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Volunteer Opportunities

A variety of opportunities are listed below, but your opportunities are not limited to just those listed below. Some opportunities are once per year while others are ongoing. There is usually much more information available than we can post here. Use the contact information to get more details.

Anyone wishing to post information about volunteering may contact one of our Silver Cord Coordinators: Brandi Wendt (ACHS) via email and Nick Nelson (AHS) via email. You will receive your Silver Cord at Senior Spotlight Night.  If you are unable to attend you will then receive your Silver Cord during graduation practice.

Ankeny Mentoring Program

Are you looking for an easy and fun way to make a difference? Join our mentoring program! Our program offers an opportunity to inspire and support elementary and middle school students as they navigate challenges at a tough stage of life. As a mentor, you will act as a coach, a positive role model, and even just a friend. Mentors provide encouragement, share significant life lessons, and help them build skills that will last a lifetime, influencing personal growth. Our program gives you a chance to visit a school to meet with a student for around 30 minutes once a week.

Please consider our program as it benefits both you and the student you are mentoring, including building self-esteem, social skills, support, resilience, strengthening connections, problem solving skills, and more. If you are interested, fill out the interest form!

Questions? Please ask Joel Fox joel.fox@ankenyschools.org

This post was updated December 2024.

Parkview - Production Assistant for Spring Play - 1/6/2025 to 3/6/2025

Opportunity Description:
Parkview Middle School is looking for one or two students to volunteer as production assistants for the upcoming spring play. The work will include assisting student actors with lines, acting coaching, and assorted production tasks including props, sets, costumes, and make-up. It would be helpful if those volunteering could attend at least one rehearsal per week and the performance.

Dates:
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, January 6th and run through Thursday, March 6th, the date of the performance. Rehearsals will occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at Parkview in the Performance Center. Volunteers would not necessarily have to stay for the whole rehearsal period.

Sign-up:
Students can sign up by reaching out to me through my school email, jennifer.janes@ankenyschools.org

 

This post was updated November 2024.

Crocker Elementary - Fun Night - 4/12/2025

Crocker Fun Night

4/12/2025

4-7pm

To sign up contact – crocker.pto@gmail.com

This post was updated December 2024.

Volunteers Needed: Adaptive Sports Iowa-Iowa Wild Split the Pot 2024-2025 Season

Our volunteer sign-up is now available! We are looking for volunteers all throughout the Iowa Wild Hockey season.

The volunteers will assist in selling raffle tickets throughout the games up until the end of the second intermission. At that point, a drawing will take place and the proceeds raised during the game will be split between the winning ticket and Adaptive Sports Iowa. This is a tremendous fundraising opportunity for our organization that will have profound effects on our ability to serve our mission.

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.

Please click on the button below to view the online sign up sheet:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084CAFA92EA5FD0-51769836-iowa

This post was updated September 2024.

Big Brothers Big Sisters - Sports Buddies

Exciting new Sports Buddies program, which will be launching at Prairie Ridge and Northview Middle Schools this year.
The Sports Buddies program is designed to pair adult mentors/high school student with middle school students, encouraging participation in sports and physical activities while building meaningful relationships. We believe this program will offer a fantastic opportunity for students to stay active, learn new skills, and benefit from the support and guidance of a caring mentor.

2024 Sports Buddies Flyer

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 - November 30th - December 9th, 2024

Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) invites you to be a part of something great: Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Volunteers are integral to a successful community event. We need your help, and we have several opportunities to choose from whether you’re looking for just yourself or a group team building experience. Be sure to include family members, friends and others who could join you to make it more fun! All volunteers must be at least 16 years old when they report for their volunteer shift.

Opportunities include festival setup/teardown, store associate, performance tent support, checking in volunteers, info table, children’s activities, photographer, greeter
This post was updated September 2024.
Prairie Dog Dashers - Sept. 10th-November 21 and March 25-May 15
Need volunteers at the Prairie Dog Dash, reoccurring on Tuesday and Thursday, September 10-November 21 and March 25-May 15, weather permitting. Duties include running club during recess for any K-5 students, punching running cards for laps completed, and handing out charms as they are earned.  Contact Heather James.
This post was updated August 2024.
Can Play - Fall Season sports opportunities
Happy Fall! Can Play is excited to be offering new sports opportunities this Fall season for our Opportunity and H.E.R.S all-girl programs. We love having our Silver Cord/Volunteer students helping out at these practices! 
 
