Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

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

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

To sign up to help, click here!

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

You may choose to support both programs.

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

Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions.
Office: 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

To sign up to help, click here!

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

You may choose to support both programs.

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

Please contact Melanie Wright with any questions.
Office: 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

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

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

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

Every year, at our Holiday Toy Pantry, we provide hats and gloves for the 1,500 children receiving gifts at our event. These children's families are struggling to make ends meet. We need your help to make sure that these children have the warm essentials that they need for the cold winter days ahead. The Holiday Toy Pantry will start on 12/07/2024. 

Donation Drop Off Information:

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

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

Bar Captains 

Friday, October 31: Eagle, Event Center

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

Bartenders 

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

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

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

Saturday November 1: 4 volunteer spots

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

Saturday, November 1: 1 volunteer spot

Event Times: 5:30 - 10:00pm

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

6:00 - General Admissions

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

10:00 - Event Ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for helping us support families in need!

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

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

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

1441 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50314

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the influx of medication donations and increasing need for medication assistance, we need your help. Our volunteers assist in logging incoming donations into our inventory.  Learn more about how you can make a difference in our community and sign up to volunteer at SafeNetRx today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

October

November

December

This opportunity involves preparing (or buying) and donating a well-balanced, child-friendly dinner. The meal needs to feed up to 20 people (mostly children). Food needs to be dropped off by 4:00 - 4:30 pm on the designated day. Meals are just dropped off; there is no serving involved. We do have the ability to heat/re-heat as needed. Drinks and/or desserts are not required but are appreciated.​More information will be provided to you after sign up, or contact Melanie Wright if you have any questions.

Office Phone 515-244-9748 | Email: melanie@familiesforward.org

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

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

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

The following items are needed: 

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

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

Calling all movers!

Volunteers are needed to help a family move into one of our Home Connection houses on Sunday, October 19th. This will include helping move the family out of their current location, load the Families Forward truck, and then unload the family's belongings at their new home.

The Families Forward Home Connection program provides supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Home Connection’s goal is to move families from homelessness to permanent housing with an emphasis on financial independence.

How you would be helping out:

Requirements: Volunteers should be 16 years of age or older to volunteer and be able to lift 40 pounds. 

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.

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

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

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE to sign up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a CASA?

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

Salomon and his family of eight have been working hard with our Housing Counseling team in our pre-purchase counseling program to be able to get to the point where they would qualify for a home. They have been working to raise their credit and bring down their debt. Salomon even took up another job and hasn’t been able to see his kids for three months in order to be able to purchase a home.

On top of that, Salomon has been trying to figure out how to secure the yard for his 6 children because of loitering near the yard due to a nearby restaurant. We are so happy to announce that thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo, we will be able to provide the family with a fence for free! They are overjoyed at the news! Now we just need a great group of volunteers to come out and help us get the job done!

What to Expect: Join us for a day of hard work and teamwork as we construct and paint a fence that will not only protect their property but also provide a sense of safety for the children. No prior construction experience is needed.

After you register here, Jayson Shaffer from HOME, Inc. will reach out to you about how to get fully registered. Please keep an eye out for that email! 

What to Bring: 

What We Provide: 

Why Volunteer? This project is more than just building a fence; it’s about giving this family and their kids a safe place to play and grow and create memories! By volunteering your time and skills, you will help create a space for these children to thrive.

Location: Address will be given after you have registered to maintain homeowner privacy.

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

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

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

What to Bring:

What We Provide: 

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

These kits would include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

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

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

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

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


Volunteer benefits
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Supplemental and liability insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

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

Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18

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

Calling All Creators, Hosts & Halloween Enthusiasts!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Job Title: Grant Writer

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

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities:

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

·       Prepare and submit grant applications.

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications & Skills:

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

·       Previous professional or volunteer experience in grant writing preferred

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Organizational and time management skills

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

·       Must be willing to undergo a background check

Training & Support:

·       General volunteer onboarding

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

Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age.

