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. Sign up for the Community Youth Concepts Student Newsletter for monthly updates on volunteer project
*Drake Relays
When: various times on April 11th, 12th, 24th, 25th and/or 26th
Where: Drake Blue Oval 2719 Forest Ave Des Moines
Signup at Drake Relays Week Volunteers Volunteer Registration (runsignup.com)
*Kites on the Green
When: Saturday, May 3rd 9:30am-5:30pm (shifts vary within that time range)
Where: Johnston Commons, 6050 Morningside Drive, Johnston (Green space around the Johnston Public Library)
What: Kites on the Green is an annual kite festival which includes public kite flying, professional kite flyers demonstrations, kids kite building, music and more! Lots of help is needed to make this event successful and multiple shifts are available. Among other things, volunteers may be asked to help kids/families build kites, assist at special activities, staff information or donation booths, etc. Johnston Kite’s on the Green is organized by the City of Johnston and the Johnston Public Library Foundation
Volunteer: www.cityofjohnston.com/KOTGVolunteer
Questions/Contact: Scott Kruthoff, Scott.Kruthoff@johnston.k12.ia.us, 515-278-0552
*Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
When: Tuesday, March 18 through Saturday, March 22
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Spring Break
Drop-in Activities
Shifts 10:30AM – 1PM and 1PM to 3:30PM – Tuesday to Friday
Shifts 9:30AM – 12:00PM and 12:00PM – 2:30PM - Saturday
Welcome guests, process payment and assist with providing materials and keeping work spaces tidy as guests make an air plant home to take home. This position requires Altru knowledge (payment processing system) or willingness to learn it.
Activities Tables
Shifts 9:45AM – 1:30PM and 1:30PM – 5:15PM – Tuesday through Friday
Shifts 8:45AM – 12:30PM and 12:30 PM – 4:15PM - Saturday
Role is fun for those who are outgoing and enjoy helping people learn. Volunteers serve as activity table leaders, engaging guests to learn about the Parts of Plants, Roots & Stems, Leaves, Flowers, and Seeds. Activities are easy to learn, and volunteers are provided information and talking points in advance. Day of, staff will touch base at the start of the shift to review the activity and answer questions.
Anyone that has previously volunteered can use their online Vic-Net account to sign up for these positions at:
https://www.volgistics.com/vicnet/141178/login .
If wanting to volunteer for just the one time event an application should be filled out online at: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2096990006 .
If intending to volunteer on a continuing basis an application should be filled out at:
https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960
*Shepherd's Flock Early Learning Center
Event: Twice Blessed Consignment Sale
Dates: March 24-March 29
Location: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
Sign Up Link: sign up
*Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
What: Summer Camp, Discovery Tours or Play Ranger
When: Summer 2025 Application Deadline is March 24th
To Apply visit Summer 2025 Volunteer Application - Youth Programming - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (volgistics.com)
*Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Where: Iowa State Capitol E Locust St. & Pennsylvania Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, March 15th, 2025
Time: Volunteers arrive on-site at 7:00 am
Our Website: IowaRuns.com - Iowa Events
Volunteer Sign Up: https://forms.gle/FN6iom9YiqFqFEg88
*Can Play Programs
What: Courage on the Court 2025 We need your help! Join Can Play for this fun and competitive three-on-three wheelchair basketball tournament allowing individuals to play from a different perspective. Your help will support our ability to raise funds for underserved youth in our community.
When: various times on Fri Feb 21 & Sat Feb 22
Where: RecPlex
Signup at Courage on the Court 2025 — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: Adapted Community Recreation Program Volunteers serve as teammates with our participants. Playing alongside providing support and social integration with our participants. Our program is open to all ages and abilities, no matter their physical, cognitive, or emotional need.
When: various times Tue Jan 21, Sat Jan 25, Tue Jan 28, Sat Feb 1, Tue Feb 11, Mon Feb 17, Tue Feb 18, Mon Feb 24, Tue Feb 25, Mon Mar 3, Tue Mar 4, Mon Mar 10
Signup at Adapted Community Recreation Program — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
*Science Center of Iowa
What: SCI Summer Camp Jr. Counselor
Where: Science Center of Iowa
When: This summer, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. **2-week commitment is required**
Signup at SCI 2025 Summer Camp Jr. Counselor Application (Page 1 of 6) (office.com)
*American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb
What: Help with gear check, registration, start line monitors, skywalk guides, stairwell cheerleaders, and assistance with the finish line celebration. Each volunteer will receive a t-shirt at check in.
Where: Wellmark YMCA - 501 Grand Ave., Des Moines
When: Saturday, March 29 and/or Sunday, March 30, 2025
Questions email EventsIA@Lung.org
Signup at 2025 Fight For Air Climb Des Moines Volunteer Sign Up (office.com)
*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)
*Wellmark YMCA Red Flannel Run
What: Help before, during or after the race.
Where: Depending on volunteer position either Wellmark YMCA or Fleet Feet
When: various time slots February 12, 13, 14 or 15th
Signup at Wellmark YMCA Red Flannel Run Volunteer Registration (runsignup.com)
*Urbandale Booster Club
The Urbandale Booster Club is in need of volunteers on the following dates. If interested, please sign up using the links below.
