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Volunteering in Des Moines

9 communities

Browse 9 Volunteering communities in Des Moines and find a group to join.

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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.

Volunteering Venues 2

Bidwell Pantry

Cultural center

A high-volume food pantry serving up to 6,200 individuals monthly, where volunteers help stock shelves, organize donations, and assist guests. Groups of four or more can schedule evening and weekend shifts.

1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50315

New Directions Shelter

Cultural center

An emergency family shelter hosting children's activities; volunteers plan and lead events like board games, crafts, and cookie decorating for 10-25 children, with up to 10 volunteers per session.

3001 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312

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