Join us in caring for our community garden!

We need help weeding, harvesting, and cleaning our garden area while our garden club is on their annual break.

All produce grown goes directly into our community fridge, supporting neighbors in need.

Volunteer Job Title: Public Relations & Social Media Volunteer

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

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

·       Craft news stories to pitch to media outlets.

·       Create and distribute press releases.

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

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

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

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

Qualifications & Skills:

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

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

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Organizational and time management skills

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

·       Must be willing to undergo a background check

Training & Support:

·       General volunteer onboarding

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

Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age.

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

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

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

Questions? Sign up to receive more information or contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404.

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

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

Note: This program does not accept court-ordered community service, but our food pantry does. 

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

Volunteers are needed to help 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 at a time.    

Volunteer Responsibilities and Activity Information:

Volunteers:

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

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

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.

Volunteers are needed to help stock the pantry on Tuesday nights, Thursday nights, and some Saturdays. Volunteers will help in the following ways:

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The tasks on our farm include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a WesleyLife Meals on Wheels volunteer, you will:

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

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

Click here to apply today!

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

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

The tasks on our farm include:

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

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

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

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

High school students should ask about joining the Student Ambassador program

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

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

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

Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

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

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

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

--Availability during daytime hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

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

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

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

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

Families Forward New Directions Shelter has several flower beds in front our family shelter (giant, 3-story red brick house) and several behind. We are looking for a volunteer (or a small group) that is interested in helping us plan perennials into these flower beds to make maintenance and support of these flower beds easier. The family shelter is located at 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315. 

We have numerous perennials at our other location where our child development center and pantry are located. Volunteers have done a wonderful job over the last ten years of donating and planting numerous perennials. The plants could potentially be split and planted at the family shelter. 

We have many volunteers that love to help us with our projects. We are just looking for some plant-savvy volunteers to help us create a diagram, or plan, of which plants should go into which flower beds. We want to allow these plants to thrive and create a beautiful yard for the children to play in and their families to enjoy. 

Timing for this project is flexible, and we can meet with you during the week, evenings or weekends. Volunteers can be involved in the planting, but not required. We also would welcome the donation of perennial plants. 

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

Volunteers are needed to 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.

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

Volunteers help in the following way each day:   

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.

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

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

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

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

About Families Forward:  Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) Has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

Scheduling a Drop Off

Needed Items (New or Gently-Used):

About Families Forward:  Families Forward has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.​

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

Activities include:

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

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

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

Key activities:

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

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

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

Activities include:

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

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

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

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

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

Subcommittees include: 

Sponsorship – Secure financial sponsors and help meet revenue goals. 

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

Logistics – Coordinate event setup, managing timelines and  volunteers. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Mission

Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.

Our Vision

Safe homes and communities for everyone.

Experience. Expertise.

For 30 years, we have been dedicated to helping low-income homeowners with critical home repairs and modifications for accessibility. We work every day to rebuild homes, striving to make them safe and healthy for local families.

No cost, ever to the family.

On average, our homeowners live at or below the poverty level and are forced to choose between food, medicine and shelter needs. We provide these critical home repairs at no cost to qualified homeowners. Rebuilding Together is often the last resort to preserving their homeownership – their only personal asset.

Our partner sponsors provide funds and/or an optional volunteer day to provide much needed repairs to homes. Your company or group can sign up today and we will match your team with a family in need!

Thanks to the generosity of our partners, our network moves the needle on addressing the low-income families living in unsafe and unhealthy homes across our community. Our efforts to rebuild lives and communities would not be possible without their continued support.

