Volunteer Opportunities

You don’t have to stick to these events -- feel free to research and find your own.  

  *NEW Volunteer Opportunities

Check out Volunteer Match for tons of local opportunities to help. 


*Blank Children’s Hospital 

What: Festival of Trees & Lights 

When: Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 29 

Where: Iowa Events Center 

Signup at Volunteer with Blank Children's Hospital via VolunteerLocal 


*Olmsted PTO

What: 2nd Annual Urbandale Winter Shootout

When: various shifts Saturday, 11/7 and Sunday, 11/8

Where: Urbandale High School, Urbandale Middle School, and Olmsted Elementary

Signup at Urbandale Basketball Winter Shootout — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com 


*2026 Christkindlmarket Des Moines

What: Must be 16 - setup, tear down, work a booth

When: various shifts November 27-December 14 

Where: Principal Park

Signup at Volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines via VolunteerLocal 


*UGRA Softball

What: CIS - Spooktacular Volunteer Sign-Up

When: various shifts Saturday & Sunday October 24 & 25 

Where: UGRA Fields 4401 104th Street Urbandale

Signup at UGRA Softball: CIS - Spooktacular Volunteer Sign-Up 


*Urbandale Concession Stand

What: Football Concessions

When: Friday, October 23

Where: Urbandale High School

Signup at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BADAE2EA5FEC34-65485067-varsity#/ 


*YMCA OF GREATER DES MOINES 

What: 2026 DSMY Spooktacular Swim Meet

When: October 31st 7:30 am - 12 pm or 12 pm - 4 pm, November 1st 7:30 am - 12 pm or 12 pm - 4 pm

Where: 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines 

Signup at Volunteer Project Page 


*Adaptive Sports Iowa 

What: Sell raffle tickets for Split the Pot, a 50/50 raffle held at Iowa Wild home games   

When: 2026-2027 Iowa Wild season starting October 9

Where: Casey's Center 233 Center St, Des Moines 

Signup at Adaptive Sports Iowa: Split The Pot with Iowa Wild (2026-2027 Season) 


*Valerius Fall Festival

What: Set up - Students will help set up tables, chairs, count raffle tickets, hang signs to prepare for the Fall Festival

When: 4-6pm on Friday, October 23rd

Where: 3305 92nd St. Urbandale


What: Students will help wipe down tables during lunch, help with clean up

When: Saturday, October 24th 11am-2pm

Where:  3305 92nd St. Urbandale


*Please email valeriusfallfestival@gmail.com to sign up for 1 hour increments.


*The Playhouse

What:  Penguin+ Mentor -- Each Mentor will be paired with an Artist, and together they’ll participate in class, learn theatre skills, rehearse, and have fun 

When: Mandatory Mentor Training: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM

Classes: 11 Tuesdays, November 3, 2026–January 12, 2027 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM 

Where: 831 42nd St, Des Moines

Signup at Penguin+ Mentor Registration 


*WDM Public Library 

What:  Group Service Project 

When: 10/28/26, 11/18/26, 12/16/26, 1/27/27, 2/24/27, 3/24/27 and/or 4/28/27 3 PM - 5 PM **Start time is flexible! We understand that Urbandale schools have a different dismissal schedule. Please let us know when you plan to arrive in the notes field of your registration.

Where: 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, WDM

Signup at Upcoming Events | West Des Moines Public Library 


*Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 

What: Activity Tables at the Trick or Trees event

When: Saturday, October 31st Shifts for these activities are 8:45 to 11:15AM, 11:15AM to 1:45PM, and 1:45 to 4:15PM  

Where: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive | Des Moines 

Signup at Special Event Application Form - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 


*Little Splash Swim Program/Hope Floats Foundation 

What: We're looking for student volunteers for 1-5 flexible hours a week:

community outreach, social media content capture, flyer distribution,

and event support. No experience needed — we train everyone well, and

students who want to go further can work toward becoming certified,

paid swim instructors. 

If interested email abrie@littlesplashswimpro.com


*Dance Without Limits 

What: Dance program for children and young adults with special needs. Each class is approximately an hour long and you can volunteer for up to three. Volunteers come each week and stay with their same class(es) throughout the 7-10 week session.   

