Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Help us feed our amazing volunteers and join in on the meal yourself! Every day of the Pow Wow, we feed our volunteers as a thank you for their hard work. It is of special importance to us at Pow Wow that our elders are attended to and have everything that they need, such as snacks and water. So, if you like cooking and working with the elderly, this is a good role for you!

If you want to donate a meal, please get hold of Robin Spratt at 515-779-1653.

Come help play with and watch over the kiddos who come to our Pow Wow! The Children's area is a fun place where children can participate in crafts led by our volunteers. If you have children yourself, you are more than welcome to bring them with you!

Volunteers in this area will be needed for 4-hour shifts on September 19, 20, and the 21st.

Are you a neat freak who takes pride in cleanliness and keeping a tidy and comfortable place? If so, we could use your help on our Sanitation Team!

We are looking for people to volunteer to check the bathrooms every hour on the hour to make sure they are tidy and well equipped with toilet paper in all the stalls. This team will also need to check the grounds to make sure trash is in the bins. When the bins are full, volunteers will need to make sure that the trash is pulled and a new bag is put in.

Volunteers in this area will be needed for 4-hour shifts on September 19, 20, and the 21st.

We will need help setting up our wonderful event! If you are a strong and organized person who follows orders very well, this is the job for you!

First, we will be needing help with loading the trailer up from the storage unit into trailers. The location will be in Woodward, IA.

Then, once trailers get out to the Powwow Grounds at Jester Park, we need help with unloading trailers and putting stuff in the areas it will go. This will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Tuesday, September 16, - September 19, volunteers will help with setting up Tipis, canopies, chairs, a Mc stand, kitchen, kids’ area, info tent, and merchandise tent.

We will need help tearing down our wonderful event! If you are a strong and organized person who follows orders very well, this is the job for you!

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!

Night Eyes 
Help us celebrate Night Eyes, October 16 - 19 & 23 - 26
We are looking for volunteers who want to have fun and celebrate Halloween at the Zoo!
Volunteer Age Requirement:  13 & Up!
 Volunteer opportunities include:
           Candy Runners
           Treat Stations
           Specialized costume characters
           Zone Captains
           Fun Zone Attendants
 The following shifts are available during Night Eyes: 4:30 – 9:00pm
 To sign up:  https://signup.com/go/XzjTBMJ

Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up food donations for the Families Forward Bidwell Pantry at various retailers and grocery stores. We are looking for volunteers that could help on a regular basis (either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Volunteers should be 18 years old or older. 

Hours available for this position are:

Volunteers would help in the following way:

To Volunteer: Contact Missy Reams for scheduling at missy@familiesforward.org, or by phone at 515-989-8404, or by text at 515-346-8895.

About Bidwell Pantry: At the 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 up to 6,700 individuals per month, Bidwell 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.

We are hosting a BBQ dinner and game night.  Dinner will be open and free to the public. Our goal is to serve 200 meals in one night.

DISCOVER the WILD Days at the Zoo! The purpose of these days is to connect the Zoo guest with the Zoo's SAVING the WILD conservation priority animals, conservation organizations, AZA, and how to TAKE ACTION for the natural world around them.   These days are planned and coordinated by the Zoo's Education Team. Activities are simple, interactive and can be learned the day of the event.  

Shifts are from 9:45 - 12:00 & 11:45 - 2:00.

Volunteers ages 9 and up are welcomed.

** Volunteers under the age of 13 MUST have an adult chaperone signed up with them. 

2025 DISCOVER the WILD Days

SIGN UP using this link: https://signup.com/go/mvXkzPu

Do you want to learn more about the Botanical Garden? Are you already a big fan and want to share your enthusiasm? Garden Hosts provide an additional layer of hospitality beyond the admission desk to ensure that guests have a quality experience during their visit.  No green thumb is needed (you aren’t expected to know every plant here) just an interest in learning how to help someone enjoy their experience when they visit. To review the position description or apply go to https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/volunteer/ .

Do you love to give back? Support our big day as a volunteer. There are roles for every skill, interest, and ability level! Volunteer tasks include packet pick-up, merchandise, water station and welcome committee.

