Iowans are never short on compassion and our giving spirit always shines bright. Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the outpouring to those in need is at its highest this time of year. If your family is looking for ideas on how you can give back this holiday season check out our list below.
Find more seasonal fun in our Holiday Fun Guide, on our Events Calendar and be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide.
Here are 10 ways your family can give back in Des Moines this holiday season:
1. Help refill EveryStep’s Cheer Boxes that were stolen.
This organization dedicated to helping patients, clients, and their families navigate life’s difficult challenges was recently broken into. They loss many items intended for hundreds of “cheer boxes” to be given to children and adults who will be going through the holidays grieving the loss of a loved one in the past year. Visit their website and make a monetary donation and help them replenish their care packages.
2. Foster a pet with Hope Animal Rescue.
Hope Animal Rescue is a no-kill animal rescue based in Central Iowa. They are 100% volunteer and 100% foster based and have no monetary paid positions. They provide vet care, food, supplies and advisement to their cats, dogs and adoptive families. They’re in need of foster families, especially for older animals. To learn more about Hope Animal Rescue, visit their website.
3. Donate toys to Broadlawns Medical Center.
Last year, Broadlawns provided new unwrapped toys to 935 children. You can drop off Toy Drive donations in designated boxes located at Broadlawns entrances including the Medical Plaza entrance, Main entrance, Sands entrance and MOB entrance. You can also make a monetary donation to support Broadlawns’ Toy Drive. Funds will be used to purchase toys that are needed to fulfill children’s wish lists. Visit their website to get connected today.
4. Donate coats, boots, hats and gloves to Oakridge Neighborhood’s Winter Warmth Drive.
Oakridge Neighborhood is Iowa’s largest project-based Section 8 housing complex with 300 townhomes; plus, 39 senior living apartments. In addition, Oakridge Neighborhood provides essential wraparound services especially suited for the needs of low-income and refugee families. Items must be delivered no later than Wednesday, December 15, to ensure time for distribution to the recipients. Please contact VP – Development Kristin Littlejohn, (515)244-7702 or klittlejohn@oakridgeneighborhood.org with questions.
5. Clean out your closets and donate your extra stuff–gently used or new clothing, shoes linens, and household goods to TAKE (The Ankeny Klothing Exchange).
The Ankeny Klothing Exchange ( T A K E ) was founded in 1992 and is a non-profit organization that operates a store, offering free gently used clothing, shoes, linens, household goods and more to community members in need. Visit their website to find out how you can donate.
6. Purchase holiday gifts (t-shirt, sweatshirt or blanket) from OneIowa.
All proceeds benefit One Iowa, a statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) organization preserving and advancing equality for LGBTQ individuals through grassroots efforts, advocacy, and education. Visit their website to learn more about the organization.
7. Wrap gifts for Orchard Place’s Holiday Drive.
Orchard Place is a nationally recognized leader in children’s mental health and juvenile justice services and is one of only a few organizations in the country that incorporate both mental health and juvenile justice services for children and adolescents. Returning volunteers can pick up gifts at Orchard Place and then wrap at home and return to an assigned location.
8. Help moms and babies in need with life sustaining donations to the March of Dimes.
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. They support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. The U.S. is one of the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. We must change the course of this crisis. Visit their website to learn more and to find out how you can donate and get involved.
9. Ring in the season with The Salvation Army of Des Moines.
November and December are very busy months for The Salvation Army which means there are plenty of opportunities for families to get involved. For year-round opportunities or more information regarding these volunteer opportunities visit their website.
10. Spread the joy of the holiday season by hosting a holiday event for families experiencing homelessness at Hawthorn Hill.
Hawthorn Hill provides shelter and services to women and children. Volunteers are needed to host Christmas-themed events for children at their shelter. Volunteers will choose and plan an activity for 10-25 children and provide the needed supplies, along with set up and clean up. Kids accompanied by a guardian are welcome to volunteer. Visit their website or contact Missy Reams at mreams@bidwellriverside.org or by phone at 515-244-6251 option 5, for more information.
How does your family plan to give back this holiday season?
