As we gather together in our high school community,
we'd like to make a gift to the Ames Community in celebration
of our 45th high school anniversary.
No gift is too small or too big! Together we '78ers can make a difference!
To participate you can:
1. Add your gift to the registration payment.
2. Complete this linked form and submit a separate gift payment. 1978 CLASS GIFT FORM
3. Donate directly to the organizations below and tell them this is a part of the Class of 1978 gift.
Learn more about each organization by double clicking on their logo.
The Ames HOPE Pantry: Serving families within Ames School District with food supplies.
The Ames HOPE pantry is centrally located at the District Office and is available to all students and families in our District in need of emergency food supply. All pantries are available to students and families in our District struggling with food insecurity. In addition the pantry also has small amounts of school supplies, hygiene, and household items. Food support requests are confidential, and information will only be shared with the advocate who fulfills the request and the Student Services Specialist. There are no income guidelines or proof of income required.
Food At First: Feed People and Recycle Food
Food At First (FAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization consisting of a daily free meal program and perishable food distribution known to the community as the Food at First Free Market. FAF is dedicated to providing meals to anyone who is struggling with hunger and food insecurity, no questions asked.
Almost everything FAF serves is made from food gleaned from local grocery stores, restaurants, and Iowa State University. Not only does FAF help those who are struggling with hunger and food insecurity, it helps reduce food waste in Ames. In 2019, 43,000 individuals were served through the Free Market, and 26,500 meals were served through the Free Meal program. FAF operates on donations from individuals and businesses. These donations go towards FAF building expenses, equipment repairs, one paid employee, cleaning supplies, paper products and other items that are not normally donated. It costs FAF $1.35 to provide one free meal and a $100 donation can feed 74 guests.
The Bridge Home: Walking with those who have fallen on hard times to help them find hope and a home.
The Bridge Home (TBH) is a non-profit organization devoted to bridging the gap between homelessness and housing by providing shelter, support, and inspiring a pathway forward for individuals and families experiencing or on the verge of homelessness.
Founded in 1985 to address the growing need of individuals and families requiring shelter, a trend that continues today, we are the only organization in the Two Rivers Region dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness among single men, women, and families. In the last year alone, we have proudly served over 3,740 people, 13,900 nights of shelter, with more than 20,000 requests for assistance.
At TBH, we are not just dedicated to providing immediate relief. We provide a continuum of care from outreach to housing programs. We offer the tools, resources, and education to empower and guide individuals and families facing the challenges of homelessness towards long-term solutions — free from judgment.