Volunteer: Spring Yard Clean Up at New Directions ShelterVolunteers are needed to help clean up flower beds and yard for spring at the Families Forward Grand Avenue Campus at New Directions Shelter. Also, in May, we will have lots of flowers to plant to help make the property welcoming while families are staying with us. All ages are welcome to come and help. Supplies: All tools needed will be provided including yardwork gloves, rakes, and other tools. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by text at 515-346-8895, 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. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help clean up flower beds and yard for spring at the Families Forward Grand Avenue Campus at New Directions Shelter. Also, in May, we will have lots of flowers to plant to help make the property welcoming while families are staying with us. All ages are welcome to come and help. Supplies: All tools needed will be provided including yardwork gloves, rakes, and other tools. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by text at 515-346-8895, 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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Spring Yard Work at the Pantry & Child Development CenterVolunteers are needed to help do spring yard clean up at Families Forward Hartford Avenue Campus for our pantry and child development center. We have lots of flowers to plant that help make the property look welcoming when families come here. The property has a food and clothing pantry and a child development center. Supplies: All tools needed will be provided including yardwork gloves and tools. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by text at 515-346-8895, 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. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help do spring yard clean up at Families Forward Hartford Avenue Campus for our pantry and child development center. We have lots of flowers to plant that help make the property look welcoming when families come here. The property has a food and clothing pantry and a child development center. Supplies: All tools needed will be provided including yardwork gloves and tools. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by text at 515-346-8895, 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. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Organizing Donations at our ShelterGroup Sign Up: Groups can email Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org to schedule. For group of 4 or more, you can choose your date and time. We are pretty flexible as long as another group isn't already signed up.
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 12 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. Organization: Families Forward Group Sign Up: Groups can email Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org to schedule. For group of 4 or more, you can choose your date and time. We are pretty flexible as long as another group isn't already signed up.
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 12 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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Dinners for New Directions ShelterThank you for your interest in preparing dinner(s) for the families staying at New Directions Shelter. Dinners are primarily needed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dates Dinners Are Currently Needed: April Saturday - 18Sunday - 19, 26Wednesday - 8, 15, 22May Saturday - 16, 23, 30Sunday - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Wednesday - 6, 13, 20, 27This opportunity involves preparing (or buying) and donating a well-balanced, child-friendly dinner. The meal needs to feed up to 20 people (mostly children). Food needs to be dropped off by 4:00 - 4:30 pm on the designated day. Meals are just dropped off; there is no serving involved. We do have the ability to heat/re-heat as needed. Drinks and/or desserts are not required but are appreciated.More information will be provided to you after sign up, or contact Melanie Wright if you have any questions. Office Phone 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Thank you for your interest in preparing dinner(s) for the families staying at New Directions Shelter. Dinners are primarily needed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dates Dinners Are Currently Needed: April Saturday - 18Sunday - 19, 26Wednesday - 8, 15, 22May Saturday - 16, 23, 30Sunday - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Wednesday - 6, 13, 20, 27This opportunity involves preparing (or buying) and donating a well-balanced, child-friendly dinner. The meal needs to feed up to 20 people (mostly children). Food needs to be dropped off by 4:00 - 4:30 pm on the designated day. Meals are just dropped off; there is no serving involved. We do have the ability to heat/re-heat as needed. Drinks and/or desserts are not required but are appreciated.More information will be provided to you after sign up, or contact Melanie Wright if you have any questions. Office Phone 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Children's Activities at New Directions ShelterVolunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance. Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information: Volunteers are needed between 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.) Volunteers will interact with the children and help them participate in the activity. Children come and go during the event. Volunteers will do 2-3 sessions of the activity to allow all children to participate as they arrive home to the shelter for the evening. If you would like to plan or bring a craft or activity, please just let us know. We'd love your help in planning.Volunteers: All ages are welcome to volunteer. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Child volunteers should be signed up, too.Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. Large Group Volunteering for Children's Events: If you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy@familiesforward.org. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help children ages 1 to 17 with crafts, games, and activities that our staff will plan. Our shelter provides emergency housing for up to 8 families with children at a time. Most children's activities have between 5 to 15 children in attendance. Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information: Volunteers are needed between 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.) Volunteers will interact with the children and help them participate in the activity. Children come and go during the event. Volunteers will do 2-3 sessions of the activity to allow all children to participate as they arrive home to the shelter for the evening. If you would like to plan or bring a craft or activity, please just let us know. We'd love your help in planning.Volunteers: All ages are welcome to volunteer. Youth 14 years of age and younger should have an adult on site with them while volunteering. Child volunteers should be signed up, too.Questions? Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About volunteering: A volunteer orientation is provided when you first arrive. Information for First-time Volunteers: Click here for information about parking, how to check in when you arrive, and much more. Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service. Large Group Volunteering for Children's Events: If you have a larger group that would like to help with a children's event, please email Missy Reams at Missy@familiesforward.org. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50312 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Data Entry VolunteersWe are looking for detail-oriented volunteers to help our team keep important records up to date. Accurate data is essential to our work — it helps us track the generosity of our in-kind donors, recognize community support, and report on volunteer impact across our programs. As a Data Entry Volunteer, you will play a quiet but vital role in making sure that information is organized, current, and accessible to staff. What You'll Do Enter in-kind donor information into our donor tracking spreadsheet Input donor records into our donor database, keeping profiles accurate and complete Log volunteer hours into our volunteer management database Flag any discrepancies or questions for staff review Maintain confidentiality of all donor and volunteer informationWhat We're Looking For You don't need to be a data expert — just someone who is comfortable with computers and takes care with details. Specifically, we're looking for volunteers who have: Basic comfort using a computer and common software programs Ability to type and enter information into Microsoft Word documents Familiarity with Microsoft Excel — navigating and entering data into existing spreadsheets (no need to create a new one) A careful, patient approach to data entry Reliability and follow-throughSuggested shifts might be 9am - 11am, but any 2-3 hour window Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm would work.Training on our specific systems will be provided — no prior database experience required. Why It Matters When donor and volunteer data is accurate and up to date, our team can focus more time on the families we serve. Your work directly supports our ability to acknowledge community generosity, track program capacity, and make the case for continued support. It's behind-the-scenes work with very real front-line impact. Ready to Help? Contact Missy Reams at by email at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Families Forward Families Forward is a Des Moines-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and building community resilience. Through our four programs — Bidwell Pantry, New Directions Shelter, Child Development Center, and The Home Connection — we serve Central Iowa families navigating food insecurity, housing instability, and early childhood needs. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Organization: Families Forward We are looking for detail-oriented volunteers to help our team keep important records up to date. Accurate data is essential to our work — it helps us track the generosity of our in-kind donors, recognize community support, and report on volunteer impact across our programs. As a Data Entry Volunteer, you will play a quiet but vital role in making sure that information is organized, current, and accessible to staff. What You'll Do Enter in-kind donor information into our donor tracking spreadsheet Input donor records into our donor database, keeping profiles accurate and complete Log volunteer hours into our volunteer management database Flag any discrepancies or questions for staff review Maintain confidentiality of all donor and volunteer informationWhat We're Looking For You don't need to be a data expert — just someone who is comfortable with computers and takes care with details. Specifically, we're looking for volunteers who have: Basic comfort using a computer and common software programs Ability to type and enter information into Microsoft Word documents Familiarity with Microsoft Excel — navigating and entering data into existing spreadsheets (no need to create a new one) A careful, patient approach to data entry Reliability and follow-throughSuggested shifts might be 9am - 11am, but any 2-3 hour window Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm would work.Training on our specific systems will be provided — no prior database experience required. Why It Matters When donor and volunteer data is accurate and up to date, our team can focus more time on the families we serve. Your work directly supports our ability to acknowledge community generosity, track program capacity, and make the case for continued support. It's behind-the-scenes work with very real front-line impact. Ready to Help? Contact Missy Reams at by email at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Families Forward Families Forward is a Des Moines-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and building community resilience. Through our four programs — Bidwell Pantry, New Directions Shelter, Child Development Center, and The Home Connection — we serve Central Iowa families navigating food insecurity, housing instability, and early childhood needs. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Stock the Food Pantry (evenings & weekends)Volunteers are needed to help stock the pantry on Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways: Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. Grocery Aisles: Stocking and facing grocery items.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. Note: Tuesday nights will be weekly again starting 10/14/25. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Bidwell Pantry: At the Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Serving up to 6,700 individuals per month, the Bidwell 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. Organization: Families Forward Volunteers are needed to help stock the pantry on Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways: Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. Grocery Aisles: Stocking and facing grocery items.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. Note: Tuesday nights will be weekly again starting 10/14/25. