Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

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 2025, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels delivered 416,764 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 16 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!

When a resident moves in, we are excited to greet and show them to their apartment where they will find a laundry basket filled with all of the essentials they need to feel supported on their first day home. However, we are running low on many of the items needed listed below! Would you consider donating these items for our new friends? Please contact Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org for details.

The following items are used in a Welcome Home Care Basket: 

For availability, contact Nick at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org. If volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message.

We’re inviting community members to host a monthly Birthday Bash so every resident can feel celebrated. Many of our residents face financial barriers or don’t have family to celebrate with, and this is a meaningful way to show them they are valued! To host a Birthday Bash, you can either provide 80 pieces of cake or cupcakes or make a $60 contribution for us to purchase the cake. You’re also welcome to bring party decorations to help make it feel festive. Upon arrival, you and a group of up to five can help decorate, serve cake, and connect with residents. Party games like Bingo are encouraged, we’ll provide the bingo set if you can provide 8–10 prizes ($5–$10 each). Birthday Bashes can be held Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0

Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message.

Sandwiches can be dropped off at 2 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. They are distributed directly to residents the following day.

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where 140 residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0 .

This opportunity takes place each Tuesday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - contact Nick, at Nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org, to see availability.

Sponsoring and participating in a Tuesday Night Dinner offers a meaningful way to connect directly with our residents and our mission. Through our #MoreThanAMeal program, volunteers help provide a hearty, home-cooked meal for all 140 residents while creating a sense of community that truly makes our campus feel like home.

A $300 sponsorship helps cover the cost of the meal. You and your group (6-8 people) will prepare and serve dinner, then sit down to share the meal and connect with residents. Volunteers consistently share that this is one of the most impactful experiences on our campus.

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0

Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message.

We have a variety of tasks throughout the week that need helping hands to complete. This volunteer opportunity will allow you to participate in a variety of activities to support and uplift those who call the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus their home. Some examples being....donation sorting, assisting with meal opportunities, organizing and cleaning projects, stocking our pantry and more!

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0

Create joyful bags full of fun/delicious goodies! Treats, soaps, lotions, chap stick, pens, socks etc. Get creative and decorate the bags or even include a handwritten note on or in the bag to let our folks know that you are wishing them well! If you would like to ensure that all residents receive a kindness bag - please plan on making 140 bags. 

Donations can be dropped off anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday though Friday.! Please contact Nick at nicholas.drahozal@dmymca.org if you are interested in participating or have any questions

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0

Contact Nicholas.Drahozal@Dmymca.org to coordinate a volunteer shift! If you are volunteering with Des Moines Corporate Games please include that in the message.

Many of our residents are in need of a hand up as they work towards housing and financial stability.

Check out the following ways you can offer a Hand Up to our folks by providing the essential need items listed below:

Create Change with Clean Clothing:

Clean clothing is a basic human need. While we have on-site laundry, many residents can’t afford the quarters needed for a wash and dry. One load costs 12 quarters. Our goal is for every resident to have access to a laundry kit (12 quarters, a pod, and a dryer sheet) when needed. Consider hosting a spare change drive at work, with friends, or through a school or sports team.

Fill Our Pantry:

Gather friends, neighbors, or coworkers to host a food, clothing, or hygiene drive for our 140 residents. For current needs, visit our Amazon wish list.

Set a New Resident Up for Success:

When residents move in, they receive a welcome basket with essential household items. We’re currently running low and would appreciate donations of basic kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning supplies to help make their first day feel like home.

Drop-off Hours:

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Thank you for your support!

The YMCA Supportive Housing Campus provides permanent supportive housing rooted in hope, dignity, and community. Guided by a housing-first approach, we create a safe, stable place where residents can feel at home and connected to those around them. Together, staff and volunteers work to ensure everyone has a place to call home while supporting personal growth beyond basic needs. Learn more about our campus and our Annual Campaign here: youtu.be/Q40WAdgJg7M?si=wH3cuI4aLs5oECV0

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 extra shelf space 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. 

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

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

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/

Joppa Center Team volunteers accept donations from donors and organize and sort them appropriately.

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

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

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

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

Duties and Accountabilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

House of Mercy Child Care Center is in need of:

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

Thank you for your support!

About House of Mercy Child Development Center:

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

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