Sign-up here: https://www.pinwheel.us/r/8ZP1oYe

Warm-up your spirit fingers, lace up your sneakers and inspire a group of girls to be strong and healthy. Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate our easy to follow curriculum with small groups of girls over the course of 8 weeks. Amidst the conversation, laughter, hugs and energy awards, you will witness transformational change in the girls and don’t be surprised if you realize that you are positively changing as well! Ready to make a difference and encourage girls to realize their full potential? The first step is signing up. Ready, Set, Coach!

Are you looking for a fun way for your corporate team or service group to give back while spending time outdoors? We have a great opportunity for you!

We're looking for groups of 10+ volunteers to help us increase the tree canopy in low equity neighborhoods around Des Moines. Adding trees to a community has a ton of benefits, including an increase in physical and mental health!

We're currently scheduling tree planting shifts for this fall, with opportunities in October on Wednesdays and Fridays. We're already filling out our schedule, so reach out soon if you'd like to help in our mission. Email bcook@treesforever.org to get more information!

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. 

We are looking for a self-motivated and detail-oriented person to thoroughly clean the inside of our delivery vehicles. This would be a 2-hour minimum per week commitment on Sundays. The project would involve wiping down the dashboard and console, cleaning the windshields, vacuuming the carpets and the upholstery. Cleaning kit and shop vac are provided on site. Volunteer will need to drive the vehicles so a complete background and motor vehicle check will need to be done.

We are looking for local volunteers who are willing to transport blood products and supplies to our donor centers and area local hospitals.
We have a wide variety of trips, ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours or more. We provide the vehicle and gas card to fill-up after each trip.
We utilize an online scheduling system which allows you to manage your own schedule.
The schedule of trips can begin as early as 5:15 am and can end as late as 11:00 pm, 7 days a week.
Our greatest need right now is evenings and weekends, but also encourage anyone interested to inquire.
This is a crucial part of our organization success, so if you are personable, dependable and like to give back to your community please come help us save lives!

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in need by joining IMPACT Community Action Partnership’s Pantry Delivery Program in Polk County! As a Delivery Volunteer, you’ll ensure that essential food and personal pantry items reach those who may not have access to transportation.

Please note that all volunteers must submit an application, and complete orientation/training prior to volunteering with us. Please complete your application by visiting our website at www.impactcap.org/volunteer

DEITY Fastpitch is looking for current and former softball coaches and players to conduct and/or assist with DEITY FP camps and programs. This opportunity is well-suited towards those who played at the college level and/or has significant coaching experience and want to stay connected, give back, and help grow the numbers, quality, and inclusiveness of softball.

SUMMARY: DEITY Fastpitch volunteer coaches will aid in the organization’s mission to introduce, teach and promote softball at an early age to girls from underrepresented communities, with the goal of the participating players taking advantage of the interpersonal, health, and educational opportunities the sport has to offer. Volunteer coaches will collaborate with board leadership, key volunteers, and local players to conduct and/or assist with DEITY FP camps, lessons, and programs.

As a volunteer coach with DEITY FP, you will have the ability to pass along your affinity for the game of softball to a new generation of players and families. Programming will cover elementary through high school participants, which will allow for a diversity of volunteer experience. Volunteer coaches may be asked to assist with on-site (indoor or outdoor) event set-up and administration.

Purpose:  Members of the Safety Team provide an extra set of eyes and ears throughout the hospital.  In this role, volunteers may assist providing directions, reporting incidents, and crowd control.

Responsibilities:  

Preferred Experience:

A six-month commitment is appreciated.

Though our sites are stuck in time, nature is not and it continues to grow around us. Join us in beautifying our Historical Spaces by assisting with our facilities team with mowing, and other landscaping tasks.

We are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to community members in the Indianola area who need help accessing dialysis treatments in Des Moines. Volunteers use their personal vehicles. 

Volunteers can choose to provide one or both legs of the trip.

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 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.