We are looking for approximately ten volunteers for each of the programs on our page. Here is our Sign-Up link for the programs: https://signup.com/go/gZMOdUL 

The details for the Fall programs are as follows:
Opportunity Clive Co-Ed Volleyball
Dates: November 11 – December 16 (six weeks)
Day: Mondays
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Crestview School of Inquiry
Participants: 1st – 6th Grade

This post was updated September 2024.

Hawk Guys: Positive Role Models - Fridays during recess

Looking for positive male role models to engage with students during recess. Sign up here or contact Travis James.

This post was updated August 2024.

Ankeny Community Theatre - various show dates
The Ankeny Community Theatre is requesting student volunteers to help out with any of the shows for the 2024-2025 season. Projects include costumes, lighting/sound, and marketing for shows in the future season. Sign up on our volunteer page of the website or email volunteer@ankenycommunitytheatre.com.

This post was updated August 2024.

Foster SQUAD - 4th Tuesday of each month

We’re looking for compassionate volunteers to help in two key areas:

  1. Child Supervision: Spend two hours supervising children (newborn to 10 years old) at the Community Resource Connection conference room, 641 S Ankeny Blvd. You’ll engage in activities like reading, playing games, and interacting with the kids. This opportunity is available on the 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. If you’re available to help any month, please reach out to Kate at kate@fostersquad.org.
  2. Packing Kits: Help us pack diaper bags and backpacks with essential items for children entering foster homes. The kits include blankets, books, stuffed animals, personal care items, and water bottles. All materials are provided. If you can spare an hour to pack these kits, contact Kate at kate@fostersquad.org to arrange a time.
  3. Blanket Making: One of the most loved items are blankets. You can help by making fleece tie blankets at your convenience and dropping them off at 641 S Ankeny Blvd. during business hours. The patterns should be kid-friendly. Instructions for how to make the blankets can be found here.

If you’re interested in either of these opportunities, please get in touch with Kate at kate@fostersquad.org. Your support can make a significant difference!

This post was updated August 2024.

Greater Des Moines Habitat For Humanity

Multiple volunteer opportunities with in the greater Des Moines area Habitat for Humanity construction sites, home preservation and the ReStore. Sign up to volunteer here.

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This post was updated June 2024.

Suites at Ankeny: Tech Talk - ongoing opportunity

We would love help assisting elderly population with tech issues. These issues have been: Assisting in programing a universal remote, helping set up Peacock and showing how to navigate the service, programing an alarm clock, trouble shooting a cellphone (do not disturb got turned on by accident) starting a Facebook account, helping fix pop-up blockers on a laptop.

The student would go to each tenants apartment or they could meet in the common areas. This is dependent on the students comfort level.

Currently this is scheduled on Tuesdays with a flexible time depending on the students participation in sports. Nothing would be after 6pm.

Please email Michelle Hamilton. A volunteer background check will need performed before the student is able to start the program.

This post was updated April 2024.

HOPE agency: help with basketball practice - beginning December 11

Hope Agency DSM supports adults with special needs in living independently and maintaining friendships with those around them. We also support them in Special Olympic sports like bowling, basketball, flag football, and more. We are looking for 1-2 volunteers for Monday nights for an hour to help at our basketball practices! If you interested in this opportunity, please let us know! If you have any questions please reach out!

Contact: Toni Ness / Team Mentor / Direct Support Professional at tonin@hopeagencydsm.org.

This post was updated April 2024.

Holiday Hullabaloo - November 29th to December 31st

Earn Silver Cord Hours at Holiday Hullabaloo!

Are you looking for a fun and festive way for your students to earn your Silver Cord hours? Join us at Holiday Hullabaloo!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help spread holiday cheer from November 29 to December 31. Here’s what you need to know:

• Shifts are 4 hours long

• Primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

• Each volunteer receives a free ticket to enjoy the event

• You’ll be supporting Dorothy’s House, a great cause

It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference, have fun, and rack up those Silver Cord hours!

Interested? Follow this link to sign up:

https://www.holidayhullabaloo.com/volunteer-today

Let’s make this holiday season magical together!

Best wishes,

The Elves

Holiday Hullabaloo Volunteer Coordinator

volunteer@holidayhullabaloo.com

HH Notag Email

This post was updated September 2024.