When: Sundays from September 20th to the recital on November 15th 

Where: School of Classical Ballet and Dance, 1509 42nd St, West Des Moines  

If interested email volunteer@dancewithoutlimits.org to inquire about volunteering. In your email, please include your first and last name, age, grade, school, and any previous experience with dance and/or children with disabilities 

For more info visit dancewithoutlimits.org 


*Living History Farms

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd-25th: Family Halloween

Saturday, November 7th - Living History Farms Race

Saturday, December 5th: Family Christmas

Where: LHF 2600 111th St, Urbandale 

Signup at Volunteer With Us - Living History Farms, Iowa 


*Hoyt Sherman Place

What: Usher for the following events

Where: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines

If interested email Toni at roberts@hoytsherman.org

When:

Ballet Des Moines: Ghost Stories – Friday, October 23 – Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Ballet Des Moines: Ghost Stories – Saturday, October 24 – Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Ben Folds – Tuesday, October 27 – Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM

Daughtry – Sunday, November 1 – Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Justin Willman – Friday, November 6 – Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Gary Owen – Saturday, November 7 - Arrive 6:45 PM, Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM 

Micky Dolenz – Sunday, November 8 - Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM 

Everclear – Tuesday, November 10 - Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Postmodern Jukebox – Thursday, November 12 - Arrive 6:45 PM, Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM 

Larry Fleet – Friday, November 13 - Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM 

Derrick Stroup – Saturday, November 14 - Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Derrick Stroup – Saturday, November 14 – Arrive 8:15 PM, Doors 8:30 PM, Show 9:30 PM 

Motown Christmas – Monday, November 16 - Arrive 5:45 PM, Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM 

Andy Grammer – Tuesday, November 17 - Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM 

Bee Gees Tribute – Friday, November 20 - Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM 

Kenny G – Saturday, November 21 - Arrive 6:15 PM, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM 

Shaun Cassidy – Sunday, November 22 - Arrive 6:45 PM, Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM

 

*Des Moines Performing Arts 

What: Wellmark Family Series pre-show Discovery Parties 

When: time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time - Tue, Feb 16 | 5:00-6:15pm, or Sat, Apr 10 | 9:30-11:15am

Where: Civic Center lobbies 221 Walnut St, Des Moines 

Signup at 2026-27 Discovery Party Volunteer Sign-up 


*Art Center 

What: Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos - welcome visitors, support art activities, and help with wayfinding. 

When: Sunday, November 1 | 11 am - 3 pm

Where: Des Moines Art Center

If interested email Mia Buch mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org


Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market

What:  Setup and Teardown volunteer 

When - Setup: 5:15am – 7 a.m. (May-September) & 6:15am – 8 a.m. (October) or 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (May-October) 

Where: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines 

Signup at Register to volunteer with Greater Des Moines Partnership via VolunteerLocal 


Ongoing Opportunities

American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Iowa Chapter 

Volunteer Opportunities | APDA Iowa 


Can Play Programs

Can Play supplements the cost of recreation programs and adapts the play to each child's skill level. Creating the opportunity to play despite the barriers. Below is a link that will take you to various volunteer opportunities ranging from sports teams, coaching, playing, setting up for events, or just having fun with children and peers of all abilities. Locations vary.

Volunteer | Can Play 


Central Iowa Shelter and Services

Volunteers are needed for sorting clothing, working in kitchens, events, and other work. 

For more information, their volunteer website is at: https://centraliowashelter.org/volunteer/ 

For specific questions, email lfresquez@centraliowashelter.org. 


Change Course Volunteers

Mondays 6-8pm

We need volunteers to help us care for children aged ranges 1-12, every Monday night from 6 pm-8 pm. Parents of these children are going through an intensive 6 month personal and career development program. Volunteers do not need to sign up for consecutive Mondays-

 If interested email Nicole at nicole@change-course.org

Children's Cancer Connection - Blankets 

The Children’s Cancer Connection is collecting blankets to send with kids to camp. Handmade polar fleece tie blankets for boys and girls ages 5-18 are needed.

Two hours of Silver Cord Credit can be earned by purchasing the fleece, making the blanket, and turning it in with your hour verification form or a photo of the blankets.

Fleece-Tie-Blanket-Instructions.pdf 

Clive Community Services

Clive Community Services is seeking volunteers during our food pantry shifts, Mondays 4-7 pm and Fridays 9 am-12 pm. First-time volunteers, plan to show up 15-20 minutes early. Subsequent volunteers, please try to arrive 5-10 minutes before your shift and be prepared to stay 5-10 minutes after to help with cleanup. Volunteers walk alongside clients, assisting them with shopping and loading items in their car. Volunteers may also sort donations and stock shelves in their downtime. Sign up for a shift HERE! 