Help make dreams of home ownership a reality for hardworking, low-income families with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity by helping with our new home construction builds. No experience is needed; our construction managers will teach you anything you need to know on site. Volunteers assist with:

Volunteer group sizes are limited to 10-12 volunteers per site and shifts are from 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with lunch on your own from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. All volunteers must wear designated PPE. Volunteers must be 16 yrs. old and up to participate. Youth under the age of 18 yrs. old must be accompanied by an adult (age 21 +) and must bring a waiver with parent or guardian signature. Check out all possible volunteer opportunities on our website. http://gdmhabitat.org/general-construction-volunteers/

The IRC in Des Moines seeks volunteers to work with resettlement staff to assist refugees during their first 90 days in the United States. Volunteers will assist the case manager in welcoming refugees resettling in Des Moines by being part of the team that sets up their new apartment or house!

TITLE: Welcome Committee: Housing Set Up Volunteer

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA                   

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: Minimum 1-month time commitment

SCHEDULE: Flexible (mostly on call) most setups occur Monday – Friday, between 9-5 PM, but can also happen on weekends. A typical housing setup takes 2-5 hours.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

The volunteer will assist the case manager to prepare and furnish apartments for new refugee families. Volunteers will not be required to purchase anything.

This is an unpaid volunteer position with an opportunity for reimbursement for using a personal vehicle.

Go to https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer and complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to iowa@rescue.org. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. 

LSI's Global Greens program reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. Through Global Greens, farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at our Farmers' Market and in our CSA.

Volunteer groups are a big help at the incubator farm in keeping shared spaces tidy and accessible so farmers can focus on their own plots of land and growing their businesses. Volunteers help with light maintenance and farm chores like weeding, clearing the area around the well, drying garlic, and other seasonal projects to help staff and farmers. Opportunities available Wednesday through Sunday spring through fall morning, afternoon, or evening.

If your work team, religious community, book club, or other group are looking for a community service activity where you will get some fresh air and get your hands dirty while helping others, contact us to schedule a time! volunteer@lsiowa.org

LSI’s Global Greens agricultural programs coordinate land access, production education and business development training for refugees in the Des Moines metro who want to reconnect with the land.

Some refugee families want to grow food for home consumption. Thanks to partnerships with the City of Des Moines, community organizations and private landowners, we help connect refugee families to small garden plots near their homes.

Volunteer support expands staff capacity to support gardeners' success. Currently the greatest need is to fill water tanks at urban gardens near the zoo, Drake neighborhood, and near the fairgrounds weekly so gardeners have water for their plots. If you can get to at least one of those locations weekly, we'd appreciate your help filling the water tanks!

Once trained by staff, schedule is flexible and volunteers can help at a time that is convenient to them.

LSI's Global Greens program supports farmers who are former refugees as they build small businesses and find a path to sustainability through farming. The Global Greens Farmers' Market takes place in the parking lot of Polk County Public Health's building at 1907 Carpenter Ave each Saturday throughout the summer so farmers have a place to sell their locally grown produce.

Volunteers help with set up and/or tear down to help transform the parking lot into a market and back again each week.

Sign up for available shifts here

  There are few things as rewarding as helping a homeless animal find a new home. When you volunteer at the ARL, you make a difference for homeless animals AND the people  choosing to adopt them.

Volunteering can take a variety of forms. From serving as an ambassador spreading awareness in the community, to providing enrichment and socialization for an animal, to training other volunteers on how to support our mission, volunteer team members give their time and talent to change the lives of thousands of pets each year. We could not do what we do without you, and we have unmet needs waiting for more talented volunteers to help us fulfill our mission!!!

ARL volunteers are  committed to furthering our mission to protect the welfare of animals, preserve the human-animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of companion animals.

We would love to have you on our team! 

email Volunteer Coorinator Molly Olson at mapplegate@arl-iowa.org if interested!!

All tours at Terrace Hill are by reservation only and are led by Docents. Tours are offered March through December at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Docents work with adults and children. In addition to Terrace Hill's regular tour schedule, Docents are occasionally needed to staff special events during evenings and weekends. Docents should enjoy working with people of all ages, have good public speaking skills and have a passion for learning and sharing the history of Terrace Hill.

Background check required.

Come support YSHC residents in their wellness journey by volunteering your time to participate in our walking club! On the dates listed below, we will meet at the “Y Sign'' located at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa at 4:00 p.m. and walk to and from the locations listed. You will be supporting our folks as they prepare for the Crane 5k event on May 13th at Grays Lake park where residents and community members will walk/run together in support of our mission to eliminate homelessness in the community.

