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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: Will Dotson (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.

Southeast Fun Night - March 22nd

Fun Night at Southeast Elementary is March 22nd from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This is a big event for the PTO and we appreciate any and all help!

Southeast Elementary has planned a free family fun night for our families, and we would love to have any students seeking silver cord hours as part of our volunteer crew.

They can signup at the link below, and can have their sheets signed the day of the event. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA9AD2DA5F8C34-47499592-southeast

This post was updated February 2024.

2024 ALS Night with the Iowa Wild - March 23rd
We are so excited for our 2024 ALS Night with the Iowa Wild! We need volunteers for this year’s event and would love to have your students join us! Information about the 2024 ALS Night with the Iowa Wild and the link to sign-up as a volunteer can be found below:
2024 ALS Night with the Iowa Wild
Date – Saturday, March 23rd
Time – Shifts range from 3:30-8:00pm
Location – Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Activities/Tasks – Seat tag and Puck Sales volunteers needed!
*Please note that some volunteer positions have age restrictions and require a background check.

This post was updated February 2024.

Northwest Elementary Fun Night - March 23rd

The Northwest Elementary Candy Land Carnival is March 23rd, 2024 from 3:45pm-8:15pm.

In order to make Family Fun Night a success we need your help! Volunteers are needed to help with games, food, and etc.  Please sign up for a time slot and room of your choice.

Anyone 9th grade and up can volunteer and if you want to volunteer as a family or with a friend that is okay too! If you are the last time slot at your game, we would apprictate if you could pack up the game and drop it off by the gym.

When you arrive on Saturday please arrive a few minutes early and check in at the volunteer table (by the back entrance/gym) Tasha (PTO Presdient) will be around to assist you. We appreciate all your help!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DADA92EA5FAC61-47365845-2024

Contact Person: Tasha Zargham at 515-250-4810.

This post was updated February 2024.

Westwood Elementary Fun Night - April 12th-13th

Westwood Elementary Fun Night provides an opportunity for students to help run games, monitor inflatables and/or hand out food at our event.

Students can sign-up for 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours. The event will be held at Westwood Elementary School April 12 (set up) and April 13 (event and tear down).

Sign up Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4AADA929A0F85-47863946-westwood#/

Crocker Elementary Fun Night - April 13th

Crocker Elementary Fun Night is from 4-7pm and provides an opportunity for students to help run games in classrooms and to be token runners needed to ensure games are supplied with tokens throughout the night as well.

We are looking for hour commitments – please email Nicole Hofer at Crocker.pto@gmail.com to sign up.

Discovery Parties at Des Moines Performing Arts - April 20th and May 18th

We have just two more events coming up this spring, and we could use some more volunteers.

Would you be willing to highlight this opportunity to your students and staff?

Discovery Parties take place in the hour prior to a public performance in the Civic Center lobbies and are intended to provide young audiences and their families with interactive experiences that are culturally and/or thematically tied to the performance they will attend. Guests will be invited to explore, learn and create. Each Discovery Party is unique to the performance it precedes.

Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal “messiness” expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event.

The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.

Events remaining:

  • WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA – Saturday, Apr. 20th 9:00-11:15 AM
  • WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA – Saturday, Apr. 20th 12:00-2:15 PM (SENSORY FRIENDLY)
  • PEKING ACROBATS -Saturaday, May 18th 9:00-11:15 AM

PLEASE SIGN UP HERE: https://ihsmta.wufoo.com/forms/20232024-discovery-party-volunteer-signup/

This post was updated March 2024.

Kites on the Green - May 4th

Kites on the Green is an annual kite festival hosted by the City of Johnston 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.

Kites on the Green is on Saturday, May 4
Volunteer shifts start at 9:30am and end at 5:30pm.

Volunteer Sign-Up: https://signup.com/go/cpqmCpP

This post was updated February 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 February 2024.

Can Play Soccer Programs - April through May

Can Play is excited to be offering multiple soccer programs this April – May!