Contact director@clivecommunityservices.com with any questions.

Volunteers must be 14+. For more information about volunteering, visit

https://clivecommunityservices.com/help-us/


Des Moines Art Center 

What: Social Saturdays - support this event as greeters, way finders, art activity support and more 

When: Second Saturdays Monthly | 10:30 – 3 pm 

Where: Des Moines Art Center 4700 Grand Avenue 

Apply at Volunteer Application | Des Moines Art Center 

If interested you have questions email Mia at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org 

Des Moines Children’s Museum 

Children's Museum Regular Operation: 

We are located in the lower level, southwest end of Valley West Mall, West Des Moines. The Des Moines Children's Museum relies on volunteers to help us provide an affordable and high-quality experience for children and families that visit our museum. 

Volunteers will assist with the day-to-day operation of the museum. Tasks include welcoming visitors, interacting with children, sanitizing toys, and keeping exhibits tidy. Our volunteering shifts are every 2 hours

Monday through Saturday shifts 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm or 2pm-4pm

To volunteer, sign up here: Des Moines Children's Museum : Volunteering at Des Moines Children's Museum (signupgenius.com)   Please make sure you are showing up for shifts you are signed up for.  If a conflict arises, please make sure you delete your sign-up.  No-shows are frowned upon.


Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market

What: Setup or Tear Down

When: Every Saturday morning May through October

Where: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines

Signup at Volunteer with Greater Des Moines Partnership via VolunteerLocal 


Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Lots of volunteer opportunities found here:

 Register to volunteer with City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department via Volunteer Local 

Des Moines Public Library 

Assist youth services staff with children’s events and activities during the school year and for our Summer Reading Program. 

Register children and teens for the Summer Reading Program.

Prepare craft activities for Preschool/Toddler Storytimes, and for our Summer Reading Program.

Help maintain the Children’s Library and Children’s Areas inside our buildings and create displays.

Support Youth Services Librarians with other duties as needed.

Visit our website at Volunteer for the Des Moines Public Library | Des Moines Public Library (dmpl.org) 

Des Moines Refugee Support 

What: Bridging gaps for refugee families as they establish their new lives in Iowa 

For more information visit: Des Moines Refugee Support | Helping Des Moines Refugees (dsmrefugees.org) 

If interested in volunteering fill out their form at DMRS Volunteer Sign Up (google.com) 


Dorothy's House

What: Various Opportunities

For more information visit Volunteer - Dorothy's House.org 


EveryStep Giving Tree

What: A nonprofit thrift store in Urbandale, seeks volunteers to help steam and prepare donated clothing for shoppers. Volunteers must commit to a minimum shift of 1 ½ hours. Student volunteer groups are limited to four people. 

When: Saturdays or in the afternoon on Wednesdays or Thursdays before 5 p.m.

Where:  3330 100th Street Urbandale

To learn more, please call store manager Michele Bronson at 515-270-2414 or email mbronson@everystep.org  


Families Forward

What: Children's Activities at Families Forward New Directions Shelter - Volunteers will help set up and clean up the activity. (Staff will provide guidance.)

When: Wednesdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Where: 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines 

Sign up at https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=931691


What: Organizing Donations at Families Forward New Directions Shelter - Organizing donations in our storage area, hanging clothing in our clothing closet and picking up and vacuuming the living room.  

When: Wednesdays from 5:30pm – 7:30pm and daytime shifts.

Where: 3001 Grand Avenue, Des Moines 

Sign up at https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=908881


What: Stock the Food Pantry - Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. Grocery Aisles: Stocking and facing grocery items.

When: Evenings & weekends

Where: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines

Sign up at https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=989788


What: Food Pantry Volunteers - Food Pantry Guide: Guiding families through their grocery “shopping” experience. Clothing Pantry: Sorting, hanging, and organizing clothing and household donations. If we are caught up with helping families get groceries, volunteers will help stock the grocery aisles.