Please contact Nick at nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org if you are interested in participating or have any questions! You must be 18 years or older to participate in the walking club. We hope to see you there! 

To register for this opportunity, visit our volunteer portal: https://dmymca.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/28

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.

Description

Many of our delivery recipients have come to depend on the DMARC Delivery Program that was born out of the necessity during the pandemic. We need volunteers to deliver boxes of food to home addresses to serve our community. Shifts are Monday- Friday from 9am-11am, please sign up for specific shifts on our volunteer portal to keep an accurate schedule. 

Sign up for a shift here!

Key Responsibilities:

 Support/Training:

Volunteers will be provided with instructions and ongoing guidance from a DMARC warehouse staff person at the beginning and for the duration of each shift. DMARC will contact volunteers the day before a shift to confirm the need for assistance and place available volunteer drivers on our route schedule.

 Qualifications:

Dress Code:

Please wear clothing that is presentable and appropriate for variable weather conditions--volunteers will be walking to and from personal vehicles for deliveries. Blue DMARC volunteer tee shirts are available upon request. 

Age Requirement:

For safety reasons, all volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over the age of 18) at all times during their volunteer shift.

The Dream Team uses the power of a bicycle to help youth develop a positive approach to life's challenges. We serve 50 youth who have been referred to our team through a professional - therapist, counselor, JCO, etc. 

Our mentors are committed to helping youth riders by offering guidance, providing assistance, and sharing life experiences. Volunteers are dynamic role models who are dedicated to helping our youth riders and play a crucial role in empowering teens to become healthy and confident adults. Several volunteer opportunities are available, each with their own set of responsibilities and time commitments. Our season runs from March - July with training on Monday, Thursday evenings from 5 pm-8:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. Mentors are asked to attend 50% of the training rides to develop relationships with the youth:

Riding Mentor: Adult riding mentors are expected to attend at least 50% of all indoor and outdoor training practices and at least one campout. Riding mentors are also encouraged to participate in RAGBRAI, if possible. Successful mentors work with the youth riders to help them complete the program and grow as young adults.

In-Season Support Mentor: Adult in-season support mentors assist with rest stops during outdoor training and campouts. While support volunteers might not be riding next to youth riders on the road, they are still asked to serve as positive role models and mentors.

Truck driver Mentor: Assist Dream Team with driving a Ryder truck to campouts and during the week of RAGBRAI. Critical role in supporting the team and keeping the youth engaged while at camp.

General: Interested in helping, but not sure where you fit in right now? No worries, join as a general volunteer and we'll keep you updated on upcoming opportunities!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background check required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give back while horsing around at the Jester Park Equestrian Center. We need kind-hearted horse-lovers to help us with the Exceptional Riders and Freedom to Grow programs, which offer therapeutic riding opportunities to individuals with physical and mental disabilities and to children in at-risk situations. You’ll have the opportunity to assist riders on horses, help out the staff, prepare for special events, and complete horse-care related chores. Our riding programs offer riders a unique opportunity to improve the quality of their lives by creating positive experiences and success stories. Note: Check out the Freedom to Grow program highlighted on 13 Cares--link: http://www.whotv.com/news/specialreports/13cares/ Volunteers must be 18 or older to handle horses, and adolescents must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.

Love is hard work. Fortunately, when you work at something you love, it tends to be a very rewarding experience. If you have an appreciation or love for the great outdoors, giving back through the Polk County Conservation (PCC) will be more than worth your while. Help us protect of our county’s natural heritage by cleaning up parks, restoring woodlands and prairies, monitoring the ecosystem, educating the public, leading other volunteers through activities, and helping with special events and projects at PCC-managed areas On the job training will be provided as needed.

5-2-1-0 is the foundation of change of an evidence-based childhood obesity prevention program addressing many aspects of wellness. Its message is used to aid children, ages birth to 18, make healthy lifestyle choices.  5-2-1-0 helps to create a sustainable healthy environment for staff, children and families.

Throughout the year we have several opportunities available to help with providing health and wellness information and education to the community.  Full training will be provided.

Some examples of activities you may be involved in, include;

Please note, all volunteers will be required to complete a background check, TB test and drug testing.