Are you looking for volunteer opportunities to give back this holiday season? Luckily, the Des Moines Metro offers many different opportunities to get involved in community service. Here is an overview of opportunities to get you started!
Where can I find local volunteer opportunities in Des Moines?
There are numerous opportunities in Des Moines to volunteer; however, if you don’t know about a specific organization, how else can you volunteer? United Way Central Iowa is an easy-to-access volunteer hub that shows all possible organizations that allow volunteers at their businesses. Within this site, all organizations are linked to information regarding volunteer opportunities. Other hubs include Meals from the Heartland, Des Moines Parks and Rec, and Habitat for Humanity.
1. Meals from the Heartland
Meals from the Heartland is an organization right here in Des Moines that helps fight hunger. Volunteers pack meals for malnourished people across Iowa, the United States, and even the world.
The organization started in 2008 and drew in over 12,000 volunteers for its first annual hunger fight.
How to give back
To give back, you can donate to Meals from the Heartland on their website. You can also volunteer here.
2. Polk County Conservation
Volunteering with Polk County Conservation is all about hands-on restoration of Polk County trails, waterways, and parks. They have unique opportunities consistently, from invasive species removal to tree planting. Volunteers can even monitor water quality in Polk County.
How to give back
To give back, you can sign up to volunteer here, and even sign up for Polk County Conservation’s newsletter, which shares opportunities to your inbox each month.
3. Animal Rescue League
Who doesn’t love helping out the pets of Iowa? The Animal Rescue League offers the opportunity to help support these pets as volunteers. As the largest nonprofit animal shelter in Iowa, they are always seeking volunteers. The League receives no federal or state funding, so donors keep the organization running. Whether you support the animals, spread community awareness, or donate, you’re support will impact many animals.
How to give back
To give back, you can sign up to volunteer here. If you are interested in donating, more information is available here.
4. Wesley Life Hydroponic Garden
On Wesley Life’s Meals on Wheels campus, you can give your time to volunteer to support the Hydroponic Garden in the basement of the campus. All food grown in the garden is used to support the Des Moines community.
How to give back
To give back, volunteers can sign up here. Volunteers can help plant seeds, harvest the plants, and clean the garden.
5. YMCA Supportive Housing
At YMCA of Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing, housing is provided to help people experiencing or close to experiencing homelessness.
How to give back
To give back, volunteers can host activities for residents, serve home-cooked meals, help organize a donation drive, and even clean the entire campus. Learn more about this opportunity here.
