HOW TO HELP

HOLIDAY MEAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: PURCHASE GIFT CARDS FOR A FAMILY

The Holiday Meal Assistance Program will provide families with gift cards to assist them in purchasing a holiday meal.

Cards can be purchased from area stores, such as Fareway, Hyvee, Aldi, Walmart and Target. It is preferred that gift cards be offered in $25 amounts, as our families will require varying amounts of assistance based on family size.

Thanksgiving meal cards can be dropped off at the Ankeny Service Center office, 641 S. Ankeny Blvd., Suite H.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO PROVIDE A MEAL CARD

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COMMUNITY HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: SPONSOR A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Families will begin submitting applications in October, and we anticipate that all families and sponsors will be matched by early November. As applications are submitted, sponsors will have the ability to choose their family via the sponsor sign up. Families will be added daily as new applications for assistance are submitted and approved.

After signing up, sponsors will receive a wish list from their chosen family within 2-3 days. We ask that sponsors attempt to provide a minimum of $50 in gifts per child. We also encourage sponsors to include a holiday meal gift card.

Sponsors will also be provided with an in-kind form. Please complete this form and mail back to us at the address listed on the form, or by email to: holidayassistance01@gmail.com.

We do require that sponsors and families communicate directly with each other. If this is not an option, we encourage you to consider providing gift cards instead of sponsoring a family.

We anticipate that the program will be complete in early December. Gift distribution arrangements should be made with your family no later than December 11th. Please make sure that you contact us if your email or phone number changes so that we can communicate with you during this process.

If, after signing up as a sponsor, you find that you are unable to assist your family, please let us know ASAP so that we can select another sponsor for the family.

If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding gifts, family selection, distribution dates or methods, please reach out to us immediately.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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DONATE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Donations of personal care and household items are always appreciated, and highly requested. The most requested items are: Shampoo/Conditioner - Body Wash - Bar Soap - Razors - Toothpaste and Toothbrushes - Feminine Care Products - Toilet Paper - Laundry Soap. Donations can be dropped off at 641 S. Ankeny Blvd., Suite H., Ankeny.

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DONATE FOOD ITEMS

Our food pantry is currently averaging 400 client visits each month, and that number is expected to increase over the holiday months. Both perishable and non-perishable food items would be appreciated.

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MAKE A DONATION

Monetary donations are used to provide food, personal care items, cleaning products, and emergency financial assistance for community members. CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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