Now is the time to start thinking about holiday giving. Whether you have extra time or resources to give or need a little help, here are some of the programs you can partner with. Give back and volunteer in Des Moines this holiday season.
Learn about opportunities for holiday giving in Des Moines for your family to participate in.
Holiday Giving (and Receiving) in Des Moines
Anawim Housing: Home is Everything
Orchard Place Holiday Drive
Sign up to shop for a child or children. Sponsoring a child consists of purchasing 3 items from their wish list and then wrapping and delivering them to the Orchard Place Branch.
West Des Moines Human Services Holiday Assistance
Bring joy to families this holiday season. There are many options including adopting a family, purchasing grocery gift cards, or making a monetary donation. Learn more here.
EveryStep
EveryStep has a great list of resources if you are in need of a helping hand this holiday season. Find their complete list of where to apply for assistance with holiday meals, toys and gifts, and other winter assistance programs here.
Children & Families of Iowa
During the holiday season, CFI hosts Adopt A Family programs, a Holiday Shop, and Toy Drives.
Children’s Cancer Connection: Winter Wishes
Children’s Cancer Connection has been serving families affected by childhood cancer for over 30 years. They serve the entire family throughout their entire journey. All of their programs are focused on encouraging relationships and strengthening community. You have the option of sending gift cards OR shopping and wrapping gifts for the holidays.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is committed to providing low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness, while also facilitating their move towards self-sufficiency. They have many areas of need; find out how you can help here.
DMARC
There are a number of opportunities to volunteer with Des Moines Area Religious Council around the holidays. You can work in the food pantry, deliver meals, and more.
Hope Ministries
Help deliver thousands of meals around the Des Moines area to individuals and families in need. Spots are filling quickly, but there are plenty of opportunities to help for Christmas. Learn more here.
Toys for Tots Registration
Des Moines Parks and Recreation is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps this holiday season. Ensure your children have a holiday they’ll never forget by signing up for Toys for Tots. Toys are available for children 14 and under only. Learn more here. Registration open November 1 – November 30.
Star 102.5’s Combat Hunger
Support the Food Bank of Iowa and raise money to provide meals to feed hungry families in Iowa.
Iowa Homeless Youth Center
Adopt a youth/family, provide a care package, donate a meal, or volunteer. Help spread joy for over 170 homeless and at-risk youth in Des Moines.
Single Parent Provision
Single Parent Provision is hosting its annual Single Parent Moms Christmas Dinner on December 7.
Tickets are $15 per individual (mother only) or $25 per family (mother and children). Scholarships are gladly provided and easily requested by simply emailing [email protected] to receive a discount code.
Holiday Helping Hands with Urbandale Community Action Network
UCAN Holiday Helping Hands Programs include Thanksgiving Needs Baskets, Adopt-A-Family, Santa for Seniors, Christmas Food Assistance, and At-Risk Teen Outreach. To sign up to help please contact UCAN at [email protected] or call 515-278-3936.
// RELATED CONTENT: Check out more Holiday activities and events happening in Des Moines //
United Way of Central Iowa
United Way of Central Iowa is United to Thrive. They are committed to bringing together donors, volunteers, advocates, nonprofits, leaders, and more to take on central Iowa’s toughest challenges. Check out their Helping Hand Guide for volunteer opportunities around the Des Moines metro area this holiday season.
Animal Rescue Organizations
In addition to people helping people, the Des Moines metro area is fortunate to have several wonderful animal rescue organizations. They include AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, Animal Lifeline of Iowa, Animal Rescue League, Furry Friends Refuge, and Hope Animal Rescue. These organizations work year-round rescuing animals and giving them second chances. Most rescues host various supply drives and “adopt a shelter pet” programs during the holiday season. Often these donated supplies will help stock a rescue for months meaning more dollars to spend saving animals.
