Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

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. 

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.