebration

·       Previous professional or volunteer experience in public relations and/or social media preferred

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Organizational and time management skills

·       Able to work well in a team as well as independently

·       Must be willing to undergo a background check

Training & Support:

·       General volunteer onboarding

·       Ongoing guidance and communication with the Director as well as the whole of the White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow Committee

Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age.

The Front Desk Reception Volunteer is the welcoming face of our food pantry and office locations. This role is essential to creating a warm, respectful, and organized environment for guests, volunteers, and community members. Volunteers at the front desk provide direct support to staff, answer questions, and help ensure smooth daily operations.

Do you love making a difference in your community and are comfortable leading a group? Everybody Wins! Iowa is searching for charismatic volunteers to guide the program and other volunteers at our school sites. 

PRL volunteers will support one school to start, but more can be added depending on your availability. Most schools will need approximately 90 minutes of support each week. School schedules vary, but hours are primarily between 9 AM - 1 PM Monday - Friday. Schools and schedule can be found on the website: www.everybodywinsiowa.org.  Please reach out to Stacy Pearce, Operations Manager, volunteer@everybodywinsiowa.org, for more information or to apply! 

Are you looking for a great team-building volunteer opportunity for your work group/department, school team or group, church group, social club, or friend group? If so, we invite you to learn, work and have some fun together in the Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm! We currently have several dates available in October, with the greatest need on Mondays and Fridays.

The hydroponic farm is a 3,000 square foot indoor farm capable of producing 20,000 pounds of leafy greens a year. Our farm provides some of our most at risk populations in the metro a source of fresh, healthy greens year-round. We also provide greens to other WesleyLife and local communities.

Training will be provided for every task. We do not require a background in gardening or farming and only ask that you have an open mind and drive to help feed others. We can accommodate groups up to 15 people per 2-hour shift, and we offer three shifts daily, Monday through Friday (10 a.m. - Noon; Noon to 2 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Come help us grow nutrition for those who need it most!

The tasks on our farm include:

Once you express interest in volunteering at the farm from this listing, you will receive separate communication from Claire Smith, Assistant Grower. You can also reach out to her directly at csmith6@wesleylife.org.

Volunteering at the Meals on Wheels hydroponic farm only takes place Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

Thank you for your consideration to become part of the Meals on Wheels Friendly Caller Program! Social connectedness is a critical component of overall well-being – the calls you make help form a network of support around our most vulnerable clients.

As a Friendly Caller, you will become part of a team, who, on any given weekday, delivers nearly 2,000 healthy, delicious meals to older adults, veterans, and adults with special needs in Polk and Dallas Counties. Along with a hot meal, the team delivers a friendly face and a daily well-being check to each of our participants.

A Friendly Caller like you allows Meals on Wheels to provide an added support system to participants who are isolated and often lonely. Your call may support the client’s emotional wellbeing and give peace of mind to family members who worry about their loved ones but can’t always be with them.

Calls can take place 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can establish a regular call schedule with your matched clients on a 1x/week, 2x/month, or 1x/month basis. Calls last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

This is a great time to become a Friendly Caller volunteer! We are matching Meals on Wheels participants with volunteers.  

We all play an important role in protecting the health, safety, and privacy of our participants, team members, and volunteers. You will receive instructions on how to make sure you're doing your part, and ongoing training can be provided upon request.

Contact Tawnya Fields, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator, for more information: tfields@wesleylife.org  (515-699-3249).

Every weekday, Wesley Life Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers nearly 2,000 hot, nutritious lunches to homebound older adults, veterans, and people living with disabilities. Our volunteers support this mission by delivering meals directly to those in need, while taking a moment to check in with our participants to make sure they are safe and well.    

In 2024, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels delivered 428,116 hot meals to older adults, veterans, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. We know that 91% of our clients report eating healthier, and 94% of our clients are able to stay independent in their own homes thanks in part to Meals on Wheels.

As a WesleyLife Meals on Wheels volunteer, you will:

As a Volunteer Delivery Driver, you will help deliver meals Monday through Friday to client homes throughout Polk County between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. We have 17 different routes to choose from, all ranging in estimated delivery time and number of clients served. Check out our interactive map of Meals on Wheels Volunteer Routes to find a route that works for you!

Contact Tawnya Fields, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator, for more information: tfields@wesleylife.org (515) 229-7467.

Click here to apply today!

A Neighborhood Coordinator creates a strong support network where neighbors help neighbors, fostering unity and connection. Instead of individual donations, it’s many at one time - amplifying impact! Your vision inspires others to step up to fill a need, while strengthening community bonds with every food drive and delivery.

You will be the main contact for your community, recruiting food donors, supporting volunteers, and organizing monthly food drives. Neighborhood coordinators spread the word about the designated day for the food drives, pick up donations from neighborhood porches, and move food from porch to pantry. You will create and support a strong partnership with your local pantry ensuring they have the food they need, when they need it, to feed neighbors in need.

High school students should ask about joining the Student Ambassador program

The Botanical Artisan Guild is looking for a volunteer to help develop and coordinate a project to make block printing art to support the Guild.  

