Volunteers are essential to the work that we are doing. We provide great volunteer opportunities for those looking for a powerful experience and a way to give back. We want to give you the opportunity to serve, grow, and become a part of our loving community while coming alongside us in our mission to Transforming Together, to be Love in Action, in a broken world!
Collect Pop Tabs from soda cans and more to help provide funds for the Ronald McDonald House.
1200 pop tabs will be equivalent to ONE Silver Cord hour. If working with a friend that hour will be split if submitted.
Must deliver pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House and fill out the pop tab form located at the house to receive verification from the charity.
Must email a picture of the pop tabs submitted to the organization to kobrien@waukeeschools.org.
New Home Construction - Habitat for Humanity
What
Help our construction managers build new homes around Polk County! Our construction managers are available the entire day to teach you anything you need to know.
When
Wednesday-Friday, 8:15am-4:00pm, Saturdays from 8:15am-1:00pm
Volunteer to Help Build Homes, Communities, and Hope!
At Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, we’re all about affordable housing! We build, repair, and supply home materials for low-income homeowners in Polk, Dallas, and Jasper County. However, we can’t do it without your help! Learn how to swing a hammer on our New Home Construction sites or build displays in our Habitat ReStores! There are many ways to help out, and we’d love to have you with us.
New Home Construction/Rock the Block Home Repair: We build around 30 homes and repair over 250 homes for families each year. No experience? No problem! 90% of our volunteers have never swung a hammer. Our construction managers are available the entire day to teach you anything you need to know. Shifts run from 8:15am–4pm with lunch on your own from 11:30–12:30, available Wednesday–Saturday for ages 16+.
Silver Cord students under 18 years of age will need to volunteer alongside an adult 21+, but can can also be approved to complete hours on their own in our Habitat ReStores. Reach out to our Volunteer Engagement Team at 515-218-7731 with questions or to learn how to get started. We hope to see you on site soon! 🙂
This is a special volunteer opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to get involved at the Blank Park Zoo! Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas around the Zoo.
Zoo Crew – This is a special volunteer opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to get involved at the Blank Park Zoo! Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas around the Zoo. This may include: assisting Summer Safari camp counselors, providing guests with directional and educational information about the Zoo, helping to keep the Zoo clean and volunteering during family friendly events! The goal of the Zoo Crew program is to foster personal responsibility, job skills, self-initiative and inspire conservation action for the next generation.
Applications are accepted now through March 1. For more information or to apply visit our website: https://www.blankparkzoo.com/support-the-zoo/volunteer/zoo-crew-details
Volunteer to Help Build Homes, Communities, and Hope!
At Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, we’re all about affordable housing! We build, repair, and supply home materials for low-income homeowners in Polk, Dallas, and Jasper County. However, we can’t do it without your help! Learn how to swing a hammer on our New Home Construction sites or build displays in our Habitat ReStores! There are many ways to help out, and we’d love to have you with us.
Habitat ReStores: Did you know that the Habitat ReStores generate enough income every year to fund more than half of our Habitat homes? As a volunteer, you’ll be helping us process donations, assisting customers, and lending a hand around the store. Flexible, half-day shifts are available Monday–Saturday for ages 14+.
Silver Cord students under 18 years of age will need to volunteer alongside an adult 21+, but can also be approved to complete hours on their own in our Habitat ReStores. Reach out to our Volunteer Engagement Team at 515-218-7731 with questions or to learn how to get started. We hope to see you on site soon! 🙂
The Sprout Garden at Drake University provides programming to the Burt Boys and Girls Club and is used by the Drake curriculum. Produce grown in the garden is donated to neighborhood food pantries, including the Little Free Pantries on Drake’s campus. We have volunteer events throughout the year, including open garden hours during the summer. Please email sprout@drake.edu to arrange a time to help us with weeding. Other tasks are needed at various times of the year (such as mulching, planting, and harvesting). Check out our Facebook page for volunteer events that you may want to join.
Are you ready to change a life from the comfort of home?
Join ENGin as a conversation partner! This is a flexible and unique opportunity to make a direct impact on someone’s life while discovering a new culture and meeting a new friend.
We’ll pair you up with a buddy in Ukraine for weekly videochats at times that are convenient for you. During your conversations, you’ll practice English with your partner, learn about each other’s cultures, and offer an empathetic, authentic space for connection.
No teaching experience or knowledge of Ukrainian is required to volunteer with us. All of our participants can understand and hold a basic conversation in English. We offer ample training resources, session materials and total flexibility to customize your sessions to fit your/your partner’s goals and preferences. You’ll also have access to online communities to share ideas and ask questions.
Our only requirements for volunteers are English fluency, a strong internet connection, and the ability to commit to one hour a week for a minimum of 10-12 weeks.
Here’s what three ENGin volunteers say about their experience.
“I’m so glad that I got this experience and was able to make a new friend. By putting in a small amount of time, I’m able to make a huge impact on my student.”