When: Weekdays

Where: 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines

Sign up at https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/detail/?need_id=830579

Volunteers help in the following way each day:  


Ongoing Opportunities

Opportunities | United Way of Central Iowa 

Food Bank of Iowa

Pantry Volunteers: Join us as we assist the community members shopping for food items in our on-site pantry! Volunteers in this role will help us with restocking the pantry, getting groceries out to the vehicles of pantry clients, weighing food items, and making sure everyone is welcome as they join us to receive food items. We can't serve the dozens of families that depend on the food we provide without volunteer power. Fifteen volunteers are needed each Tuesday evening from 3:30 pm-7:30 pm!     

Sign up HERE.


FreeStore

FreeStore ran by volunteers. With your help, many more families escaping abusive environments will move on safely.   

Please reach out to Kathy Frank at kfrank1214@gmail.com or Sharon Steffen at Sharon.f.steffen@gmail.com with any questions you may have, schedule a volunteer event, or schedule a time to come volunteer at the warehouse. Visit our webiste at Become a Volunteer – The Freestore 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

If anyone would like to volunteer at the Garden on an on-going basis, they should fill out the application at this link:     

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960


Habitat for Humanity

Habitat ReStores: Flexible, half-day shifts are available Monday–Saturday for ages 14+.  

New Home Construction/Rock the Block Home Repair 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 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. 

Interested in either opportunity sign up at https://www.gdmhabitat.org/volunteer/


Help Support Food Assistance in Iowa

Find volunteer opportunities near you by visiting Opportunities | Volunteer Iowa 


Hoyt Sherman Place

Theater Volunteer- As a volunteer, you will take your place alongside the staff and many other dedicated individuals who enjoy meeting new people, supporting the arts within the greater Des Moines area, and celebrating the rich history of our one-of-a-kind facility.

Where: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines

If interested call Toni Roberts at 515.348.6941 or go to Volunteer Program - Hoyt Sherman Place 


IMPACT Community Action Partnership

Mission Focus: Helping those in our community experiencing food insecurity

Location: 3226 University Ave, Des Moines, IA

If interested email volunteers@impactcap.org 

Iowa Genealogical Society

The Iowa Genealogical Society has several ongoing projects they would like help with.  If interested, please call Nancy Kirchner, President @ 515-554-2729 or Anthony Cupp, Librarian @ 515-276-0287

Putting donation slips into books and materials

Checking catalog to see if donated books are duplicates

Scanning obituaries into a database

Camp Dodge draft cards: Knowledge of Excel Spreadsheets a must


Lutheran Service 

What: 3 Opportunities

Global Greens Farmer’s Market Volunteer, every Saturday from May through October from 8 AM-1 PM at 1907 Carpenter Ave in Des Moines.

Global Greens Urban Garden Volunteer, ongoing times and at 27 locations around the metro area. 

Global Greens Community Supported Agriculture Support Volunteer- every Tuesday afternoon/evening from April through October at various locations around the metro area. 

Interested students should email volunteer@lsiowa.org or submit an application on Bloomerang: Apply here 

Many Hands for Haiti Thrift Market

Come whenever Monday - Saturday whenever the store is open (8 am-5 pm) for as long or as little fits into your schedule. At the thrift store, you can sort and process donations, tag clothing items, create displays, help with marketing, and much more. We want you to find the best fit for you. NO Scheduling...flexible hours! 100% of our proceeds go back toward local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving. Contact tkamerman@mh4h.org with any questions!

Locations: 

Grimes - 2900 SE Grimes Blvd., Grimes, IA 50111

Des Moines - 4353 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines, IA 50310

Clive - 8801 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325


Meals From the Heartland

Package life-saving meals for the hungry in Iowa, across the nation, and around the world at the Meals from the Heartland Packaging Center in West Des Moines, following strict health and safety guidelines. Two-hour packaging shifts are available throughout the year – Tuesday through Saturday. Individuals and small teams are all welcome! Invite your friends, coworkers, and family. To find out what shifts are available, go to our website: and click on the Volunteer or Calendar tabs.

PLEASE NOTE: Current policies are subject to change. Please check our Packager | Meals from the Heartland  or call (515) 473-9530 for the most up-to-date volunteer information.

•  All volunteers must be 18 years or older or at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult family member.

• Families units are welcome; however, we will be enforcing a two children per adult policy now. (i.e., 4 children per 2 adults)


Science Center of Iowa

What: Birthday Party Volunteer Facilitators-you will play a key role in ensuring that birthday parties held at SCI are fun, educational, and memorable experiences for children and their families. 