Partner Sponsor benefits are numerous:

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 enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, felted wool, or other types of fabric crafting? The Botanical Artisan Guild (BAG) of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden seeks volunteers who enjoy any of these activities to support the Fiber Arts Committee. This is a group of volunteers who create botanically inspired items that are sold in the gift shop. Proceeds support the Botanical Garden. This is a flexible and creative volunteer role. The committee meets regularly, and volunteers work both in small groups and/or independently at home. This volunteer role is under the guidance of the Fiber Arts Committee Coordinator and the Botanical Artisan Guild Coordinator (both volunteer led roles). The BAG overall works with the Retail Program Manager at the Garden. Interested? Fill out a volunteer application: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960.  Questions? Email: artisanguild@dmbotanicalgarden.com.

The Admission Desk and Garden Shop Assistant provides high quality guest experience and promotes Botanical Garden activities, events, membership and more.

Greatest needs are Wednesday mornings and afternoons as well Friday afternoons. Other shifts are available as well. Volunteers should be involved frequently enough to keep up on skills needed for the role and current events.  Seasonal hours may be slightly different.

Application can be made at: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960

Join other volunteers from throughout our community in helping bring in the harvest! Enjoy the weather and help your neighbors in need.

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!

Purpose:  Volunteers will provide support and be a point of contact for family and friends, at the desk in the surgery waiting lobby and other lobbies in procedural areas. 

Responsibilities:  

Skills/Experience: 

Training Required:

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman coordinates a volunteer ombudsman program, and we are actively seeking volunteers throughout the state of Iowa!  After completing initial certification training, a volunteer ombudsman in our program will make regular visits to an assigned long-term care facility to help serve as a voice for residents, talking with them about their rights, empowering them, and providing advocacy.

Our volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of 3 hours per month in their assigned facility, complete monthly reports, work with long-term care ombudsman staff at the local and state levels, and complete annual continuing education to remain certified. 

Visits to facilities are generally unannounced and can be made at any time, any day generally between the hours of 8am-8pm. For a volunteer who may wish to make an impact but not wish/be able to make visits to facilities, there are more administrative volunteer opportunities available on an individualized basis.

If you have a passion for helping other people, especially those most vulnerable in our state, feel free to contact us for an application!  866-236-1430 or sltco@hhs.iowa.gov

Please volunteer to assist students with virtual math tutoring either during the school day or after school.

halom Community Impact Center (SCIC) is looking for passionate and committed individuals—including community members and business leaders—to serve on our Board of Directors. SCIC empowers refugees and underserved communities through programs such as English Language Learning (ELL), digital literacy, academic support, summer youth programs, preschool education, and job readiness assistance. Our mission is to equip individuals with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in every area of life. As a board member, you’ll play a vital role in guiding SCIC’s strategic direction, expanding its reach, and increasing its impact. We welcome those with experience in nonprofit leadership, education, business development, workforce training, or community engagement. If you're passionate about equity, inclusion, and helping others build a brighter future, we invite you to bring your voice and vision to our board. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

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

Tasks include:

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

Can't volunteer? You can still make a difference!

Support local youth and young women by hosting a donation drive for essential items from our wish list.

Most needed items:

If you’re interested in hosting a donation drive contact Feleecia, Community Outreach Manager, at (515) 244-4901 or at fwatkins@ywrc.org for more information.

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

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

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

As a Childcare Volunteer, you’ll provide our Young Mom’s children with a safe space to play while their mom is learning parenting skills, financial literacy, what to expect in pregnancy and more. We currently have openings for childcare volunteers on two evenings: every Monday from 5:45 – 7:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. Scheduling is flexible, a long-term commitment is preferred. An interview, background check, and childcare-focused training are required for this position.

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

Looking for something fun to do with your team, small group, business, family, or church group? Consider volunteering at the Many Hands Market! At our Grimes, Clive, Indianola and Merle Hay locations. Online Registration

Groups large and small can come to our thrift store (or we will come to YOU!) Help us sort and process donations of clothes, handbags, shoes, toys and more! This is an activity for all abilities. It is great for team building and strengthening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift stores.

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

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

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

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

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

 Online Registration

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

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are ALWAYS taking volunteers at our thrift store.

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

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

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

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