“This program has been, I think, life-changing for both of us. I really consider her more like my daughter right now. That’s how close we have become!”
“I made a friend in Ukraine and we are teaching each other about our culture, our language, and our humor. We’re even trading dad jokes! Both of us look forward to our chats and have a hard time wrapping it up.”
To learn more about ENGin and become a volunteer, please visit www.enginprogram.org/volunteer or register to attend one of our weekly Zoom info sessions: https://calendly.com/volunteer-training/volunteer-info-sessions. Info sessions are an opportunity to meet one of our team members, learn more about ENGin, and ask questions.
If you have any questions before signing up, please contact our team at info@enginprogram.org.
Volunteer will help with duties that are needed for that day. This could be steaming clothes and putting on the racks or possibly cashiering or pricing items
We are a thrift store that could use help with different activities that could include steaming clothes, tagging, cleaning home décor, dusting shelves, recovering racks, and cashiering. Everyday our needs may differ based on donations. This is a great opportunity to find what your talent may be in the retail world.
We are seeking teammates for our Adapted Program. Can Play's adapted programs work with our participants with physical, cognitive, emotional, or other special health care needs. Volunteers assist participants with sports and fitness-related activities. No prior sports or fitness experience is required. Can Play staff will be onsite to lead all activities and pair volunteers with participants.
When
4:15-6:00 PM
Where
West Des Moines RecPlex - 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines
We use newspapers for our litters of puppies to potty on because it's much safer than puppy pads. We needs students to unfold, stack and then roll the newspaper so we can have the newspaper readily available for cleaning up after the pups multiple times a day.
When
Varies, see information in the description
Where
Pick up newspapers from 1217 Prairie St., Adel, IA, roll them at your home, then return them to 1217 Prairie St., Adel, IA
Contact Rochelle Pettinger by email, rm.pettinger82@hotmail.com or phone, 515-250-0654 to set up times to pick up papers.
Newspapers will be rolled at home and returned to the Adel address when finished.
Full instructions will be given to you at first visit.
Group Service Project (GSP)
What
The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks. No experience or training necessary! Project is for students in grades 9th - 12th. Students are welcome to arrive after the start time, depending on their early out schedule. Please check in at the Children's Desk.
We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with sorting donations and organizing our Clothing Closet at Central Iowa Shelter & Services. This involves sorting through donated items, organizing them, and re-stocking our Clothing Closet to ensure it remains tidy and accessible.
We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with sorting donations and organizing our Clothing Closet at Central Iowa Shelter & Services. This involves sorting through donated items, organizing them, and re-stocking our Clothing Closet to ensure it remains tidy and accessible.
Our Clothing Closet operates entirely on donations and serves our community, primarily our shelter guests and clients experiencing homelessness. These individuals are our neighbors, many of whom are striving to stay employed or seek employment. The Clothing Closet is essential to their journey, providing them with the necessary attire for daily life and job opportunities.
Tasks Include:
Sorting and organizing donated items in the Donation Closet
Stocking and tidying the Clothing Closet
Ensuring items are in good condition and seasonally appropriate
Interacting with clients to assist them in selecting clothing
We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with sorting donations and organizing our clothing closet at Central Iowa Shelter & Services. This involves sorting through donated items, organizing them, and re-stocking our clothing closet to ensure it remains tidy and accessible.
Our clothing closet operates entirely on donations and serves our community, primarily our shelter guests and clients experiencing homelessness. These individuals are our neighbors, many of whom are striving to stay employed or seek employment. The clothing closet is essential to their journey, providing them with the necessary attire for daily life and job opportunities.
Tasks Include:
• Sorting and organizing donated items
• Stocking and tidying the clothing closet
• Ensuring items are in good condition and seasonally appropriate
Your efforts will help us maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for those in need. Thank you for considering this important volunteer opportunity.
WHAT TO SORT AND HOW TO HANDLE ITEMS
• Clothing:
– Stock, fold, and go through all clothing donations
– Acceptable Items: Ensure items are clean and in good condition
– Adult clothing (seasonally appropriate)
– Unacceptable Items: Remove and discard the following:
– Children’s clothing
– Baby clothing
– Winter clothing out of season
– Any clothing with stains, rips, or significant wear
Lunch or Dinner Service @ Central Iowa Shelter & Services
What
Our community kitchen provides fresh and healthy meals to those in need using a combination of ingredients and produce grown on-site, donated or purchased. The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch. dinner and a snack every day.
Our community kitchen provides fresh and healthy meals to those in need using a combination of ingredients and produce grown on-site, donated or purchased. The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner & a snack, with both lunch and dinner meals including a fresh salad.
The community kitchen serves more than 750 meals each day and is projected to serve 270,000 meals in 2024.
The program is operated by kitchen staff and a network of volunteers, all working together to provide and serve meals. About 55–65% of meals are donated by volunteers, which expands our budget by at least $20,000 per month.
