With the holidays adding to already-full schedules, it’s all too easy for the true meaning of the season to get lost in the hustle and bustle of holiday commitments and gift giving. But how does a busy family shift the focus from getting to giving? How can we ensure that our kids experience the true meaning of the holidays?
Adopting a local family is a great way to fit philanthropic efforts into an already hectic schedule. Adopt A Family is a holiday giving program designed to help families, that are struggling to make ends meet, provide Christmas gifts to their children. Programs connect families with local businesses, organizations and individuals who “adopt” them and provide Christmas gifts that they would not otherwise receive.
Here are a few organizations in Des Moines where your family can make a difference this holiday season, all while embracing the true spirit of the holidays.
Boys & Girls Club Embrace-A-Family
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa needs your help in making this season extra special for their Club kids. They are matching Boys & Girls Club members with generous community donors like you to provide a jolly holiday. This can be a great giving opportunity for groups, families, work colleagues, and friends.
Contact Information:
Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa
1421 Walker St., Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-5695
Cops 4 Kids
In December, children within the Southeast Polk Community School District and Pleasant Hill elementary will have the opportunity to shop with a uniformed police officer for Christmas gifts. The Pleasant Hill Police Department is accepting donations to assist with this program.
Contact Information:
Pleasant Hill Police Department
5151 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA
(515) 265-1444
Mentor Iowa Holiday Party
Mentor Iowa’s annual holiday party typically takes place in early December. They are in need of adopt-a-family sponsors, gift donors, wrapping party volunteers and party volunteers.
Contact Information:
Mentor Iowa
3900 Ingersoll Avenue, Suite 102; Des Moines, Iowa 50312
(515) 277-9797
Orchard Place Holiday Gift Drive
Without the Orchard Place Holiday Gift Drive, more than 600 children served by Orchard Place might not receive a gift during this season. Often children’s lists are a mix of badly needed new clothes and one ‘must have’ toy or recreational item. Supporters can adopt a child or a giving tree for their business, supporting a set number of children. Cash donations are also welcome and will help to purchase gifts for the children.
Contact Information:
Orchard Place
2116 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312
(515) 246-3514
UCAN Adopt A Family Program
Urbandale Community Action Network’s Adopt A Family Program pairs up Urbandale families in need with individuals or groups who want to help a family in need and to spread holiday joy. They are currently seeking volunteers to donate gifts and assist in their “holiday store”.
Contact Information:
Urbandale Community Action Network
4103 72nd Street; P.O. Box 7615; Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 278-3936
WACS Blessing Tree
Waukee Area Christian Services sponsors a Blessing Tree and you can adopt-a-family that has a special Christmas need or wish. They compile a list of families in need and match them up with donors. They also need help sorting donations, assembling meal boxes, and distributing gifts.
Contact Information:
Waukee Area Christian Services – Westview Church (lower level)
1155 SE Boone Drive, Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-5523
WDHS Adopt A Family
West Des Moines Human Services offers a number of holiday giving opportunities, including an Adopt-A-Family program. They collect gifts for West Des Moines kids that can be delivered directly to the family, or you can deliver your gifts to the West Des Moines Human Services office and they will distribute them.
Contact Information:
West Des Moines Human Services
139 6th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3660
Know of an Adopt A Family Program in the Des Moines area that we missed? Let us know about it in the Comments below.