*City of Des Moines Parks and Rec

What: 2025 Nature Programs, 2025 Study Buddy, Adapted Recreation, or Dog Park Ambassador Application

When: Various times  

Where: Locations throughout Des Moines

If interested visit website to signup Register to volunteer with City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department via VolunteerLocal 

*Shepherd’s Flock Early Learning Center

What: Cookie Dough Fundraiser - help set up, organize, sort, and distribute cookie dough at a drive through in our parking lot 

When: December 6th - 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Where: 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines

Sign up at Shepherd's Flock Early Learning Center: Shepherd's Flock Cookie Dough Fundraiser 

*Olmsted Elementary

What/When: Morning Support Opportunities - Wednesdays: 8:15–9:00 AM and Thursdays: 8:15–9:00 AM

Also assist with school beautification projects, participate in planning and brainstorming ideas for the future design of our school garden - date and time TBD. 

Where: 7110 Prairie Ave, Urbandale

If interested email mesice@urbandaleschools.com

*Shalom Community Impact Center 

What: After School Academic Support Program **students must volunteer at least once a week for continuity or e/o week for the whole semester**

When:  Tues and Thursdays from 5p -7p 

Where: 7605 Aurora Ave, Urbandale

If interested email lmccarthy@scicdsm.org 

*2025 Christkindlmarket Des Moines

What: Volunteers must be 16. Setup, tear down, beverage and food booths 

When: various shifts November 29th - December 15th, 2025

Where: Principal Park

For more information and to sign up visit Register to volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines via VolunteerLocal 

*Living History Farms

Living History Farms Race - Saturday, November 8

Support runners as they immerse themselves in rural Iowa landscapes in our one-of-a-kind off-road race. Volunteers will help with packet pick-up, course support, and start/finish line assistance. Volunteers under 16 must sign up with an adult.

https://signup.com/go/iovuHJT

Family Christmas - Saturday, December 6

Join us for old-fashioned, holiday fun at Living History Farms' Family Christmas!  Volunteers will help with cookie decorating, crafts, wagon rides, and more. Volunteers under 16 years of age must sign up with an adult.

https://signup.com/go/LfyBrTq

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.

Fleece Tie Blanket Directions

*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 Downtown Farmers' Market

What: Setup or Tear Down

When: Every Saturday morning May through October 

Where: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines

Signup at Register to 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) 

*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

*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 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 

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 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