Volunteers & Community Partners interested in helping support Mulberry Street Café can register for either Lunch or Dinner services and denote whether they will be providing the meal, providing and serving the meal, or serving the meal. We ask that any groups or individuals preparing to provide a meal plan for 250 persons. Both groups and individuals are welcome to assist in serving meals.
Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal "messiness" expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event.
When
1.5 hours before the performance to 15 minutes after the show has started. 2 hours and 15 minutes total commitment
Discovery Parties take place in the hour prior to a public performance in the Civic Center lobbies and are intended to provide young audiences and their families with interactive experiences that are culturally and/or thematically tied to the performance they will attend. Guests will be invited to explore, learn and create. Each Discovery Party is unique to the performance it precedes. Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal “messiness” expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
Help building supervisors set-up and/or clean up before/after Clive Youth Basketball League games. All dates are on Sundays. Students will help set up or take down chairs, tables, score boards, and sweep floors.
Come join the Teen Advisory Board! TAB meets weekly to help plan teen programs, sign up for library volunteer opportunities, build leadership skills and suggest teen books to be purchased by the library.
The Teen Advisory Board meets each Monday when there is school to help plan teen programs, sign up for library volunteer opportunities, build leadership skills and suggest teen books to be purchased by the library.
We need volunteers to help litters of puppies residing in a puppy nursery at an approved foster home with Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa. This will include orientation by the foster parent with volunteer helping with cleaning, caring for them, and socializing.
When
Evening; Weekends
Where
Foster pawrent home where litter of puppies reside (Adel, Iowa). Our foster parents name, contact info, and address will be disclosed upon approved volunteer application and signed volunteer acknowledgement by student and/parent guardian..
Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa is 100% foster/volunteer based rescue. We have litters of puppies in loving approved foster homes and at times will need help with the litters. Volunteers must be committed to the humane and ethical treatment of animals when completing all tasks under the direction of our assigned foster parent in their home. It is also expected that the volunteer with puppy pawtrol be engaged in the tasks they are assigned and will not be on their electronic devices while completing silver cord hours with this effort.
Upon submission of our volunteer form, there will be one additional form for the student and parent/legal guardian to sign before being assigned to puppy pawtrol.
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our Opportunity Clive Volleyball Program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new volleyball skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each week for the six weeks, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where
Crestview School of Inquiry - 8355 N Franklin Ave, Clive, IA 50325
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our Opportunity Clive Volleyball Program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new volleyball skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each week for the six weeks, whatever fits best into your schedule.
We are having a holiday event where people can come and get presents for their family and Santa is coming. We need help setting it up on Wed., help during Santa on Sat. and tearing down on Sunday. You can just email Maggie or text her.
Des Moines Turkey Trot
What
Volunteers can help with packet pick-up, aid stations, finish line and after party, or post-race tear down!
When
Many time options available, see sign up information
Where
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, 401 Locust Street, Des Moines
Looking for an extra way to give back this Thanksgiving Day? The Des Moines Turkey Trot is looking for all the helping hands we can get to help pull together this amazing day for the Des Moines Community! You won’t go home empty handed. Sign up to volunteer and receive a free shirt.
We have many time slots available over three days!
We will be decorating the park with lights, tables, setup in the morning and being sure all is set up for event in the evening beginning at 3pm. We will take donations during park activities, parade and following.
Volunteers will help from 7-11 a.m. passing out water, checking in racers, serving as race marshalls on the course and passing out food at the end of the race. It will end by 11 a.m. so students may spend the rest of thanksgiving with loved ones.
When
7-11 a.m.
Where
Triumph Park, 700 NW Douglas Ave., Waukee, IA 50263
Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB is honored to be this year’s charity partner for the Waukee Turkey Trot, happening on Thanksgiving morning! The more volunteers we have, the more we earn in fundraising – students can complete up to four Silver Cord hours and the funding we receive will change the story for an Iowa child in foster care!
We need volunteers to help with checking in racers, organizing post-race food, manning water stations, and serving as course marshals. The event is anticipated to end by 11 a.m. to allow the rest of the holiday for volunteers to spend with loved ones. No race experience required!
Volunteering at Festival is a wonderful way to kick off the holidays and start the season of giving! Students seeking Silver Cord hours are welcome to volunteer – 15 and younger must be accompanied by parent or adult volunteer. Volunteer support makes Festival possible each and every year! Volunteers are needed to assist with: Admissions, Bakery & Concessions, Children’s Activities, Gift Shop, Greeters and more. As the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital, Festival is needed to help fulfill the mission of providing family-centered care for children and families from across Iowa.
There are many different areas for volunteering. Festival setup & tear down, sales associate, entertainment volunteer (in Yuletide Hall), volunteer relations, information table, KinderKorner (help with kids activities), hobby photographer, public relations and host!
Non-profit organizations, share your volunteer opportunities! To ensure your submission will be accepted, read the Silver Cord posting guidelines before submitting your event.