When: Varius Saturdays and Sundays

Where: Science Center of Iowa

Please email volunteer@sciowa.org to learn more 


What: Daily Discovery Assistant - Help deliver effective and positive customer service, clean exhibits, be a general information source, and help staff with operational needs.

Volunteer for four hours each month to be an active Core Volunteer as a Daily Discovery Assistant.

When: Choose any shift on either Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday Shift times: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM or 12:30 - 4:15 PM
Core Virtual Training -TBD based on availability(New volunteers)
Onsite Floor Training - Volunteers will shadow our staff/volunteers throughout the exhibits. Shadowing shifts are from 8:30 AM- 12:30 PM on designated training days. Training days are based on availability. 

Email volunteer@sciowa.org to sign-up!

TECHS (Teen Electronic and Cyber Help)

TECHS is a program created to have high school volunteers meet with seniors living at senior living communities and help them with simple-fix technology questions. Technology comes naturally to many high schoolers, while seniors often need help; even the most specific problems solved make a huge difference!

What qualifications do I need to have?

Many of the questions you will receive when volunteering is pretty simple. Because of this, you do not need to have many qualifications, just a general knowledge of typical devices (Apple, Android, etc.) and the ability to problem-solve (often seniors carry outdated and abnormal types of devices, so being able to look things up and think on the fly is beneficial). Additionally, TECHS requires all volunteers to complete a short training regimen on general technology questions and customer service. 

What kind of questions can I expect?

Generally, you will be helping with setting up email/Alexa/Fitbit accounts, helping them manage applications, and just general information. 

What should I do to become a volunteer?

Visit TECHS - Home (weebly.com)  on the volunteers page to learn more about volunteering and apply to become a volunteer. We will email you with additional information about joining our volunteer force!


Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN)

Current volunteer opportunities Current volunteer opportunities – Urbandale Community Action Network (urbandalenetwork.org) 

or

Mobile Pantry - Volunteers will help load our van with items to be distributed to those in need and set up at a mobile location.

Please email Info@UrbandaleNetwork.org or contact us at 515-334-2684 to learn more! 

Monday 4-5 pm @Aldersgate Church

Wednesday 4-5 pm @Rocklyn Drive area apartments

Friday 12-12:30 pm @Plaza Manor Apartments

Urbandale Food Pantry - Always looking for volunteers! - Ongoing

Open student shifts can be found HERE. Student volunteers help stock shelves, and assist with client shopping and other tasks. 

Please contact lwinton@urbandalefoodpantry.org with any questions. 

Volunteers must be 14+ to volunteer during these shifts. Click HERE for more information about volunteering. 


Urbandale High School Sports Manager

When?

Qualifications


Urbandale Parks Department

Seeking volunteers to help with picking some invasive plants in the greenbelts through the Colby Woods area (just south of Walker Johnston Park.) Students can do this work on their own time, and their work would be evidenced by the number of bags they fill with the garlic mustard plants. We can provide the bags for the students and direct them to the location of where to find the plants and certainly identify what the garlic mustard plant looks like. 

If interested, contact Jan Herke, Parks and Recreation Director at jherke@urbandale.org or 515-331-6793


Urbandale Schools Elementary Libraries

What: Student volunteers assist the librarians with everyday tasks like checking books in and reshelving them
When: Times vary

Where: Urbandale Elementary Schools

If interested, email Sierra Johnson at johnsons@urbandaleschools.com

Wesley Life Meals on Wheels 

Fold, Stuff Envelopes, & Label Letters to Clients

Volunteers will need to match names on labels and letters for a 300-piece mailing. This task will need to be done in our office (944 18th Street, DSM), but the volunteer(s) will be isolated in a separate room with all the materials and will not require contact with others. Depending on the number of volunteers, it will take 2-4 hours and can reoccur for those interested the 1st week of every month. This can be done anytime our office is open M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Please contact Michelle Leaverton with any questions.    Phone: 515-699-3241

Cards/Handmade Gifts

Meals on Wheels always welcomes cards or handmade gifts made for clients by volunteers. We have received birthday cards, “hope you have a good day” cards, holiday cards, and small handmade items to give to the clients for students looking for some "safe at home" volunteer opportunities.

Please contact Abby Ruby to make arrangements for dropping off items. Wesley Life Address: 944 18th St. Des Moines, IA 50314    Phone: 515-699-3240    Email: ARuby@wesleylife.org