Optimist Club - Avenue of Flags
The Optimist Club is looking for help with 1 or 2 routes during the year.
Each route covers 30-40 flags and takes maybe 1.5 hours in AM and the same in evening for pickup..
Our Optimist Club would like to team up with your students and support them financially.

Show your pride! Subscribe to have a U.S. flag displayed at your home or give as a gift to a friend. The flags are set by club members at dawn and taken down at dusk on these five holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. Service is subject to weather permitting. Lightning or snow cover may cause delay or cancellation of delivery. The 3’x5’ flag is flown from a 10’ pole. They are placed in a permanent grommet set in your yard. The grommet is set low and will not interfere with mowing or activity. The poles and flags are property of the club and are stored and maintained by the club. Sign up with your neighbors and show your pride throughout your neighborhood. You can also purchase a subscription as a gift for a friend or family. A one year subscription is only $37 and Each additional flag is $35. 100% of the proceeds help support Ankeny’s youth and families.

For questions call: Mark Feilmann – ph# 641-485-1040 Ray Morley – ph# 515-964-8903 Interested in becoming a club member or a Friend of Optimist supporter?

Contact us at:  www.ankenyoptimists.org or ankenyoptimists@gmail.com.

This post was updated February 2024.

Ankeny Art Center - Ongoing Opportunities

The Ankeny Art Center values all our dedicated volunteers! Volunteering is a wonderful and fulfilling way for individuals and organizations to give to the arts and to the community. We have many different events and opportunities to volunteer at to help support a local non-profit!

View opportunities at: https://www.ankenyartcenter.org/opportunities

This post was updated January 2024.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

At the Ronald McDonald House, we aim to provide a home away from home for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Families need more than just medical treatment during this difficult time. Our goal is to provide them with a supportive and comforting environment where they can focus on their child’s health and well-being.

There are a variety of ways that your students can get involved.

  • Baking or Making To-Go Meals for our families
  • General Deep Cleaning
  • Tab Tops Collection

We also offer Service-Learning Opportunities for students 16 years or older. This program is an excellent way for students to complete their Silver Cord hours. The student will assist the house manager and volunteer coordinator with daily activities. The duties include:

  • Welcome families, shadow check-in procedure and make families feel at home.
  • Assist with House operations and upkeep.
  • Assist with intake and documentation of donations.
  • Assist with managing volunteer groups.

If you have any questions in regards to our volunteer opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact Maggie Siwinski at maggie@rmhdesmoines.org or 515-204-2005.

Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities

This post was updated February 2024.

Freestore
Every day there are families recovering from dangerous and violent situations who wake up every morning wondering “how did we get here?”  They often are so perplexed it is difficult to plan for the most basic needs that most take for granted every day such as finding a safe place to live.
As a non-profit organization, the Freestore works with domestic violence and sex trafficking agencies, as well as multiple other human services agencies in the Des Moines area.  We provide donated furniture and household goods for families starting new and productive lives in a safe and secure environment, allowing them to focus instead on rebuilding their lives.

We are asking for your assistance in accomplishing our mission.  Volunteers are needed.The Freestore is unique in that the organization is totally run by volunteers – no one at the Freestore receives a salary. With your help, many more families escaping abusive home environments will be able to move on with their lives.
There are a variety of ways for your company or organization to become involved!

  • Pick up donations or deliver furniture and other household goods to qualified families with the use of our trucks.
  • Assist in the warehouse with various tasks such as putting together modular furniture, sorting donations, organizing stock, etc.
  • Sponsor a “fill-up-the-truck” drive at your chosen location to receive gently used household goods or monetary donations for the purchase of much-needed items.

We need teams of 3-6 to assist either on an ad hoc basis (you pick the time and date that works for you) or on a regularly scheduled ongoing commitment as infrequently as once every 4-6 weeks.

Consider the positive impact the Freestore has on the environment.  Gently used furniture and household goods are going to some of the most vulnerable in our community instead of to a landfill!

Please reach out to us at Sharon.f.steffen@gmail.com or kfrank1214@gmail.com for any questions you may have or to schedule a volunteer event. We would love to have you on board!

This post was updated February 2024.

Ankeny Service Center - Elderly Assistance

The Ankeny Service is looking for volunteers to help with the needs of the elderly. Our program is focused on helping seniors who live at home do everyday tasks.  Tasks vary from taking out the garbage all the way to explaining the remote.  The requests from seniors come in all the time and having volunteers willing and ready to help is a great way for us to quickly help with needs.