We love having our Silver Cord/Volunteer students helping out at these practices! We are looking for approximately ten volunteers for each of the eight practices in all four locations. Here is our Sign-Up link for the program: https://signup.com/go/gZMOdUL

The details for the soccer programs are as follows:

Clive Soccer

Dates: April 2 – May 21

Day: Tuesday

Time: 5:00 – 6:00, 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Linnan Park

Participants: 1st-2nd, 3rd-6th

Waukee Soccer

Dates: April 3 – May 22

Day: Wednesday

Time: 5:00-6:00, 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Ridge Pointe Park

Participants: 1st-2nd, 3rd – 5th

West Des Moines Soccer

Dates: April 6 – May 25

Day: Saturday

Time: 9:00-10:00; 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Location: Hillside Fields

Participants: K-2, 3-6

Junior High Soccer

Dates: Tuesday & Thursday in May

Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Indian Hills

Participants: 7th & 8th grade

If you could get this opportunity out to your students looking for service hours, we would greatly appreciate it. If you have any additional questions, we would love to be of assistance. We appreciate your help in helping our program exceed!

This post was updated March 2024.

Can Play Programs - Multiple Opportunities in January through May

Can Play strives to increase the positive impacts on youth through the growth and evolution of adaptive and no-cost recreation programs. Both organizations have created programs for underserved youth to give them the opportunity to play and build self-confidence.

Every child CAN PLAY. All children have the courage to play, but barriers such as limited family budgets or the need for an adaptive environment can keep them from participating. Can Play supplements the cost of recreation programs and adapts the play to the skill level for each child. Creating the opportunity to play despite the barriers.

Can Play is based out of West Des Moines and provides sports programming to children in low socioeconomic areas at no cost and adapted sports to children and adults with disabilities.

This link is ongoing and will have programs added throughout the year. Each program should have a description under it explaining what will be expected of volunteers: https://signup.com/Group/396993070775272040/

This post was updated February 2024.

Adaptive Sports / Iowa Wild - Multiple Opportunities in January through April

The Iowa Wild hockey team has invited Adaptive Sports Iowa to be the recipients of the “Split the Pot” raffle that takes place at all home games throughout the 2023/24 season. Adaptive Sports Iowa provides sports and recreation opportunities for Iowans with physical disabilities. 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 game!

Please sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084CAFA92EA5FD0-iowa10#.

For further questions, please contact us at 888-777-8881 ext. 714 or email karlie.hunter@iowasportsfoundation.org.

This post was updated February 2024.

Dance Without Limits - dates in Febuary through May

We are about to start our Spring session and would love more volunteers.

Dance Without Limits is a non-profit that provides a dance program for children with disabilities who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. We run 7-10 week sessions each fall and spring and are seeking volunteers for our spring 2024 session! Dance experience is not required.

Classes are held on Sunday afternoons at the School of Classical Ballet and Dance in West Des Moines. Each class is approximately an hour long and you can volunteer for up to three. Volunteers stay with their same class(es) throughout the session.

Dates: February 18, 25, March 3, 24, April 14, 21, 28, and recital on May 5th at Urbandale High School.

Please email volunteer@dancewithoutlimits.org to receive a link to sign up to volunteer.

To find out more about our program, visit http://www.dancewithoutlimits.org

Location: School of Classical Ballet and Dance, 1509 42nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DanceWithoutLimits

Contact: Alexandra Walker, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@dancewithoutlimits.org

This post was updated February 2024.

IAA Youth Board - dates in March through September

Are you ready to embark on an epic journey filled with creativity, impact, and a chance to make a difference? Look no further – the IAA Youth Board wants YOU!

What’s the IAA Youth Board? The IAA Youth Board is not just a board – it’s a powerhouse of young minds shaping the future! We’re on a mission to bring fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to the Iowa Afterschool Alliance. If you’re between 14 and 20, this is your golden ticket to make a real difference! The Youth Board will be led entirely by youth.

From March to September 2024, members will convene monthly to develop a Day of Service project for September 11th. These meetings will be conducted virtually via zoom.

Why Join?

Make a Difference: Plan, develop, and lead a statewide Day of Service.

Connect: Forge friendships with like-minded youth statewide.
Level Up: Develop leadership skills and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Receive 10hrs of Silver Cord hours and Letter of Recommendation.
$250 Scholarship opportunity.

Apply here: Youth Service Board Application (google.com)

Contact: Kamryn Ryan, AmeriCorps Seniors & Capacity Building Officer – Volunteer Iowa at kamryn.ryan@volunteeriowa.org for additional information.

www.volunteeriowa.org

This post was updated February 2024.

Ankeny First United Methodist Church Kids Soccer League - June 2nd - 25th

Ankeny First United Methodist Church offers a Kids Soccer League each summer.

This league is open to kids ages 4 through 5th grade & gives them the opportunity to play soccer & be part of a team in a non-competitive, Christ-centered environment.