This person will be responsible for organizing regularly scheduled sessions with interested volunteers for training, carving and printing.  Additionally, they will be responsible for developing ideas for relief printing products, organizing tools and supplies and communicating with volunteers.   

Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

--Enjoy working with others to create art that can be sold in the Garden Shop

--Experience in block printing either from school or home hobby projects

--Be willing to train others in the skills of linocut carving and relief printing on paper and fabric

--Availability during daytime hours

The Botanical Artisans Guild is a group of volunteers who create arts and crafts to sell in the garden shop.  Their inspiration comes from the plants and gardens at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

If interested, applicants can drop an email to  artisanguild@dmbotanicalgarden.com for more information.

Need a project to do at home? We need bags for the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry. Recycle your old t-shirts into no-sew t-shirt bags.  We can use over 120 t-shirt bags per day, so we welcome large donations of these bags. (We are now serving 6,000 to 9,000 people per month.)  

Making no-sew t-shirt bags is a great project that you can do from home and allows you to re-purposes an old t-shirt.​ No-sew t-shirt bags are sturdier than plastic bags, can hold more food items, and be re-used.  This project is also kid-friendly and environmentally friendly.

We also need used plastic grocery bags, paper grocery bags and cloth bags. 

Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315

For Instructions: Click here to view the instructions to make the bags.

Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

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.​

Have a large group that is looking to volunteer together? We’d love your help! We welcome groups of up to 75 volunteers at one time. We can only host one large volunteer group per day. Our calendar can fill up quickly.

Volunteer shifts range from 2 – 8 hours. (You choose.) Volunteer opportunities include:

For more information or to sign up: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive to help, including information about the work our organization does to support the community.  

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.​

The Bidwell Pantry needs used plastic grocery bags to help bag up the pantry guests’ groceries. The Bidwell Pantry serves 6,000 to 9,000 individuals per month. With the rising costs of food and supplies, you can help make a difference more than ever.

We also accept used paper grocery bags and cloth bags. We are currently serving between 100 to 150 families per day and need 2-3 bags for each person's groceries.  

Drop Off Location:  1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315

Questions:  Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404.

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.​

Host a Clothing Donation Drive to help provide clothing and needed items to those struggling financially in our community. The Families Forward Bidwell Pantry serves between 6,000 to 9,000 people each month, so all sizes and ages of clothing are welcome. (All items are free to those that come to our pantry.)  

Scheduling a Drop Off

Needed Items (New or Gently-Used):

About Families Forward:  Families Forward 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.​

The Ambassadors Committee is a welcoming space for individuals passionate about DMARC’s mission to learn, serve, and share. Members deepen their understanding of hunger and poverty in Central Iowa, participate in service learning, and become active advocates, all while making meaningful connections with one another and supporting DMARC’s mission via fundraising projects and volunteerism.

Activities include:

Commitment: Every other month for 1.5-2 hours, with optional additional engagement.

Ideal for: New or long-time supporters, young professionals, civic-minded individuals, or anyone looking to get more involved with hands-on experiences!

This committee supports DMARC’s iconic Red Barrel Program, a visible and vital way for the community to donate food at grocery stores and retail locations. The committee works to promote, improve, and expand the program.

Key activities:

Commitment: Meets 2–4 times per year with occasional tasks in between, such as organizing drives or contacting new locations.

Ideal for: Volunteers with marketing, logistics, or retail experience- or a love for hands-on food drive efforts!

The Corporate Leadership Cabinet is a network of community-minded business leaders who support DMARC through strategic partnerships, resource sharing, and community engagement. Members act as ambassadors within their sectors to raise awareness of DMARC’s mission, contribute financially or in-kind, and help open doors to new opportunities.

Activities include:

Ideal for: Professionals and executives who want to lend their influence to reduce food insecurity in Greater Des Moines.

Dallas County is seeking a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Dallas County Board of Health. This position oversees administration of the Dallas County Health Department. Volunteers with a passion for public health and a comfort level with governmental budgets or finance are especially welcomed.

Volunteers would be asked to attend monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm, unless there is no business for the Board to discuss. 

This committee will help plan the 8th annual Spring Greens event, DMARC’s signature fundraising event. This year’s event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Areas of focus include sponsorship, ticket sales, communications, logistics, raffle, logistics, communications.

Date: April 30th, 2026 at DMARC’s headquarters, 100 Army Post Rd., Des Moines.

Subcommittees include: 

Sponsorship – Secure financial sponsors and help meet revenue goals. 

Raffle – Source a high-value raffle item and coordinate raffle sales and promotion. 

Logistics – Coordinate event setup, managing timelines and  volunteers. 

Communications & Promotions – Assist with marketing materials, social media, and press outreach. 

Decor & Design – Plan and implement the event’s decor and design.  

Pallet Project – Recruitment of organizations, clubs and faith communities to design and create a pallet project for the Spring Greens event. 

Commitment: 
Monthly meetings from October to April, with subcommittee work between meetings and hands-on help the week of the event. 

Ideal for: Organized, creative individuals who enjoy event planning, fundraising, or outreach!