Find our more info on our website.

You can turn in your application to volunteer online or in our office at:
641 S. Ankeny Blvd., Suite H
Ankeny, Iowa 50023

For more information please email us.

This post was updated August 2023.

Des Moines Public Library

The Des Moines Public Library has the Rosie Reader Outreach and Simple Steps early literacy initiative that provides early literacy activity bags for DMPS preschoolers. The downtown library is looking for students who could commit to a couple of hours each week to help prepare 1,300+ bags.

Interested students can email Ashley Molzen at the DMPL to learn more: ARMolzen@dmpl.org

This post was updated February 2024.

Foster SQUAD
Foster SQUAD is an organization that aims to support foster parents and children in our community. Every other month Foster SQUAD holds a support group for foster parents. We are looking for 2 volunteers every other month to provide child care during this support group. This volunteer opportunity would be available every other month for an hour and a half in the evening.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Foster SQUAD please email Tara at tara@fostersquad.org.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Winter Break activities will be held Thursday December 26th through Sunday December 29th 2024.

Current volunteers can sign up for shift(s) on their Vic-Net account here: https://www.volgistics.com/vicnet/141178/login

New volunteers need to fill out an application.

If wanting to volunteer for this one event use the application here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2096990006

If expecting to volunteer on an ongoing basis use the application here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1325256960

Drop-in Activity Support Assistants: This role helps guests enjoy additional activities while at the Garden and typically involve a take-home. Volunteers welcome guests, provide instructions, keep the supplies tidy and replenish them as needed. The activity is then self-led. Volunteers may take part in the activity at the end of their shift at cost (check-in with staff when you arrive if interested). One of the two volunteers should know Altru (our point-of-sale system) to be able to ring up those who wish to participate. Staff is willing to teach those unfamiliar with the system if they can stop in sometime during the week of the event. The activity this break will be assisting guests with making Mini Snow Globes (terrariums).

Shifts for this position are 10:30AM – 1PM and 1PM – 3:30PM

Winter Break Activity Tables: Multiple activities are offered in various locations in the building. They are simple and easy for any volunteer to learn. Instructions are emailed and reviewed in person with staff at the start of the shift and available at the workstation. This break topics are: Welcome to the Rain Forest, Plant Adaptations, Tropical Foods and Chocolate.

Shifts for this position are 10AM – 1:30PM and 1:30PM – 5PM.

This post was updated November 2024.

Meals from the Heartland

Meals from the Heartland’s packaged meals help feed the hungry throughout the world. Meals are delivered directly to locations in Iowa, the U.S. and around the world — wherever people are undernourished or starving. When you volunteer to fight hunger with us, not only are you feeding hungry children, but meal packaging is an enjoyable, rewarding experience.

Meal Packaging – Join us at our West Des Moines Packaging Center, 357 Lincoln Street in West Des Moines. Packaging shifts are two hours each, Tuesday through Saturday. You can talk with your friends while we play music and you will each pack over 400 meals for hungry people in Iowa, throughout the U.S. and around the world! Sign up individually or with others.
To check availability or to sign up go to Volunteer Registration.
Questions? Contact Sandy Niland, Volunteer Coordinator, sandy.niland@mealsfromtheheartland.org or 515-473-9530

 

This post was updated August 2024.

Many Hands

PERFECT SCHEDULE for Silver Cord and Student Volunteers!

Come whenever Monday – Saturday whenever the store is open 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 towards local and global missions. We are a thrift store with a purpose that provides a better way of donating and serving.

Thank you!
Learn more at MH4H.org
Contact Kari McLaren – kmclaren@mh4h.org – 515.238.3482

This post was updated February 2024.

Candeo - Serving Individuals with disabilities

Candeo is a non-profit organization with flexible options where students can choose their level of engagement with our clients. Many of our clients are looking for someone to hang out with or a mentor who will commit to seeing them. Volunteer opportunities may include playing board games, cooking, book reading or assisting with yard work around our clients home. This opportunity is in alignment with Candeo’s mission, to inspire individuals in service to achieve their personal goals. Please contact Gerald Cofie or sign up here.

This post was updated February 2024.

Individual Band Lessons

Are you an accomplished band student that would be interested in delivering remote individual lessons for your younger peers? Please contact Christian Baughman.

This post was updated February 2024.