We are looking for people to help coach, serve concessions, paint lines on fields, set up & tear down goals and with our kick off day.

No soccer experience is needed to volunteer in this league.

Games are held Monday & Tuesday nights, June 3-25 with a Season Kick Off being held on Sunday, June 2.

Location is Ankeny First United Methodist Church-710 NE 36th St.

Register at https://ankenyfirst.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2169631

Contact Marcie Mulford at marcie.mulford@ankenyfirst.org or 515-289-9153 with questions.

This post was updated February 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.

Living History Farm - Summer Opportunities

We are looking for Day Camp Junior Counselors to help with our Summer Day Camps. Eligible students must be entering 9th through 12th grades in the fall (or graduating from high school in spring).

More information and applications can be found here – https://www.lhf.org/junior-counselors/

Contact:  Stacie Hooker, Director of Community Engagement, with questions at (515)278-5286 x 158 or shooker@lhf.org.

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.

One final thought – with Earth Day just around the corner, 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!  The Earth Day theme this year is “Invest in our Planet”.  Why not consider investing in the Freestore as an Earth Day initiative?

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.

We are located at https://www.ankenyservicecenter.org/volunteer.

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 contact us at ankenyservicecenter@gmail.com

This post was updated August 2023.

Johnston Public Library

Volunteers Needed for Tech Help with Teens:

Johnston Public Library is seeking volunteers to participate in our new Tech Help with Teens program. Volunteers should be in Grades 10 -12, available at least one Saturday afternoon every other month, and have significant experience with computers and related technology. Tech Help with Teens is scheduled to begin in December 2022 with a training session in November.

Types of Help Include:

Working with

  • Apple products – iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple iOS
  • Microsoft products – Windows, Android iOS
  • Kindle, Nook, eReaders, and other tablets
  • Browsing, searching, and downloading content on the internet
  • Setting up and using Email including Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook
  • Password Management / Google Chrome Password Manager
  • Cloud Storage / How to Save to Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc.
  • Microsoft Office Products / Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • First time laptop setup
  • Customer Service / Working with a diverse group of people / Clearly communicating with patrons / Must show a clean and respectable appearance

Training will be provided for all volunteers before the start of the Tech Help with Teens program. In addition to training on the above technology basics, training will include:

  • How to understand Patron needs
  • How to find the answer
  • How to teach the Patron to find resources for future use
  • Privacy and Confidentiality in the Library

Tech Help with Teens will NOT provide the following assistance:

  • Troubleshooting Hardware/Software Issues
  • Physical Repairs
  • Consumer Product Advice/Internet Shopping Product Suggestions
  • Malware/Virus Detection and Repair

If interested in volunteering for Tech Help with Teens, please fill out the application which can be found at www.johnstonlibrary.com/techhelpteens/
Any questions regarding the program and/or volunteering can be sent to Stephanie, Public Services Librarian, at info@johnstonlibrary.org.

This post was updated February 2024.

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.

Broadlawns Medical Center Gift Shop

We are currently looking for volunteers to fill open shifts for our Gift Shop.   It would be most helpful for those volunteers to have some cashier experience, but not necessary.  It is primarily for comfort level with the process.  Most of our customers to our gift shop at this point are employees so far, so they scan their badges for transactions.  Our gift shop will only be a year old this November.

The shifts are either 8:30-12:30pm or 12-4pm.  Here is a description for the opportunity within this link alongside the application towards the bottom of the page.

https://www.broadlawns.org/patients-and-visitors/gift-shop

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.
Des Moines Botanical Gardens - Summer Camp Assistants and Ongoing Opportunities

Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens is looking for volunteers to be Assistants for our Summer Camp Programs. A commitment for a week is required. Camps are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 till 4:30. A background check must be completed for these positions. Anyone interested needs to fill out the application at this link: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1387062555. Emails will be sent to applicants the second week of March.

Join a dynamic team that is helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa! Volunteers are essential to our success and help carry out our mission by giving over 14,000 hours of service annually. Volunteers are involved in every area within the organization–share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating or supporting events and activities.

Visit the Volunteer Opportunities page. 

This post was updated February 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. We welcome individuals and teams from businesses, schools, churches, community organizations, clubs and more.

Sign up individually or with your business, church or civic group. Volunteer registration is available here.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Niland with questions – sandy.niland@mealsfromtheheartland.org

This post was updated February 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..

Contact Us

William Dotson Profile
Student and Building Support Specialist