This year, make the holiday season a memorable one by giving back! It’s so easy to find causes you care about and can help out during the holiday season. Giving a little bit of your time can go a long way for those in need. Check out a few ways that you can give back and make an impact this year in Des Moines.
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’s where you can give back as a family this holiday season in Des Moines:
Promote children’s literacy at Reach Out & Read Iowa.
Reach Out and Read Iowa is part of a national organization dedicated to providing young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together. Your family can help the organization by donating, hosting a party and asking guests to bring a new or gently-used book for children ages six months to age five or by organizing a book drive.
Distribute food with the Food Bank of Iowa.
The Food Bank of Iowa is always in need of volunteers to help with food drive sorting. They receive donations of food items that need labeled, counted, and boxed. Food items sorted in their volunteer center support their 625 partner agencies including the School Pantry Program and Mobile Pantry Program.
Donate toys to kids in need with Toys for Tots.
For the kid who always have toys on their mind, it’s important for them to give toys as well. Help out at your local Toys for Tots by sorting and distributing toys. You can also drop toys off at your local site to donate. Make it a family project by toy shopping and picking the perfect gift for someone in need.
Deliver food with Wesley Life Meals on Wheels.
There are so many seniors who are unable to leave their homes this holiday season. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels to help the many seniors who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. You can bring your kids along, which is a great way for them to learn more about supporting individuals in a community. Plus, the recipients will love to see more smiles at their door!
Help host a holiday party with Mentor Iowa.
Mentor Iowa pairs trained volunteer mentors with abused, neglected, and delinquent children who are under the care of the Juvenile Court. Each December they host a holiday party and ask for people to adopt a family in their program or donate gifts to be given to their children. You can contact the Mentor Iowa office at (515) 277-9797 to learn how to be a part of their festive party.
Adopt a Santa letter with USPS Operation Santa.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa from children and families arrive at Post Offices around the country. Most letters ask for toys and games. Some ask for basic necessities. Some ask for help for themselves and their loved ones. USPS Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt these letters and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place.
Volunteer with Joppa Kids.
Joppa offers kids opportunities to learn about homelessness and do something to help homeless people. Youth can get involved a couple of different ways. They can participate in Joppa KIDS a program that builds awareness of homelessness and how to prevent it firsthand. Or, they can volunteer and earn service hours by participating in activities and events.
How will your family be giving back this holiday season in Des Moines? We’d LOVE to hear!
