Communities in Des Moines

Chancel Chorale

The Chancel Chorale is a chamber choir based at Plymouth Church in Des Moines, offering smaller ensemble opportunities for choral activity.

Drake University Community Chorus

A non-select ensemble open to students, faculty, staff, and community members that performs twice a year. Rehearses weekly on Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm. No audition or membership fee required, though singers purchase their own music. Conducted by Josh Boggs.

Heartland Youth Choir

Master Works Choir

The Masterworks Choir welcomes choristers from the Des Moines area to rehearse and prepare choral-orchestral masterworks for concert performances one to two times per year.

Plymouth Bells

Plymouth Bells provides opportunities for intermediate- and advanced-level ringers to rehearse each week and provide worship music at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services about once a month.

Plymouth Instrumental Ensemble

An ensemble for people who used to play an instrument but have put it away, offering a chance to pull it out and fall in love with making music again.

Plymouth's Chancel Choir

Plymouth's Chancel Choir is the principal choir for Plymouth Church in Des Moines, presenting anthems and leading service music throughout the year with a focus on worship music and concerts.

SA/Treble Ensemble

An open group of treble clef voices in Des Moines who rehearse and sing together throughout the year, exploring a variety of choral literature.

Summer Choir

A relaxed summer choir in Des Moines offering a unique opportunity to sing with the choir during June and August with reduced rehearsal commitment.

TB/Bass Ensemble

An open group of bass clef voices in Des Moines who rehearse and sing together throughout the year, exploring gospel hymns and barbershop flavored repertoire.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

One‑to‑one youth mentoring program matching adult volunteers (Bigs) with children (Littles) for 30‑60 minute weekly visits at school throughout the school year, supporting academic growth and confidence.

Central Iowa Shelter & Services – Summer Meal Meet‑Ups

Volunteers aged 16+ help pass out free lunches, count meals, and engage children at various summer meal sites across the Des Moines metro from June through August.

Des Moines Area Religious Council

The Des Moines Area Religious Council coordinates volunteer work like food pantry service, donation coordination, and committee participation to help unhoused individuals and combat poverty in the Des Moines metro area.

DMARC

Volunteer opportunities include the Red Barrel flyer distribution, office reception duties, and hands‑on work at the mobile and food pantries serving Des Moines residents.

Families Forward – Bidwell Pantry

Volunteers help pantry guests get groceries, stock shelves, and organize clothing and household donations at the Bidwell Pantry in Des Moines. Shifts run Monday‑Friday and the third Saturday of each month, with additional evening and weekend times for groups of four or more.

Families Forward – New Directions Shelter Children’s Activities

Volunteers host children’s activities at the New Directions emergency shelter in Des Moines, planning games, crafts, or reading sessions for 10‑25 kids. Shifts are available weeknights, Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings, and on no‑school days.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Drake Neighborhood Food Pantry

Volunteers assist with stocking, counting, and organizing food items, as well as helping pantry visitors bag and transport their groceries at the Drake Neighborhood pantry in Des Moines.

United Way of Iowa – Build Kits

United Way of Iowa encourages volunteers in Des Moines to build kits—including literacy kits, care baskets, and reading carpets—as a DIY way to support various nonprofit programs.

WesleyLife Volunteer Opportunities

WesleyLife offers volunteer opportunities in Des Moines such as delivering Meals on Wheels, working with residents in their communities, and supporting hospice care, focusing on transforming aging into a positive life stage.

School of Classical Ballet and Dance

School of Classical Ballet and Dance offers ballet classes for families and adults, preparing for performances such as the Nutcracker.

Seniors on the Move