02/17/2025 Boys Basketball vs DM Hoover (2 Open)
02/18/2025 Boys Basketball vs Ankeny (5 Open)
02/20/2025 Boys Basketball vs DM East (9 Open)
If you have any questions, please contact Adam Fraher at adam.fraher@j-hawks.com or 515-457-6945.
*Valerius Elementary School
What: Childcare needed during parent book study
Where: Valerius Elementary School
When: Feb. 13 @ 6:30 - 7:30 pm
If interested email justmannl@urbandaleschools.com
*Can Play Programs
What: 2025 Opportunity Dance - Clive We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity Clive Dance program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Mon Jan 6, 2025 – Mon Feb 24, 2025 6:30pm-7:30pm
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Dance - Clive — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: 2025 Opportunity Basketball - Clive We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity Clive Basketball program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Mon Jan 6, 2025 – Mon Feb 24, 2025 6:30pm-8:00pm
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Basketball - Clive — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: 2025 Opportunity Dance - Waukee We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity Waukee Dance program. Join 1st through 5th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Wed Jan 8, 2025 – Wed Feb 26, 2025 6:00pm-7:30pm
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Dance - Waukee — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: 2025 Opportunity Basketball - Waukee We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity Waukee Basketball program. Join 1st through 5th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Wed Jan 8, 2025 – Wed Feb 26, 2025 6:00pm-7:30pm
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Basketball - Waukee — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: 2025 Opportunity Dance - WDM We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity West Des Moines Dance program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new dance skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Sat Jan 11, 2025 – Sat Feb 22, 2025 9:00am-10:30am
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Dance - WDM — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: 2025 Opportunity Basketball - WDM We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2025 Opportunity West Des Moines Basketball program. Join 1st through 6th grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new basketball skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
When: Sat Jan 11, 2025 – Sat Feb 22, 2025 9:00am-10:30am
Signup at 2025 Opportunity Basketball - WDM — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
What: Can Play Opportunity Hoop Fest Please arrive 10-15 minutes before programming starts. Come dressed appropriately to play with kids and be active. Join participants who are eager to have fun and play basketball games.
When: Sat Mar 1, 2025 7:45am-11:00am
Signup at Can Play Opportunity Hoop Fest — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
*Des Moines Parks and Recreation
What: Various Opportunities-Broom Ball, Can Play, Learn to Skate & Snow Ball Dance
When: Now thru February
For more information and to sign up go to Register to volunteer with City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department via VolunteerLocal
Questions: parksvolunteer@dmgov.org or 515-237-1386
*UMS Student Senate
What: Collect 25 pairs of shoes (any size, any style, any condition) and earn 1 hour for Silver Cord
Where: Urbandale Middle School
When: Opportunity available until Friday, February 21, 2025. This will be the last day to return the shoes to us.
Questions- email bartletta@urbandaleschools.com or havlicekc@urbandaleschools.com
*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
*Science Center of Iowa
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!
*Iowa Wild Split the Pot 2024-2025 Season
What: Volunteers will assist in selling raffle tickets throughout the games up until the end of the second intermission. The system in place for the volunteers is extremely user-friendly. Each volunteer will have a wireless device that will print the ticket as well as update a real-time amount ticker on the scoreboard. Each volunteer will receive free admission into the game and a free ticket to another regular-season game! Volunteers that sign up at least one week in advance will also receive a free parking pass.
When: October 12-April 19
Where: Wells Fargo Arena
Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084CAFA92EA5FD0-51769836-iowa
*Clive Youth Basketball
What: Set-Up and/or Clean-Up. No experience necessary!
When: Sundays, November 3rd-February 16 various shifts 9:30am-9pm
Where: Horizon Events Center - 2100 NW 110th St, Clive OR South Middle School in Waukee - 2350 SE LA Grant Pkwy, Waukee
Sign up at 2024 Clive Youth Basketball — Signup Sheet | SignUp.com
*Hoyt Sherman Place
What: Usher for the following events
When:
Friday, February 14: Marc Maron, Arrive – 6:45 PM, Doors – 7:00 PM, Show – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, February 19: Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ “Abbey Road”, Arrive – 6:45 PM, Doors – 7:00 PM, Show – 8:00 PM (5 SPOTS REMAINING)
Saturday, February 22: Salvation Army Presents Unmasking the Singer, Arrive – 4:45 PM, Doors – 5:00 PM, Show – 6:00 PM
Friday, February 28: See The Music, Arrive – 6:15 PM, Doors – 6:30 PM, Show – 7:30 PM
Where: 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines
If interested email Toni at roberts@hoytsherman.org
Ongoing Opportunities
*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.
https://signup.com/Group/396993070775272040/
*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.
*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 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 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)
*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
Services and Shelter
Visit their website to see all their volunteer opportunities. Volunteer | Families Forward
*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.
Assist in the warehouse with various tasks such as putting together modular furniture, sorting donations, organizing stock, etc
Assist with loading our trucks with household items and deliveries to qualified clients.
Sponsor a “fill-the-truck” drive or other type of donation event at your chosen location to receive gently used household goods and/or monetary donations for the purchase of much-needed items.
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/
*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
*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 website 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
*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 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
*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