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. About Bidwell Pantry: At the Bidwell Pantry, we provide basic necessities to families in need. Serving up to 6,700 individuals per month, the Bidwell 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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Food Rescue Volunteer – Bidwell PantryEvery pound of food you rescue is a meal for a family in need. When grocery stores have surplus food, you help make sure it never goes to waste — and never goes far. As a Food Rescue Volunteer, you'll pick up donations from local retailers and bring them directly to the Bidwell Pantry, where families in our community are counting on what you carry through the door. This is a great fit for someone who wants a consistent, active role with a tangible impact they can see every single week. What you'll do: Meet at the Bidwell Pantry, then head out with a staff member or fellow volunteer to nearby grocery stores and retailers. You'll help load donated food into the vehicle, return to the pantry to unload and properly store items, and keep a quick record of what was collected. You're back at the pantry and done by 10:00 AM — a great way to make a real difference before your day gets started. When we need you: Fridays, 8:00–10:00 AM Choose one day per week that works consistently with your schedule. Regular volunteers are especially valuable — stores get to know you, and the relationships you build make the work even smoother over time. What you bring: Age 18 or older Ability to lift and carry food items A commitment to showing up on your chosen day — families plan their week around what we bring inWhy it matters: The Bidwell Pantry serves around 130 families every single day who are experiencing food insecurity in Des Moines. Food rescue pickups are one of the most direct ways volunteers keep the shelves stocked and the pantry running. You're not just helping out — you're part of the supply chain that makes it work. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. 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. Organization: Families Forward Every pound of food you rescue is a meal for a family in need. When grocery stores have surplus food, you help make sure it never goes to waste — and never goes far. As a Food Rescue Volunteer, you'll pick up donations from local retailers and bring them directly to the Bidwell Pantry, where families in our community are counting on what you carry through the door. This is a great fit for someone who wants a consistent, active role with a tangible impact they can see every single week. What you'll do: Meet at the Bidwell Pantry, then head out with a staff member or fellow volunteer to nearby grocery stores and retailers. You'll help load donated food into the vehicle, return to the pantry to unload and properly store items, and keep a quick record of what was collected. You're back at the pantry and done by 10:00 AM — a great way to make a real difference before your day gets started. When we need you: Fridays, 8:00–10:00 AM Choose one day per week that works consistently with your schedule. Regular volunteers are especially valuable — stores get to know you, and the relationships you build make the work even smoother over time. What you bring: Age 18 or older Ability to lift and carry food items A commitment to showing up on your chosen day — families plan their week around what we bring inWhy it matters: The Bidwell Pantry serves around 130 families every single day who are experiencing food insecurity in Des Moines. Food rescue pickups are one of the most direct ways volunteers keep the shelves stocked and the pantry running. You're not just helping out — you're part of the supply chain that makes it work. Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404 or by text at 515-346-8895. 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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Food Pantry VolunteersVolunteers 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. Individual Signup: To sign up individually or up to 3 people, click here. Group Signup: To sign up a group of 4 or more, please email Missy at missy@familiesforward.org.Volunteers help in the following way each day: Food Pantry Guide: Guiding families through their grocery “shopping” experience. Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. If we are caught up with helping families get groceries, volunteers will help stock the grocery aisles.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. Organization: Families Forward 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. Individual Signup: To sign up individually or up to 3 people, click here. Group Signup: To sign up a group of 4 or more, please email Missy at missy@familiesforward.org.Volunteers help in the following way each day: Food Pantry Guide: Guiding families through their grocery “shopping” experience. Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. If we are caught up with helping families get groceries, volunteers will help stock the grocery aisles.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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Make No-Sew T-shirt BagsNeed 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.) Please let us know if you would like someone from Families Forward to come share the impact that this project provides to our organization and those we serve.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. Organization: Families Forward 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.) Please let us know if you would like someone from Families Forward to come share the impact that this project provides to our organization and those we serve.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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Collect Used Plastic Grocery Bags for PantryThe 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. Organization: Families Forward 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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Clothing Donation DrivesHost 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 Donations that are more than 5 garbage bags or boxes must be scheduled 2-3 days in advance. To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 2-3 business days for scheduling.Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315
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. Organization: Families Forward 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 Donations that are more than 5 garbage bags or boxes must be scheduled 2-3 days in advance. To schedule a drop off, contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or call 515-989-8404. Please allow 2-3 business days for scheduling.Drop Off Location: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines IA 50315
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. Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |